<<
In a message dated 7/20/02 1:52:35 PM Central Daylight Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: NOW, With counterpoint added by Keith Reitman:
<<
The name on the jerseys says "MINNESOTA TWINS". It
does not say "Minneapolis Twins" or "St Paul Twins" or
"Bloomington Triplets".
Counter.-- So anything says Minnesota on it you throw public money at it?
The cost of supporting the construction of a stadium
ought to be spread as widely as possible. That means
throughout the state.
Counter.-- Or it means individuals purchasing an interest in the Team and
its' Casa.
Many proud minnesotans would by Twins stock. Or Purple Pride
stock.
Or not.
I do not know the exact math but a small percentage
increase in sales tax statewide, WITH A SUNSET CLAUSE,
could pay for new stadiums for both the Twins and the
Vikings/Gophers.
Counter.-- Sales taxes are a most regressive and punishing tax on lower
income folks.
How about Lottery money to the stadium; the suckers (us)
still pay; but willingly.
These are infrastructure just as roads and LRT and
parks, etc.
Counter.-- Does this statement need a print rebuttal?
There is a tendency on the part of the public to say
"I don't go to baseball games so why should I pay?"-----snip-------
Counter.-- That tendency is common sense.
Converse: If I go to a baseball game, why should I pay for a
ticket?
If we were to follow that logic nothing would get done
or be built which is about where we are right now in
this state.
Counter.-- I am with you but Be MPLS. Specific.
We have a billion $$$ municipal debt. What got done for that
money?
There is also the tendency to think only in terms of
short term costs as opposed to long term benefits.
Factor out the cost over the life of the stadium and
don't use the Metrodome as an example. Think in terms
of Fenway Park or Wrigley Field.
Counter.-- I see more long term costs verses short term benefits, if any.
Yes, do not look at the 100,000 ton gorilla (the Hump).
Do not look at the collateral either; which in this case is
the future viability of
Professional Sports as we know them today.
Or think about this. We are still gnashing teeth and
wringing hands 50 years after the demise of light rail
transit in our cities. Can you imagine the children of
today wondering what their parents were thinking when
they so short-sightedly sacrificed baseball out of
pique at "billionaire baseball owners".
Counter.-- I think they will be blaming us for the billion $$$ debt conveyed
to them.
And, blaming us (?) as you mention hearing, "...the present
Mayor (say) on the
campaign trail he wanted to provide funds for public
recreation rather than a private
baseball stadium." I support public recreation.
You may not like Carl Pohlad but keep in mind that he
did not make his billion in baseball. He bought a
struggling under capitalized baseball franchise, gave
it new life and financing and kept baseball alive in
these here parts.
Counter.-- OK
Twelve games ahead of Chicago, fourth best record in
A.L., a solid starting pitching rotation, good set-up
men, a great closer, an all-around gutsy team of young
players and a manager one could only dream of...
Counter.--Winston tastes good like a cancer stick should. Who cares, I do
not smoke.
I live downtown. I could walk easily to the park but
as long as they play inside that white elephant I'll
listen on the radio.
Counter.-- Well yes I will pawn our city's assets, our property to a
bondsman, to build a gift to
professional sports if Tim will get off his "double
sawbuck" and walk to a game.
And Tim, our kids say thanks.
Tim Connolly
Downtown West
>>
Keith Reitman Counterpoint--Goooood-day NearNorth >>
--- Begin Message ---
In a message dated 7/20/02 1:52:35 PM Central Daylight Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: NOW, With counterpoint added by Keith Reitman:
<<
The name on the jerseys says "MINNESOTA TWINS". It
does not say "Minneapolis Twins" or "St Paul Twins" or
"Bloomington Triplets".
Counter.-- So anything says Minnesota on it you throw public money at it?
The cost of supporting the construction of a stadium
ought to be spread as widely as possible. That means
throughout the state.
Counter.-- Or it means individuals purchasing an interest in the Team and
its' Casa.
Many proud minnesotans would by Twins stock. Or Purple Pride
stock.
Or not.
I do not know the exact math but a small percentage
increase in sales tax statewide, WITH A SUNSET CLAUSE,
could pay for new stadiums for both the Twins and the
Vikings/Gophers.
Counter.-- Sales taxes are a most regressive and punishing tax on lower
income folks.
How about Lottery money to the stadium; the suckers (us) still
pay; but willingly.
These are infrastructure just as roads and LRT and
parks, etc.
Counter.-- Does this statement need a print rebuttal?
There is a tendency on the part of the public to say
"I don't go to baseball games so why should I pay?"-----snip-------
Counter.-- That tendency is common sense.
Converse: If I go to a baseball game, why should I pay for a
ticket?
If we were to follow that logic nothing would get done
or be built which is about where we are right now in
this state.
Counter.-- I am with you but Be MPLS. Specific.
We have a billion $$$ municipal debt. What got done for that
money?
There is also the tendency to think only in terms of
short term costs as opposed to long term benefits.
Factor out the cost over the life of the stadium and
don't use the Metrodome as an example. Think in terms
of Fenway Park or Wrigley Field.
Counter.-- I see more long term costs verses short term benefits, if any.
Yes, do not look at the 100,000 ton gorilla (the Hump).
Do not look at the collateral either; which in this case is the
future viability of
Professional Sports as we know them today.
Or think about this. We are still gnashing teeth and
wringing hands 50 years after the demise of light rail
transit in our cities. Can you imagine the children of
today wondering what their parents were thinking when
they so short-sightedly sacrificed baseball out of
pique at "billionaire baseball owners".
Counter.-- I think they will be blaming us for the billion $$$ debt conveyed
to them.
And, blaming us (?) as you mention hearing, "...the present
Mayor (say) on the
campaign trail he wanted to provide funds for public
recreation rather than a private
baseball stadium." I support public recreation.
You may not like Carl Pohlad but keep in mind that he
did not make his billion in baseball. He bought a
struggling under capitalized baseball franchise, gave
it new life and financing and kept baseball alive in
these here parts.
Counter.-- OK
Twelve games ahead of Chicago, fourth best record in
A.L., a solid starting pitching rotation, good set-up
men, a great closer, an all-around gutsy team of young
players and a manager one could only dream of...
Counter.--Winston tastes good like a cancer stick should. Who cares, I do not
smoke.
I live downtown. I could walk easily to the park but
as long as they play inside that white elephant I'll
listen on the radio.
Counter.-- Well yes I will pawn our city's assets, our property to a
bondsman, to build a gift to
professional sports if Tim will get off his "double sawbuck"
and walk to a game.
And Tim, our kids say thanks.
Tim Connolly
Downtown West
>>
Keith Reitman Counterpoint--Goooood-day NearNorth
--- End Message ---
