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The Pioneer Press reports on the latest spin coming from Mayor Kelly's office regarding his Twins Stadium Proposal. The mayor is claiming he supported putting the matter before the voters of St. Paul all along. Not content with trying to undermine the will of the citizens of St. Paul, Mayor Kelly takes it to another level by trying to insult our intelligence.
Councilmember Thune puts the Mayor on notice that the 3% tax on bars and restaurants won't fly, but then strikes out by proposing a progressive downtown payroll tax as an alternative source of cash to fund the stadium.
I've got a suggestion for an alternative source of cash for a stadium, but first let's take a look at the latest news from Major League Baseball:
Alex Rodriguez traded to the NY Yankees. Yankees will pay 112 million toward the the final 7 years of Rodriguez's $252 million dollar 10 year contract. Total payroll cost for the 2004, 25 player roster of the Yankees: $184 million.
Total Payroll for Boston Red Sox for 2004: $125 million, 2nd highest in MLB.
Milwaukee Brewers up for sale after Baseball Commissioner and Brewer owner Bud Selig gets new stadium built by taxpayers.
St. Louis Cardinals reach contract agreement with Albert Pujols, $100 million over 7 years.
Greg Maddux, 37 year old pitcher, signs for $24 million for 3 years with Chicago Cubs.
Former Twins catcher A.J. Pierzynski wins arbitration ruling that will require the S.F. Giants to pay him $3.5 million for 2004.
Twins 1st baseman Doug Mientkiewicz signs 2 year contract that will pay him $7 million.
L.A. Dodger relief pitcher Eric Eric Gagne rejects $5 million offer for 2004 and seeks $7 milliion in arbitration.
Net worth of 87 year old Twins owner Carl Pohlad as of 2003: $2 billion - Forbes Magazine
I would suggest elected officials begin deliberations to craft a stadium financing package that relies primarily on private financing. Look to Major League Baseball, team owners, players, and baseball fans to provide the alternative sourwho work ce for cash. Let the hard working men and women in downtown St.Paul use the money they earn to support their families.
And a final note to Mayor Kelly, stop allowing St. Paul to be used as a pawn by Carl Pohlad and MLB to leverage a sweetheart deal from Minneapolis to build them a stadium.
Dennis Hill West 7th Street Ward 2
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