Point Counter-Point: Twins Stadium
- wadE
Point:
The Hennepin County deal for a new Twins stadium is bad for taxpayers
Counter-Point:
Phil and Marty, you ignorant sluts... wake up to reality!
While I would love to see a new stadium in Minnesota, this isn't a great deal. It's the best
deal the people of Minnesota have seen, and we may not ever see a better deal. The counter-point
points out some important things. Areas like San Francisco are the exception, not the rule.
It's unlikely the economics here in MN would support a privately funded stadium. We just don't
have enough people with so much money they don't know how to spend it all. Although if you are
trying to make an argument, you're better off not belittling those that disagree with you. I
seriously doubt that Phil and Marty are hoping to keep the Twins at a competitive disadvantage.
I agree that if the taxpayers are footing the majority of the bill, they should see some of the
results; although they don't need to be treated exactly like any other private investor. I truly
believe the Twins are an asset to this community, and the community should provide support.
Carl Pohlad didn't build the Metrodome. He inherited a buliding that was outdated even before it
opened. It was a mistake that the Twins (and Vikings, and Gophers) have been suffering under for
more than 20 years.
Yes, the Twins aren't going anywhere fast. They'll be here in 2010 with or without a new
stadium, but now that we know that, is it fair for the public to hold the team hostage?
Yes, payback is a bitch...but maybe we should join Denny Green, and take the high road on this.
Let's work to find a solution.
With all that said, I won't be disappointed if this latest deal does not get approved. I think
Pohlad should open up his wallet and put the retractable roof on himself. This morning alone it's
been alternating between sunshine and downpours, at least 3 periods of each. Three years ago it
rained every day in June but 3. We can get snow in April, and in October. If a new stadium is
supposed to bring more revenue through tickets and concessions, wouldn't it be nice to make it
a great place to be for every game, not just for half the season when the weather cooperates?
But I digress, if this deal does get approved, I'll be fine with that too, and will definitely
enjoy sunny evenings in the summer watching baseball the way it was meant to be. I'll just try
to remember to bring my umbrella.
What do you think? Drop us a line at webmaster@simpleprop.com and give us some
feedback. Maybe we'll even run your letters in future Gambits. 'The Daily Gambit' is updated every weekday.
