Star Tribune
I think building any kind of a stadium in Minnesota at tax payers expense would be criminal, especially in a state with a projected $750 million defecit, increases propery taxes, less and less money for transportation, education and health care, not to mention that already proposed gigantic bonding bill to help pay for transportation. It would be totally irresponsible in a state that in essence allowed 300 people to die last year because the state didn't want to help those who couldn't help themselves stave off disease and return to the workforce. (Heard that on 950 AirAmerica this morning - something about a cap of MinnCare at $5,000 annually)
Stadiums are virtually useless economically - take Detroit for example. They built this new stadium, they're getting the SuperBowl or some other big event and the city still sucks. I'll tell you why (I read a study on this topic) - cities that see the most return on investment when trying to boost local economies are the ones that do the most to attract the Creative Class. Cities can do that by adding bike trails, parks, promoting small businesses and neighborhoods, and encouraging diversity (specifically gays - we gots money and style). Its been a while since I read that study, title something like "Gays and Rock'n Roll", but I beleive it sited Philadelphia as a city that took such steps and has seen a surge in its good times. This of Houston, TX for example, city with the highest percentage of obese people. Who the hell wants to live in Houston, let alone move there?! Hmm!?
Revenue garnered from stadiums goes to so few people, namely the owners and players, and I think most of us can agree they need it the least.
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