Category "Stadiums"
August 29, 2006
Hold the phone!
Wait a minute here ... I can't believe I missed this before, but I was reading this article about Hennepin County voting to approve funding for a new Twins stadium when I chanced upon these snippets. I am really quite stunned:
"The county levy will go up by 0.15 percent, which works out to an additional 3 cents on a $20 purchase.Though Tuesday's outcome was expected, several protesters were on hand to vent their anger that it was done without a referendum."
What? Did I just read that correctly? There won't be a referendum? And the county is going to tax me 3 cents on every $20 purchase? This is an outrage! How could I have missed this important information for so long? This is taxation without representation! But it gets worse! Check this out:
"In May, the Legislature approved a financing plan for the $522 million stadium project. The sales tax increase will finance three-quarters of the stadium's cost. The Twins will pay $130 million and get all game-day revenue and in-stadium advertising proceeds. The team's annual revenue is estimated to grow by at least $40 million."
The Twins are only paying $130 million of the $522 million cost? Why wasn't I told any of this? Next thing you'll tell me is they're going to build this monstrosity next to a garbage burner!
That's it! I am now officially anti-stadium! If I had known any of this was going to happen I would have fought this long ago. Please write your representatives! And write your senators! We can't let this go forward!
In addition, I just found this great web site, CCARL.com, which is trying to fight against this tyranny! I encourage you to visit this site and sign their petition! Although only a little over 200 people have signed it I think we could make our voices heard here and make a difference!
Who is with me? Is it too late?
Posted by snackeru at 10:32 PM | Comments (13) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
March 21, 2006
Pogemiller and the Senate Taxes Committee
First I must ask you all to forgive me for freaking out concerning the Gophers stadium bill and what I wrote about it last week. While I still think the legislature needs a good tongue lashing, I feel I may have come across as someone who is losing hope. Let me assure you that my hope is already painfully low to begin with. There really isn't much hope to lose. I just wanted to clear that up.
Anyway, this post is about Phil Krinkie's DFL twin, Larry Pogemiller and his Senate Taxes Committee. If you'll recall, Pogemiller threw a wrench in the U's plan to fund a new stadium with student fees and naming rights for TCF Bank. There are a few rumors as to why he would do this:
- The CEO of TCF Bank is Bill Cooper, who is also one of the state's leading conservatives and is also the former chair of the state Republican party. If there is one thing Pogemiller likes to do it is stick it to Republicans.
- There is also a rumor that a lot of legislators are concerned that the $7 million the bill requires from the state is only that high so the Gophers can make $3 million more per year than they do in the Metrodome. The Gophers only average 50,000 fans to begin with (which is the seating capacity of the new stadium) so it is thought that they are trying to make extra money out of general fund dollars. This I don't agree with at all.
- Shooter also reported that:
A notion floating around the state Legislature is that owners Zygi Wilf of the Vikings and Carl Pohlad of the Twins might be inclined to assist funding for a Gophers football stadium if their respective stadium proposals could get approval.
This is an interesting notion. Could Pogemiller be trying to get more money out of Zygi and Pohlad by forcing them to pay for a Gopher's stadium if they want legislative support? That is interesting. It probably wouldn't work, but it is interesting.
- Finally, there is a rumor that Pogemiller just feels that more public money, and less private, should be used to fund a Gopher's stadium given the Gophers are a state entity. I can't say I agree, but it is a rumor.
So, having said all of this, Pogemiller's recent stance on the Gopher's stadium got me to thinking: just where does he stand on a Twins stadium? Unfortunately, Pogemiller hasn't said much about my favorite topic. He did vote in favor of the 2002 Twins stadium bill, and he has gone on record as saying he would like more private funding of the stadium (wouldn't we all), but I am just getting the feeling that he will not vote for the Hennepin County plan. And unfortunately I think this time his reasoning will be politically motivated. Essentially, in an election year I think Larry will do anything to make T-Paw look bad.
What about the rest of the Senate Taxes committee? Well, after a little research this is what I can come up with:
Pogemiller - No
Tomassoni - Yes
Belanger - Yes
Bakk - Yes
Betzold - Yes
Johnson - No
Limmer - No
Marty - No (duh)
McGinn - ?
Moua - Yes (actually she is a pretty strong supporter)
Ortman - Yes (this is an educated guess)
Skoe - Yes
So, on the Senate side, the Taxes committee looks to be 7 - 4 in favor with 1 unknown. This is good news if you are a stadium supporter, but certainly disappointing if you are against mom, baseball, and apple pie. That's all I got for now. Catch ya later!
Posted by snackeru at 8:05 AM | Comments (7) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
March 10, 2006
Confirmation: Greg Davids is a Yes
Thanks to an anonymous reader, we have this tidbit from the Fillmore County Journal in Preston, MN:
You might want to refine your stadium scorecard for Davids(31B)
Journal: There is a lot of talk about stadiums - are any of them viable? All of them [U of M, Twins, Vikings]?Davids: Two of the three are viable. I think the Gopher stadium could go ahead because they have done so much private fundraising. I think the Gopher stadium gets done this year, and I will support that.
If the Twins proposal is as it was in '05, where Pohlad puts in $125 million and then there's a designated sales tax increase in Hennepin County only, I would support that.
On the Twins or the Vikings, I will not use general fund money, because then we are taking money out of education, nursing homes and health care.
The Vikings have a ways to go. They have another proposal out there, it is hard to keep up with the different proposals they come forward with.
My prediction is, one for sure (Gophers); two pretty good chance (Twins); three (Vikings) is not going to happen.
This means that the House Taxes Committee now sits at 13 no, and 16 yes for the Hennepin County Twins stadium bill. This is very, very good news (for some of us). Thanks for sending and keep those updates coming!
And as an aside, for the life I me I don't understand why the Vikings aren't getting more support for their initiative in Anoka County. Check this out from the PiPress from a couple of weeks ago:
Trying to pull even in the stadium race, Vikings lead owner Zygi Wilf says he might back off his request for a politically sensitive state subsidy if lawmakers grant his wish for an Anoka County sales tax.
...If they get permission to impose the tax, Wilf said, they might withdraw the state subsidy request, which would take the form of an unprecedented $115 million tax-increment financing district.
"If a TIF district is not possible, we have to find another way to fund it,'' he said, adding that he already has had meetings with financial consultants on the matter.
Did you catch that? Not only would Zygi sink $1 billion dollars of private investment in the deal, but he would also pay for some of the infrastructure (which is what the bulk of the state contribution would have covered). Aside from Zygi paying for the stadium himself, I don't know how this deal can get any better.
Could someone explain to me why legislators are so reluctant to embrace it? In many ways it is superior to the Twins plan, yet most legislators say they won't go near it. I know they want to handle the Gophers and Twins first. Maybe it is just an issue of priorities and lack of time.
Posted by snackeru at 3:29 PM | Comments (10) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
March 9, 2006
The usual stuff
• Hello all. While it has been difficult around here with the passing of Kirby, life goes on and the battle for justice and the American way continues at the Greet Machine.
• While I would love it if Kirby's final gift to Twins fans in the upper Midwest was renewed focus from our legislature to finally solve this stadium mess, I would still be surprised if that is how it shakes out. Some of our legislative leaders' hearts may have softened a bit but give it a couple of weeks and we'll be back to the status quo of cold, hard rocks intent on only one thing: getting reelected. Sorry to be so pessimistic, but I'm not Norwegian-Lutheran for nothing. If I'm wrong please convince me otherwise.
As always, I believe the votes are there if a stadium bill ever got to the floor of the House. Getting to the floor though ... that is another story. The Taxes Committee and the Ways and Means Committee are too close to really call right now. The trouble with these committees is that Ron Abrams is on both of them! Curse our luck...
Before I leave this train of thought, Jeff A from the beautiful state of South Dakota has this to say:
I'm obviously not very close to the situation, but I wonder whether the death of Kirby Puckett, sad as it is, will result in people remembering why and how much they love the Twins and result in a new ballpark being built. I don't know how likely that is, but it seems like it might be possible.Kirby has already been credited with saving the franchise once. Wouldn't it be something if, with his death, he wound up saving it again?
Yes, Jeff, that would be wonderful. Is Kirby saying "Jump on my back" one more time? Time will tell.
• Speaking of Ron Abrams, he was recently quoted in the Minnetonka Sun Sailor where he had a few things to say about my favorite topic. When asked about the chances for a stadium bill passing the legislature this session Abrams replied:
It is difficult to predict the outcome of any stadium initiative. The Twins are insisting that any stadium bill not include a referendum requirement. If the Legislature complies, it will call into question a number of other provisions in Minnesota law calling for voter approval. Additionally, some drafts of the Twins proposal call for the bonds issued by Hennepin County be general obligation bonds, meaning that if revenues from a sales tax fall short, Hennepin County property tax owners will be required to pay higer taxes to make up the shortfall.
While his first two points are valid, the last point about general obligation bonds is flat out false. The only option for these bonds are revenue bonds funded by the sales tax. The sales tax alone will be more than enough and will probably retire the debt early as it did in Denver for Coors Field. While this will be a small consolation for people opposed to any tax whatsoever, it does mean that the Hennepin County plan won't touch property taxes at all. I shouldn't be surprised with this piece of disinformation from Abrams given his anti-stadium stance, but I am. Again, though, it probably doesn't really matter to those people who are against apple pie anyway.
That's all I got for now.
Posted by snackeru at 8:30 AM | Comments (5) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
March 2, 2006
Interesting Comment
I just received a rather hateful comment from a person that seems to be kind of upset with my entry from almost 2 years ago called Restaurants to Avoid. The post lists out restaurants that voted "no" on a survey concerning whether or not they would be in favor of a 3% tax in St. Paul to build a new Twins stadium. Here is the text of the comment:
Typical old school liberal Minnesotan… always trying to spend my money.If you want the Twins to stay so bad why don't you and your friend’s volunteer a 3% increase in your own income taxes for the next thirty years and while you're at it, leave your entire estate to billionaire Carl Pollad. Excuse me I meant the Twins organization.
Next time you want to put someone on your McCarthy style list why don't you think first? The St. Paul restaurant list-to-avoid you posted sometime ago has several ma & pa restaurants on it that do many great things, but you don't care about that because your form of baseball communism runs over everything just like Mao did.
I won't isolate any one of them on the list. Just know this, many of these restaurants support fire fighters, police and the disadvantaged. To make a claim to boycott them because of one issue is ignorant and says volumes about you.
My question for all of you is did I really overstep my bounds here? What if the reasons for the list were different ... What if I had eaten at all of these restaurants and I found the food to be really bad, or the service to be poor? Is it OK then to list them out as "restaurants to avoid"? Or should I always keep a negative opinion to myself, regardless of the reason? I mean, even if I didn't like the food at the restaurants on this list there would still be "several ma & pa restaurants on it that do many great things."
For me, my reasons for listing them out were the same as if the food was poor. I am essentially giving them a negative review because they are doing something I don't care for (they are against a Twins stadium being built in St. Paul). Is that so bad? Don't restaurants get negative (and positive) reviews all the time? In fact, I've received many comments from people that tell me they are going to support these restaurants because of their stance. I think this is great! Why not? That is what makes democracy and freedom of speech work: having the freedom to make your own decisions for your own reasons.
These restaurants took a stand on an issue they felt strongly about. Good for them. Can I not take a stand myself? I'm really wondering ... please let me know.
Until then, let's just review what this commenter compares me to: A "typical liberal Minnesotan," McCarthy, a communist, Chairman Mao, and seemingly just a flat out ignorant person. Cool! (Not that I think I am like any of this, I am just impressed with the amount of vitriol this person could pack into one comment. Well done sir!)
Ain't freedom of speech wonderful?
Posted by snackeru at 4:11 PM | Comments (16) | Stadiums
Category "Life"
Category "Stadiums"
My thoughts on various topics
• Let's start with the most obvious. I have been doing a lot of updating to the Voter's Guide, the votes in the House Taxes Committee, and the votes in the House Ways and Means Committee. Right now I am pretty confident that I have them correct, and right now they all show that a Twins stadium bill will pass (sometimes barely). I had to switch a bunch of people back to no since I seem to have misunderstood some of the information I have been receiving. If anyone has any insight to these predictions, please drop me a line at snackeru@umn.edu (if you'd like to remain anonymous) or leave a comment below. Things are looking good!
• Speaking of which, thanks to a late night phone call from Cheesehead Craig last night I was able to catch the last half of TPT Almanac on channel 2 (PBS). They were interviewing both Dean Johnson and Steve Sviggum and asking them about various issues that might come up in this legislative session. A lot of time was spent on an amendment to the Minnesota constitution to ban gay marriage (which I find to be a ridiculous waste of time), and then they got into stadiums. Both Sviggum and Johnson said they want to vote on both a Gophers and Twins stadium, and both said they think the Hennepin County plan is a pretty good one. Sviggum said he didn't think they could get to a Vikings stadium this session, but Johnson actually said he hoped they would take care of that one too.
This isn't exactly earth shattering news, but it still puts a little bounce in my step today. Of course, nothing will happen until T-Paw and/or "legislative leadership" asks Hennepin County to begin negotiating with the Twins again, but I will let you know if that is happening as soon as I hear something.
• Last week I also heard that Tony Cornish could be switching his vote from a No for a Twins stadium to a Yes. This was shocking news to me since last year in the Local Government committee Cornish made it quite clear that he would only vote for a Twins stadium if the Twins put up half. So, I wrote him an email asking him if he was now in favor of the Twins stadium, and if he was also in favor of the Vikings stadium in Anoka County since Zygi Wilf is putting up at least half. Here is the response I got:
You were given bad information. I plan to vote no on Twins Stadium.
Well, at least he isn't wishy washy about it. He also avoided my question on the Vikings stadium which I take to mean he would also vote no on that. Bummer.
Why am I telling you all of this? Please, I am begging you ... write your legislators and let me know what they say. They will write you back (most of the time) and sometimes their responses are very insightful. Plus, by writing your legislators we can put extra pressure on them to finally get this job done.
• Finally, as most of you know I recently purchased an iPod Video as a gift to myself for everything I do for me. I know, how thoughtful of myself. Anyway, for the past three nights I have been pulling my hair out trying to figure out how to get a full length DVD onto it. Specifically, I've been trying to put The Matrix onto it. Well, don't you worry your pretty little head about it. Behold, my triumph:
Yes, I finally got it to work. My main problems were 1) I was using free software and sometimes that can be unreliable and 2) I couldn't get the audio and video to sync up. After trying a whole bunch of different settings on the software it finally went through. If you are interested in my process and/or settings, please let me know.
So, do you understand what this means? It means that I can now watch The Matrix on the 2.5 inch screen of my iPod! Aren't you jealous? I mean, you still have to watch The Matrix on your big screen TV with your surround sound system! I'm sorry, but that is truly pathetic! Get with the times, man.
Posted by snackeru at 8:24 AM | Comments (7) | Life | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
February 28, 2006
The first hurdle has been passed
Hennepin County is ready to play ball with the Twins. The vote went down 5-2 with Steele and Koblick voting against the measure. While Dorfman voted in favor, she is probably only voting in favor of the process, not the resulting plan. At least she isn't wasting everyone's time like some other commissioners. The text:
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Legislature convenes on March 1, 2006 for the second year of the biennium and will conduct its business in a short session with compressed deadlines for committee action; andWHEREAS, Governor Tim Pawlenty has convened several meetings with Minnesota Twins officials, Hennepin County Commissioners, state legislative leaders from both political parties in the House of Representatives and Senate to consider a new initiative to build a ballpark in Hennepin County; and
WHEREAS, the adopted 2006 Hennepin County Board calendar has no scheduled meetings of the County Board in the month of March; and
WHEREAS, Governor Tim Pawlenty or legislative leadership may request that Hennepin County and Minnesota Twins officials renew negotiations on a new ballpark agreement in the near term and may request that a revised agreement be presented to the Governor’s office and the Minnesota Legislature
during the 2006 session;THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that in the event Governor Pawlenty or legislative leadership request that Hennepin County and the Minnesota Twins conduct negotiations on a new ballpark agreement to be considered during the 2006 session, that County Administrator Vargas and County staff are authorized to work with the Board Chair and staff to comply with this request; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in the event a revised ballpark agreement is acceptable to both County negotiators and the Minnesota Twins officials, that the Chair shall schedule a special meeting of the Board to consider the proposal for Board approval as soon as practical.
What I find interesting about this text is that the onus is clearly on T-Paw, or the legislative leadership, to get the ball rolling. It will be by their request that the Twins and Hennepin County start negotiating again. This looks like a shrewd move by the county. In essence they are forcing Pawlenty or Sviggum to play a stronger role ... they are actually forcing them to lead on this issue. Well, you can bring a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.
We'll see what T-Paw does. I for one am excited to see what happens in the next couple of weeks.
Posted by snackeru at 5:35 PM | Comments (1) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
A flurry of activity
• What a magical time of year. Stadium season is upon us and is in full swing. I've made some more changes to the Voter's Guide and the totals are now:
Pro-American (Pro-stadium) legislators: 78
Anti-American (Anti-stadium) legislators: 49
Unknown: 7
Can you believe it? Could this be the year? Truth be told, I would be stunned. I know people are feeling more optimistic than ever, but if a stadium bill ever passed I would be absolutely amazed. I don't want to bum you out, but it would just plain be amazing to the point of almost being impossible. Let me put it this way: when this stadium bill passes the House Taxes committee, that is when I will start feeling optimistic. Not before.
Recent changes to the Voter's Guide include Zellers, Erhardt, Mullery, Walker, and Vandeveer all now in the YES column. Of course, I can't confirm any of this (this is all a guess on my part) but I am hearing a lot which leads me to believe the votes are there. Can it get to the floor of the House? We'll see.
Also, I changed Otremba back to a No. I just don't believe she will vote Yes. Curt in Grand Forks is checking that for me.
• Secondly, today should be an interesting day for Mike Opat. According to the PiPress, Opat will seek a HC board resolution authorizing him to renegotiate a contract with the Twins to build a stadium in Hennepin County. As per usual, I'm sure my good friend Linda Koblick will have all her ducks in a row and give Opat all that he can handle. Please, Linda, please go easy on him. As you know there are a lot of people in Hennepin County that want this to happen, myself included, of course.
According to the article, the added $30 million to the overall stadium price tag will be the biggest sticking point in any future negotiations. I really have no idea where this will go, but I hope Pohlad doesn't ruin what seems to be some stadium good will out there by throwing it back in the County's face. Unfortunately, I think we can all see the writing on the wall on this one: the Twins will expect the County to pay. This, in my opinion, will be a huge mistake and may change some votes back to the No column.
• Finally, I got an interesting email from Jim in St. Paul yesterday that went a little like this:
I was tempted to throw this out last year but maybe this is the year. If our esteemed legislators can finally see the light and pass a Twins ballpark bill this session I would like to extend an invite to all loyal Greet Machiners to come down some Saturday afternoon to my place of business, Summit Brewery, for a tour and celebration. I may even go through my archives and get out for display all my St. Paul related ballpark campaign items (I have a bunch). Like I said, hopefully this is the year and some celebration would definitely be in order.
How about that! A celebration at the Summit Brewery in St. Paul would be awesome. Thanks for the offer Jim! And of course, all "Greet Machiners" would be welcome (even you anti-stadium bums). And I must say, if Jim in St. Paul is feeling optimistic ... that really gives me pause. I dare say Jim knows more about this issue than me! Thanks for the day brightener Jim! I will be there!
Posted by snackeru at 8:30 AM | Comments (4) | Stadiums
Category "Life"
Category "Stadiums"
February 27, 2006
Weekend update
• So, as we gear up for the upcoming legislative session, I've been getting some notes from people concerning my Voter's Guide and changes that should be made to it. Here is what I've heard so far:
Maxine Penas (1A): changed from a No to a Yes.
Pete Nelson (17B): changed from a No to a Yes.
Scott Newman (18A): changed from an Unknown to a No.
Greg Davids (31B): changed from a No to a Yes.
Tom Emmer (19B): changed from an Unknown to a No.
Dan Larson (63B): changed from an Unknown to a Yes.
This brings the grand total so far to:
Pro-American (Pro-stadium) legislators: 75
Anti-American (Anti-stadium) legislators: 52
Unknown: 7
I have also been told that Tony Cornish (24B) should be changed to a Yes. This is surprising to me since last year in the Governmental Operations committee he made it quite clear that he wanted the Twins to put up at least half before he would approve. In fact, I was going to write him to ask him if he was therefore in favor of the Viking stadium bill since Zygi is putting up half. I may have to contact him and ask him what is up. Not that he'll get back to me. As David has said, I think legislators are avoiding me now.
Also, I was stunned to hear that Mary Ellen Otremba is now in the Yes column. Stunned. Curt, isn't this your former district? Can you contact Otremba and ask if this is true?
Finally, I know pro-stadium people are feeling optimistic, but let's take a moment for a little reality check here. The session starts on Wednesday and that is when the partisan politics will begin. Both sides will say, "We can't deal with stadiums until we get all our other business taken care of." Two months later they will still be arguing, the session will end with the stadium bill never reaching the floor, and we'll begin the long summer of "should we call a special session?" I'm not saying I am giving up, no no no... I am just steeling myself for this inevitability.
• And on a completely different note, awhile back I alluded to the possibility that the Greet Machine would soon cease to exist and that changes in my life could be coming. Well, you'll be happy (maybe not?) to know that neither will be happening. In November I applied for a new position at the University of St. Thomas. I had an interview at the beginning of February, but in the interview I think we could both tell that it just wasn't the right fit. I found out last Friday that I didn't get the job.
This process was both painful and exiciting. After the interview, I was pretty confident that I might get offered the job. So, at that point I had to make a choice of telling my boss and his boss that I might be leaving. This was a hard decision because, obivously, I didn't know how they would react. Fortunately, they were happy for me. They understood that I wanted to take a step up in my career. But what made me even more surprised, and actually touched, is that they said they would make me a retention offer.
So, even though I didn't get the new job offer, or the retention offer, it still felt good that my work is appreciated here at the U. In fact, this whole process has really showed me how much I enjoy working here.
However, back to the fact that I got nothing for my troubles. This kind of bothered me, so I bought myself a 30GB iPod Video. Sure, I slept on the couch that night, and yes, I really can't afford it. But I justify it based on all the pain I went through, and because, quite frankly, I deserve something nice every once in a while.
Talk to you later!
Posted by snackeru at 8:27 AM | Comments (6) | Life | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
February 24, 2006
Spycake was right!
You know, it is not often that I am wrong, but I'd like to think that I am man enough to admit when I am. Two nights ago I wrote a piece that suggested Matt Entenza was playing partisan politics in witholding the results of a survey to gauge support for the Hennepin County ballpark plan. Spycake chastised my carefully crafted work of genius with these words:
But it seems like right now, there's nothing more to these accusations of "political gain" than Steve Sviggum's fear and Shane's lack of information. There's still plenty of time to discuss the stadium reasonably and get Estenza's honest opinion -- the session hasn't even started yet! Let's not rush to conclusions and label people (and whole parties!) political opportunists ...
Ha! I thought. While Spycake might make more sense than he usually he does, his words of wisdom would fall on deaf ears yet again, I decided. "Let's not rush to conclusions ..." Bah! Rushing to conclusions is what I am best at! It is something I take pride in! You can't take that away from me! Then, I read this in today's Shooter column:
Within the past 24 hours, the Twins have heard from the four major political caucus leaders who have reported a positive vote count for a new ballpark in downtown Minneapolis without a referendum, as the plan was constructed a year ago. The next step for the Twins is to re-engage with Gov. Tim Pawlenty in the near future. A state legislative vote on a ballpark isn't expected until late April or May.
Although Shooter doesn't spell it out in great detail, I would wager that the four major political caucus leaders would be Sviggum, Dean Johnson, Dick Day, and ... Matt Entenza.
Taking it a step further means that yes: Spycake was right! Oh the humanity! Does this mean that David Wintheiser is sometimes right? No, I don't think we can jump to that conclusion, but my world today has been turned upside down! It is like I am Superman in Bizzaro world! Nothing is as it should be. I should have never got out of bed.
What else could Spycake be right about? Nothing much I would wager ... but I've been proven wrong before.
• And now I would like to explain something to all of my new readers. You aren't going to change my mind. We can debate about things in a civil manner, hopefully, but if you are here just to blather about how much the Twins suck, or the Hennepin County ballpark plan sucks, then you have come to the wrong place. I won't listen to you. In fact, I might even lose respect for you which is sad because I don't even know you. This is not to say that I don't respect anti-ballpark types. If you write something to me in a coherent manner with good reasoning and well crafted sentences I will read what you say and ponder it for a while. Take my good buddy David Wintheiser, for example. For as much pain and suffeiring that he brings me I actually am quite fond of the guy. I wish I had half the writing skills as he does, and I dare say if we ever met we would probably have a good time discussing various topics over a pint of ale. The fact that he is anti-stadium doesn't matter. I welcome his opinion. So, in other words, treat me with respect and I will do the same for you (sometimes).
Also, I thought it might be handy for all the newcomers to read a little bit of where I am coming from. So, without futher ado, here is a list of some of the things I believe:
- I believe the Hennepin County ballpark plan is a good plan.
- I believe the Rapid Park site for the ballpark is a good site.
- I believe Pohlad should be giving more money.
- I belive a referendum is NOT required by law.
- I believe Nick Coleman and Gollum have a lot in common.
- I believe that a new stadium will have a positive economic impact on our community.
- I believe losing the Twins will only mean trying to get another MLB team here 10 years later for 10 times as much money (anybody remember the North Stars?).
- I believe people in Minnesota should get over their hatred of rich people and start thinking about how great it would be to watch the Twins in an outdoor ballpark.
- I believe that if you don't like watching baseball you should be happy that your neighbor who does like watching baseball will continue to have an opportunity to do so thanks to a new ballpark. This concept is called "community."
- I believe that when a new ballpark is built people in Minnesota will just love it. We will forget all about our precious pennies and just be thankful that we have such a beautiful facility. People in St. Paul sure don't seem to mind paying a half-cent sales tax for the X.
So, there you have it. Those are just some of the things I believe. You may think I'm wrong, but difference of opinion makes the world go round.
Thanks for stopping by!
Posted by snackeru at 8:50 AM | Comments (12) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
February 22, 2006
The DFL is playing games
Sigh. Well, sorry for the delay, but I've been trying to get a hold of Matt Entenza today, the House Minority Leader, in order to ask him about the DFL response to the survey sent out by the governor concerning support for a Twins stadium bill this session. A little birdy tells me that the DFL has yet to turn in their responses, and that Entenza may be holding things up. Could this be for political gain? Could the DFL be looking for something to pin on T-Paw as another example of his failure as governor to get things done?
Aron Kahn had a another great article today discussing this issue:
For example, Sviggum, a ballpark supporter from Kenyon, said there are 41 Republican House members who'll vote for the measure, but "I'm not sure I want the number to rise higher than 41.''In other words, with 68 votes needed for passage, Sviggum wants DFLers to make up the rest of the winning tally. "There has to be Democrats because it could be used (against Republicans) in a partisan, emotional election,'' he said.
Entenza's lack of response concerning stadium issues and the infamous survey I mentioned above demonstrates, at least to me, that the DFL may be contemplating using either the passage, or defeat, of a stadium bill against the Republicans in the upcoming election. If Sviggum got more than 41 votes, it would look like the Republicans in the House were the driving force behind its passage. Obviously, this could come back to haunt them.
However, if a stadium bill doesn't pass, again the DFL can blame the governor for his lack of leadership. It is definitely a sticky wicket for T-Paw.
The fact of the matter is I am excited with any headline that says "Twins stadium bill has might." I am also excited that Sviggum claims to have 41 Republican votes. That is three more than I count.
So, for the next few weeks I will be watching the comments of both Entenza and Dean Johnson very carefully. When they start breaking out the partisan rhetoric I will be very, very let down. I know I shouldn't be so naive, but to sacrifice the Twins for their own political gain will be disheartening to say the least.
One more thing, Steve Sviggum is the leader of the Republican party in Minnesota, plain and simple. T-Paw doesn't have half the leadership skills of our friend from Kenyon. I know actions speak louder than words, but I have a feeling Sviggum is going to step out on a limb this session in a way that would make T-Paw wet himself.
Ain't "stadium season" a fun time of year?
Posted by snackeru at 6:37 PM | Comments (10) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
I'm working on it
I'm working on some stuff based on what I've read in this article. Sviggum says he's got 41 votes, but the DFL seems to be remaining silent. Who says Entenza won't be important?
Posted by snackeru at 8:41 AM | Comments (0) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
February 15, 2006
OK OK OK ...
OK everyone. You've got to understand something. I've been writing about this Twins stadium mess for 3 years now. And I've been thinking about it for probably more than 10. Words cannot express both how much I want a new Twins stadium and how tired I am of thinking about it.
So, I'm not sure I can totally stop writing about this issue. I have too much invested in this at this point in time. I also believe that this might be the last year. I have learned not to make any predictions, so I won't do that, but I think there may just be one more big push for a new home for the Twins. And then that is it. We'll have what we have.
In other words, now is not the time to say I will be stopping. No, I'm all talk. The Greet Machine will live. However, I've been encouraged to start thinking about something different for a little while. At least until the legislature starts their predictable bickering, partisan politics, and do-nothing ways.
I need to refresh my thinking. So, I will be writing about some other stuff for a while. Family, maybe some politics, maybe some religion. Who is the better singer: Jessica or Ashlee. You know, important stuff. Whatever strikes me as interesting.
So there you have it. Hope springs eternal and all that jazz.
Posted by snackeru at 3:32 PM | Comments (3) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
February 12, 2006
Is a referendum really required by law?
So, I finally read Nick Coleman's recent piece of crap concerning the Twins and their never ending quest for a new stadium. As far as Coleman columns go it was exceptionally weak. I know, this in iteself is shocking, but stay with me for a second. Nick wants the people to vote whether or not we should build a new stadium. Yes, the same people that vote down school referendums. Yes, the same people that were NOT given the chance to vote for the Xcel Energy Center, the Mall of America infrastructure, the Guthrie, the Minneapolis Convention Center, and the Metrodome itself. Would any of these things have been built if it was given to the people to vote on? No, absolutely not. Is Minnesota a better place because of these amenities? Yes, it absolutely is.
But I'm not writing today to flip out on the genius that is Nick Coleman. I'm here to look at the actual Minnesota law that supposedly requires a referendum.. We've all heard John Knight (where has he gone to? it seems he can't stand the heat in the spotlight) and Laura Lehman from Citizens for a Stadium Tax Referendum moan and groan about the requirement for a referendum. Let's take a look at what the Minnesota legislature actually says about this.
From a document entitled "Local Sales Taxes in Minnesota" from the House of Representatives comes this snippet:
Summary of the Local Sales Tax Provisions in Minn. Stat. § 297A.99Local Taxes Subject to the Statutory Provisions
The statutory provisions apply to all local sales taxes authorized after June 2, 1997, unless the enabling legislation specifically exempts the local authority from these rules by reference.
Hennepin County isn't proposing to circumvent the law, as they have been accused of. The referendum requirement on local sales taxes was just added in 1997--and it includes a specific provision ALLOWING a local sales tax to be enacted without a referendum. Just like recent sales taxes enacted in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, and Rochester, all of which were imposed by local ordinance.
Let's break it down even further. According to a 2004 report from the Minnesota Department of Revenue (page 21):
[T]he uses to which local sales tax can be put should be limited to large projects that would otherwise not be able to be funded by other means. These projects should have broad benefit and encourage multi-jurisdictional cooperation. Projects that cross boundaries or will be utilized by surrounding communities are examples of proposals that meet this criteria. While this may sound like another name for "regional benefit," the focus here should be on the scope of the project and the inability to fund it from other sources.
According to the Department of Revenue, what Hennepin County is proposing to do is completely within the boundaries of the local sales tax statute. On page 23 of this same report there is this little tidbit:
The local sales tax is best used as a mechanism for financing large, special, multi-jurisdictional capital projects.
In addition, the Governor's bipartisan 2004 Stadium Screening Committee determined a local sales tax was an appropriate mechanism to fund the local share of a stadium project. And speaking of governor created committees, after extensive debate the Stadium Screening Committee voted 18-1 that local taxes should fund stadiums and that they should NOT be subject to a referendum requirement.
To me, the law and the legislature are clear. Local sales taxes are an appropriate funding mechanism for the Twins stadium, and a referendum, while certainly encouraged, is NOT required. So, I wish anti-stadium folk would quit saying it is.
Finally, a local sales tax, such as Hennepin County is proposing, is a dependable and predictable revenue stream that allows the County to issue tax-exempt debt (thereby saving the public money). In addition, because the money is predictable, the interest rate on the loan should be lower thereby saving taxpayers even more money. In the Denver area, they used a .1 percent sales tax to finance Coors Field and they were able to retire 20-year bonds in less than 10 years. How soon will Hennepin County be able to retire the debt on a new Twins stadium? That is unknown, of course, but I doubt it will take 30 years.
And to wrap this up, when a new Twins stadium is built people will be giddy. Who in their right mind will wish that we hadn't built it? It will be the jewel of downtown Minneapolis and people will flock to it. How do I know? No one wishes we didn't build the Xcel Energy Center, no one wishes we didn't build the Metrodome. And these were both built with taxpayer money. I don't see Nick Coleman complaining about the Xcel Energy Center and the half-cent sales tax that pays for it. Why? Because it has been proven to be a good idea.
Posted by snackeru at 10:52 AM | Comments (9) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
February 10, 2006
All editorials point to Hennepin County
• Wow! Now this is a surprise! The Pioneer Press has reversed its stance and now favors a Twins ballpark in Hennepin County. Plus, this editorial also calls on Zygi Wilf to privately finance a new Vikings stadium. Check this out:
So what to do to ensure Minnesotans can continue to enjoy baseball and pro football? Here's our advice on Minnesota's stadium conundrum: Wilf should build the Anoka complex after lining up financing, which is his specialty as a real estate mogul. He could then build a Vikings stadium as he wants it, reaping all the benefits — and profits.By doing this, Wilf would free up the Legislature to focus first on the Twins, who are the greatest threat to pack up and leave. The Legislature should then give Hennepin County the exemption on the 0.15 percent sales tax. That would avoid the costly referendum — which quite possibly could fail. At the very least, it would keep the price from going up another $30 million.
In short: Problem solved.
Problem solved indeed. I wish it were that easy. Again, though, what is interesting about this is the shift of the Pioneer Press editorial staff to now favor the Hennepin County plan. This could be because the PiPress has a new editor, or it could be because they realize that Chris Coleman doesn't have a plan or the desire to create one. I, for one, welcome this shift in their stance, but I expect Jim in St. Paul is weeping in his Summit right now.
• Today I received confirmation that the Greet Machine Voter's Guide has indeed been placed in the hands of Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum. I can't express to you enough what a thrill this is, although in looking what I have written for Mr. Sviggum himself it appears I have a little updating to do. I'm still confident in the votes I have predicted, but my pithy commentary is a little stale. I'm going to try to work on it this weekend.
And speaking of Sviggum, I have heard that he spoke at a breakfast this morning with Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson, and he said that the Twins and Gophers have stadium priority over the Vikings. I know, this is stunning news, but I thought I would just mention that Sviggum does appear to have the Twins on his mind. I'll take that as a positive, no matter how small it is.
• The more I think about this stadium mess, and how T-Paw screwed the pooch by not getting this bill done last year, the more ticked off I become. Because of this delay, the stadium will cost at least $30 million more? Ouch, ouch, ouch. I can't help but think this will be brought up over and over and over again as we battle through the legislature this year. $30 million. Who is going to pay for it? Probably the County, and for that reason this will be a really sticky issue. Thanks a lot T-Paw.
• More later. I've got some interesting news on the state law that supposedly requires a referendum. It seems there is room for interpretation (as always). Until next time...
Posted by snackeru at 12:52 PM | Comments (2) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
February 9, 2006
Ways and Means Committee
UPDATE 2/28/06: I've been informed that Vandeveer and Walker will now vote Yes on the Hennepin County plan. Add that to Dan Larson's yes vote and that brings the total to 22 for and 16 against. Yep, that would do it!
Ouch. Once the stadium bill gets past the Taxes committee (ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!! that is a good one!) it would have to be passed by the Ways and Means Committee. From what I can tell, this will be another huge battle. It is also where the Pawlenty/Sviggum stadium bill was killed two years ago. Here is the breakdown:
19-19 and one unknown. Actually, a couple of unknowns. Again, this is all an educated guess on my part. And I'd like to know how and why after we get done with Krinkie, Abrams, and Knoblach in the Taxes committee we have to see these turkeys again in the Ways and Means Committee! That bums me out.
I'd also be surprised if the stadium bill got out of either committee without a referendum attached. I'm not sure that is a bad thing either. We need to get this bill to the floor of the House. Once it is there I think there would be enough votes to strip off a referendum. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see this bill fly through without any referendum attached, but every single committe will try to attach one, and then there will be multiple attempts on the floor. It will be fun (?) to watch.
If anyone has any insight on this committee please let me know.
• Secondly, Charley Walters reported yesterday:Gov. Tim Pawlenty, some legislative leaders, and Hennepin County and Twins officials are expected to meet again next week to continue dialogue about a new ballpark in downtown Minneapolis.
And the beat goes on. Another year, another round of talks. Let's see if anything happens this time.
Posted by snackeru at 9:03 AM | Comments (1) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
February 8, 2006
More drivel
• You all probably already saw this, but according to the Pioneer Press:
House Speaker Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon, said the 2005 bill had the support of 69 House members, enough to guarantee passage if it came to a vote. The DFL-led Senate has been more receptive to stadium bills.
I wonder if some of this calculation is based on the Voter's Guide. I would like to think it is. And speaking of the Voter's Guide, I've been told that it was given to Erik Paulsen, House Majority Leader, at a GOP fundraiser last Friday night as proof that the votes are there to pass a stadium bill in the House. Of course, Erik Paulsen is the main reason there was no special session last summer to deal with this issue. His lobbying against a special session will cost taxpayers millions of extra dollars in increased stadium costs if not for a Twins stadium then certainly for a Gophers stadium.
Thanks Erik! You are a genius!
And speaking of Erik Paulsen, check out this website that he and some other state senators put together for our edification. I pray when the Twins are gone that Mr. Paulsen takes some extreme heat for his stance on this issue.
• You probably already also saw this article concerning Bruce Lambrecht and Rich Pogin of Twinsville fame by Mark Kaszuba of the Star Tribune. I truly can't believe how stupid this article is. First of all, if Lambrecht and Pogin had T-Paw wrapped around their little fingers as the article claims, we would already have a new Twins stadium! For goodness sake, I wish Lambrecht had T-Paw in his pocket!! I wouldn't have to worry about this anymore! Where is the logic in this article?
Secondly, God forbid anyone make money or use their connections in this state. I can't believe how anti-capitalism we are in the great state of Minnesota. What? You mean someone might actually make money? Someone might actually better their life at my expense? No! I won't let this happen! Me, me, me, me me!!!
People make money. People have friends in high places. Neither of these two things are inherently evil! So get over it!
Posted by snackeru at 8:38 AM | Comments (6) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
February 7, 2006
I am still not optimistic
UPDATE (2/28/06): I have been informed that Zellers, Erhardt, and Mullery are now going to vote YES on the Hennepin County plan. That brings the vote total to 18 for and 11 against. That would be amazing. Can you imagine if a Twins stadium bill got out of Krinkie's Tax committee unscathed?
I have heard from a connected anonymous source that Hennepin County was not encouraged by the governor's words yesterday.
And while I personally am encouraged that Entenza at least kept the door open giving the stadium plan at least the tepid support of the 4 caucus leaders, there is one thing that needs to be made clear:
T-Paw has to lead!!!!
There is no getting around this. In order for a stadium bill to go through normal legislative protocol, T-Paw is going to have to give it a great deal of support. Normal legislative protocol has a stadium bill going through at least 3 committees before it gets to the floor, and in the case of any stadium bill that means a stop in Krinkie's Taxes Committee. Last year I do not believe the stadium bill would have gotten out of that committee.
You may also be wondering why a bill can't just be pushed onto the floor for a vote. In order for that to happen the legislature would have to vote to suspend normal legislative protocol for that bill and it would take a 2/3 majority. I believe the stadium bill has enough votes to pass, but I don't think it has a 2/3 majority.
So, back to T-Paw. If he wants this bill to at the very least get to the floor he is going to have to put pressure on not only the legislature in general, but also specifically the Taxes committee. Here is the current breakdown for where I see the votes falling in that committee:
As you can probably tell, no other issue in all of the legislature is as non-partisan as stadium politics. Thanks to some reworking of where I think the votes will fall it appears that the vote in this committee is 15 for and 14 against. However, it is all a guess on my part. If T-Paw can convince a couple of other Republicans it would be a done deal.
And thanks to the Twins recent court victory, I think the pressure is more acute than ever before for our do-nothing governor. Will this be the year? Only if it can get to the floor of the House.
Posted by snackeru at 8:34 AM | Comments (7) | Stadiums
Category "Life"
Category "Stadiums"
February 3, 2006
A couple of things
This will be completely stream of consciousness ... please forgive me.
• A little birdy tells me that the meeting that was supposed to happen a couple of weeks ago will actually happen this Monday (2/6). The same people are rumored to attend: Opat, Bell, T-Paw, Day, Sviggum, Johnson, and Entenza. And like I said before, my focus will be on Entenza. He is the only one of these people that I still would consider anti-stadium. If he comes out of this meeting even remotely favorable towards a new Twins stadium I will consider it a victory. For example, if he comes out of this meeting and says, "The plan doesn't suck as much as I thought it would," I will take that as a positive.
• Speaking of Entenza, I heard that he was on WCCO radio today talking about the stadium. According to my sources he said that he wanted to study any new plan in detail before making any judgements. A step in the right direction, I think.
Again, if T-Paw can get Entenza on board that would mean he would have the Speaker of the House, the Minority Leader of the House, the Majority Leader of the Senate, and the Minority Leader of the Senate all in favor of the Hennepin County plan. That would be a nice little coalition. Right now T-Paw has 3 out of 4.
• T-Paw was on WCCO radio last week again touting St. Paul as a better location for a new Twins ballpark. I have no problem with St. Paul being the new home of the Twins, but Governor ... they have no plan. And any plan they do promote will have to include state money. The 3% stadium tax Kelly promoted would not be able to raise the same amount of money a .01% tax would be able to raise in Hennepin County.
Is Coleman even that gung ho about a new stadium in St. Paul? My impression is no. Jim in St. Paul, if you are reading this, help me out with this. Would you take a stadium in Hennepin County right now over the possibilty of the Twins giving up and packing it in? Or do you prefer waiting for another chance for St. Paul?
• Unfortunately, however, as we all know any chance we have relies on T-Paw taking a stand. In fact, it would probably come down to T-Paw playing the bonding bill card ala Arne Carlson and saying, "I won't sign until a Twins stadium bill is approved." How likely is that? Not very.
I was talking with another stadium expert today when I asked him, "What chances do we really have this year? Less than 50?" And he looked at me and said, "The chances are better in 2006 than 2007." What he means by this is that the Hennepin County plan, the Twins desire to try again, the governor's even tepid support ... none of these will probably be the same in 2007.
• However, it seems we do have some reason for optimism. I have heard that stadium supporters might be happy with the outcome of Monday's meeting, for whatever reason. We'll see.
• And I can't believe I didn't write about this before, but last week was our Cub Scout Pack's Pinewood Derby. As you can see below, my son came in second out of about 40 cars! We both were thrilled, especially my son, but I was really happy too because I worked really hard on that car! It was a nice way for my son to end his Cub Scout career. He gets the Arrow of Light later this month.
Posted by snackeru at 8:02 AM | Comments (4) | Life | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
February 2, 2006
I choose anger!
Someone just sent me a picture of this huge sign that sits on the outskirts of the Rapid Park ballpark stadium site in downtown Minneapolis.
I have a number of emotions when looking at this picture. Hope. Sadness. Hapiness ... and anger. I choose anger!
Anger is a good emotion for me today. It is better than "woe is me" depression. Why? Because I can blame other people for my problems! Anti-stadium people! Bah! A pox on all your houses!
There, I feel better now. Hope again springs eternal. I'm sorry you had to witness that.
Posted by snackeru at 2:38 PM | Comments (2) | Stadiums
Category "Life"
Category "Stadiums"
January 30, 2006
Now that is an interesting plan
• I'll cut right to the chase, someone tell me how this isn't a good plan:
Published estimates are that Pohlad has a net worth of $2.8 billion. Assume conservatively that only half that amount would be subject to the estate tax. If he remained a Minnesota resident, the state would collect 16 percent, or about $224 million. But there would be no such windfall if he moved.The state, the Twins, and its owner should consider an arrangement whereby the owner would agree to remain a Minnesota resident and expose his estate to a tax of at least the amount of the state contribution to the cost of a new Twins ballpark. The state would then lend that amount to the Hennepin County project. Along with the $125 million the Twins have already pledged, and the expected infrastructure contribution of local government, the state loan would get the job done. The state loan would be fully secured by the expected Pohlad estate tax, from which the loan would be repaid.
Did you understand that? Pohlad will be paying an estate tax anyway when he dies. This gentleman, William Brody, estimates that it will be $224 million. Assuming that Pohlad dies while a Minnesota resident, why don't we take that money and use it to build a new Twins stadium? How does this plan not work? Someone please inform me because I think it is a fantastic plan (if not a little morbid). Combine that $224 million with Pohlad's already agreed contribution of $125 million, and you've got $349 million: the cost of the ballpark itself. That way, much like the Mall of America, the county would only have to pay for infrastructure around the faciltiy.
Any lawyers in the house? Any reason why this wouldn't work? Under this plan you've suddenly got Pohlad paying for well over half of the total cost, which is something a lot of representatives and senators want.
OK. Now for reality. As much as I'd love this plan to work, I would be very surprised if it went anywhere. Why? We are governed by morons, plain and simple. So, I'll let you know if anything comes of this. I will certainly be monitoring the situation.
• Lastly, if you have multiple children like me, you know how sibling rivalries can develop. Well, my family's most outrageous sibling rivalry is between my middle son and my youngest child, my daughter. I say outrageous because it seems that no matter what my daughter says, my son has got to disagree with her. My daughter will say anything, and my son will point out where she is wrong. For example, my daughter will say, "This peanut butter is crunchy," and my son will say, "No, this peanut butter has peanuts in it which makes it less smooth." Or my daughter will say, "The sky is blue," and my son will say, "No, the sky is blue." Do you see what I mean? It drives me nuts.
So, yesterday while going to church, my kids started to talk about the topic of frogs. My daughter, who is only 5, chimes in and says, "Frogs eat bugs with their tongues." And my son says, "No, that is actually a myth that frogs eat bugs with their tongues. Actually, frogs tackle bugs and then eat them." Can you believe this guy? Of course, my wife and I had to correct him, but where does he come up with this stuff? And all so he can disagree with his sister. It is amazing to me.
Posted by snackeru at 10:32 AM | Comments (14) | Life | Stadiums
Category "Books"
Category "Stadiums"
January 26, 2006
Nothing coherent, just more "dashed off tripe"
• I was watching the T-Wolves a little bit last night and I was just blown away by how bad they are. I mean YIKES! It is definitely "panic time" at the Target Center. KG must be beside himself with anger. McHale has seriously built a sub-.500 team.
• And speaking of KG, I don't know how many of you saw this, but a couple of weeks ago KG was asked about his time with Stephon Marbury when he started to talk about his own childhood. He had this to say:
"I was a gym rat, man," he said. "I loved hoops, and when I'm done with this game, I'm gonna hoop. You're going to catch me at the Minnetonka YMCA busting some of those old guys' butts. You think I'm [kidding], but I can't wait to get back on the blacktop."
That is why I love KG: honesty, loyalty, and the Minnetonka YMCA is the one I frequent! Man, I would love to get dunked on by KG! And if I ever scored on him ... wow, I would launch some serious trash talking. I hope KG sticks around.
• In case you missed this, Sen. Don Betzold, Senate author of the Vikings stadium bill in the illustrious Minnesota legislature, wrote an interesting piece discussing the problems with a referendum. His argument is that only allowing Anoka County residents, or Hennepin County residents, to vote on the fate of our favorite sports teams would be "too narrow to be fair." Betzold writes:
The referendum issue raises a basic question: Who should get to vote on it? It would seem that if it is a local sales tax, then the local citizens should vote. But that means that nearby citizens, also affected by the sales tax, cannot vote. Some of my constituents live in suburban Anoka County, and some live next door in suburban Ramsey County. In fact, the city of Spring Lake Park is in both counties, so the Anoka County Spring Lake Park voters could vote on a referendum but the Ramsey County Spring Lake Park voters could not.It is true that a state law requires a referendum approving a local sales tax to fund a local project, such as a city convention center. However, referendums have not been required for projects that have broad regional or statewide significance, such as the Minneapolis Convention Center and the Metrodome.
It is an argument I happen to agree with. The Metrodome and the Convention Center were built without referendum and I don't think anyone would ever say that they were a mistake. They have proven to be cost effective and important pieces of our metropolitan infrastructure. Betzold also writes:
That raises other questions: Should the voters of one county decide the future of a statewide asset? Do the Twins fans who live in Anoka County want the Hennepin County voters to decide if their team stays in Minnesota? Will the legislators who represent the other 87 counties want only Anoka County voters to decide the future of the Vikings? If Anoka County were to drop its plan and a new Vikings stadium proposal were to be proposed in, say, Dakota County, would Vikings fans in Anoka County want the voters in the southern suburbs to decide this issue? Should the students at the university vote on the possible tuition increases to pay for a new Gophers stadium?The Legislature can't send tough questions like these to the voters. We have to figure them out ourselves.
This raises two important points: 1) since these are statewide assets, it is a shame that only one county will pay for these stadiums in the first place, and 2) the legislature should definitely figure these issues out themselves. The more salient point is point number two. Do your jobs senators and representatives! We elected you to make informed decisions on controversial topics, not put your head in the sand and pass these decisions back to us. What are you good for then? If you don't want to do your jobs then I want to vote on everything. Referendums are a cop-out and an example of weak-minded legislators doing whatever it takes to keep their jobs.
Grow a backbone and make a decision, up or down. But don't pass it back to me.
• You'll note over on the right side a new section listing out all the books I've read so far in 2006. It is only three right now, but I hope to grow this list as the year progresses. That way, at the end of the year I won't have to wrack my brain trying to remember what books I've read in the last 12 months.
And just to let you know, Empire Falls was excellent. The Planets was a quick read, but not as good as I thought it would be. Camouflage was very good. It had not one, but two aliens in it and I am a sucker for alien books. The book is about two almost immortal aliens who live on Earth and interact with life here for thousands of years. One alien spends most of its time with humans and becomes quite a nasty fellow, while the other alien spends most of its time in the ocean, and only begins spending time with humans during the 20th Century. Meanwhile, in the not so distant future, a strange metallic artifact is found in a Pacific trench and scientists from all over try to figure out what it is. Could it have something to do with one of our aliens? Read Camouflage to find out. I enjoyed it.
• That's it for now. I'm back to liking clapping again. Yesterday it seemed kind of stupid, though. Sort of stupid like hitting a small white ball with a stick and racing around a diamond shaped playing field. Who came up with that?
Posted by snackeru at 8:28 AM | Comments (9) | Books | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
January 24, 2006
I guess there was no meeting
UPDATE: I just heard that the meeting did not take place yesterday as planned, and that a make-up meeting has not been scheduled. Bummer. I bet it was that anti-stadium Matt Entenza screwing everything up. Blast him and his hatred of the Twins!
• Well, I guess there wasn't a Twins stadium related meeting with the governor yesterday. This kind of ticks me off since stadium news to me is like heroin to an addict. I need my fix. Maybe they are meeting today? Why hasn't anyone reported this yet? This is very upsetting. Although, I should learn to accept that I will never get my way when it comes to stadiums in Minnesota. This is just yet another example of that fact.
• Jim in St. Paul wrote in a comment last night about a recent editorial that appeared in the St. Paul Pioneer Press entitled: Why we still support a Twins stadium in St. Paul. I wonder if their new managing editor wrote this. It is very good. First it lays out some of the economic realities of Major League Baseball and why a stadium is important for the Twins' long term future. Then it zeros in on St. Paul. Among the editorial's more salient points:
A St. Paul ballpark would be a significant driver of economic development in the capital city. As we've said before, spending the same $300 million in public money to move the stadium a few blocks up the street in Minneapolis would be less transformative than if it were spent to build a new ballpark in downtown St. Paul.
That may be true. I think the Twins leaving Minneapolis for St. Paul would also have an economic impact on Minneapolis, though, only in a negative sense. Anyway, I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I don't care if they build a stadium in Bemidji, just build the stupid thing so we can assure the Twins will stay around. As John Lennon said:
You say you've got a real solution
Well, you know
We'd all love to see the plan
Show me the money!
• And speaking of money, Shooter recently reported (and sorry, I can't find the link) that if St. Paul were to get into the stadium game again, there is no way they could put a plan together without state money. I would think this requirement would immediately put them at a disadvantage. Besides, how gung ho is Coleman about trying to bring the Twins to St. Paul? My impression is that his attitude towards this possibility is tepid at best.
• If anyone has any news about the meeting that was supposed to happen, please let me know! Has it been rescheduled? Shelved indefinitely? What is the deal?
Posted by snackeru at 8:32 AM | Comments (4) | Stadiums
Category "Life"
Category "Stadiums"
January 20, 2006
Random musings, odds, and ends
I don't have anything coherent to say today, so I'm just going to write and write until I have nothing to write about anymore.
• A few days ago, Tim M. asked me what kinds of story lines I would like to see in a Serenity sequel. I think the story of Book is a given. He was a mysterious character, and we definitely didn't get the truth about him. I would also love to see more about the bounty hunter "Jubal" that showed up in the last Firefly episode. He was a very interesting dude. But more than anything, I would like to know more about the Independence movement and the Browncoats. What were they really fighting for? I know "independence" but what else? I'm sure there were other grievances. I would also like to know what happens now that Mal and his crew unleashed the truth about the Reevers. Does this create another revolution attempt? I would think some people would be kind of upset with the Alliance.
So, there you have it. I think there is a lot of story left to tell. I hope Joss Whedon gets the green light.
• If I was to have another child, and that child turned out to be a boy, I would name him "Augustus Octavius." You know, to boost his confidence. And I would force everyone to call him by his complete name, "Is Augustus Octavius present?" That would be awesome. Of course, I would call him by his nickname: Skippy.
• I was listening to KFAN a couple of days ago when Dan Barreiro said something that made me chuckle, and think. He said one of the biggest mysteries in the whole sporting world is how Matt Millen still has any kind of position of authority within the Lions organization. I used to think Mike Tice had some sort of blackmail working against Zygi to keep his job (ticket scalping, whizzinator, sex boat, 2-5 start, etc.), but Millen must have some naked pictures or something that are working to keep him employed. Yikes.
• So, if you are a stadium fanatic like me, you would have to have been blind to miss this snippet from Sid Hartman yesterday:
Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson, DFL-Willmar, reports Gov. Tim Pawlenty has called a meeting Monday at the governor's estate to talk about how to solve the stadium proposals for the Twins and Gophers football.Attending the meeting will be House Speaker Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon; House Minority Leader Matt Entenza, DFL-St. Paul; and Senate Minority Leader Dick Day, R-Owatonna.
Also attending will be Brad Finstad, R-New Ulm, author of the house ballpark bill, and Sen. Steve Kelley, DFL-Hopkins.
"I hope that Hennepin County will continue to stay with the bill they proposed to build the Twins baseball stadium," Johnson said.
What is most interesting about this is that T-Paw is inviting Matt Entenza, an anti-stadium legislator and House Minority Leader. I honestly think that coming out of this meeting Entenza will be the barometer of possible stadium action. If Entenza comes out of the meeting even remotely optimistic towards the possibilty of a new Twins stadium I think we can all breathe a sigh of relief. If he comes out of the meeting with his typical anti-stadium rhetoric, though, that means the opposition is still there and isn't budging much. That probably means we should all keep our hopes in check.
I know Sid thinks Dick Day is also somewhat anti-stadium, but I disagree. He just wanted to vote for stadiums in the regular session. If push comes to shove he will vote for the Hennepin County plan.
Sid also alludes to the fact that inviting Entenza and Day takes T-Paw off the hook if a stadium bill isn't supported. That may be true. I think Sid is pessimistic that Entenza will come out of the meeting in favor of the plan. I would have to agree with him. We'll see on Monday though.
• Yesterday I linked to the Prejudice Map that uses Google to unveil the prejudices we have towards the people of various countries. I found this map, and the technique to build it, to be highly entertaining. So, I decided to try it on myself. In Google I type "Shane is known for" and this is what I get out:
"Shane is known for taking that extra time to assure that everything is done to the level of his high standards."
So true, so true...
"Shane is known for his boisterous personality and fun-loving attitude."
Again, how do they know me so well?
"Shane is known for pulling rabbits out of hats in competition."
I am a pretty crafty guy. And now that I've mentioned "rabbits" again on this site I'll get even more hits from search engines for this word.
"Shane is known for an aggressive drumming style and in the interest of crowd safety; we have recently been forced to put him in a Plexiglas cage."
Needless to say, I ROCK! The crowd must be protected from ME because I go crazy on those skins! And do they really think Plexiglas can hold me? I'm gonna go Incredible Hulk on that Plexiglas!
"If there's one thing Shane is known for, it's perserverance."
If you fail, try, try again I always say.
Is there anything you are known for? Put it in the comments below...
• Lastly, a few weeks ago something I dearly love was taken away from me. At first I was very upset about this. And then I became very saddened. "Why are they doing this to me?" I thought. "What have I done to deserve this?" I was promised something even better, but I didn't believe it. How could something new be as good as what I had come to love so much. Well, I am happy to say I was wrong.
Black Cherry Vanilla Coke ... oh how I love thee. I must say Coke is forgiven for dropping Vanilla Coke in favor of this taste sensation. I am satisfied.
Posted by snackeru at 12:27 PM | Comments (5) | Life | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
January 18, 2006
It's that time of year again
• First of all, thanks to everyone for your birthday greetings yesterday. I would like to especially thank the anonymous commenter for taking the time (see, that wasn't so hard!), and spycake for actually writing "Happy B-day, Shane. Hopefully T-Paw and Old Carl have a present for ya..." That really choked me up, given that spycake is not what I would consider "pro-stadium," at least not in the same way that I am pro-stadium.
And speaking of spycake, did any of you happen to see his letter to the editor in yesterday's Strib? First let me say shame on you spycake! We're trying to get a stadium built around here, not point out the obvious! However, I must also say that if I was against the Hennepin County plan I would have written the exact same letter. Spycake does a nice job of pointing out the "sleight of hand" in Brehm's piece that I alluded to yesterday. But that doesn't mean I am happy!
Spycake also writes in his letter:
Also, the Metrodome didn't pay for itself through indirect tax revenue from local businesses -- its operating agreement allowed for some stadium revenue to be directed back into the publicly owned stadium, something the new ballpark agreement fails to do.
Yes, but unlike the plan that built the Metrodome, the Hennepin County plan also commits the Twins to operation, maintenance and routine repair expenses, plus the Twins will be required to make additional annual contributions for capital improvements to the stadium over the course of the 30 year use agreement. In other words, the Twins themselves will be required to direct money back into the stadium. I'm sure some of that money will come from stadium revenue.
• So, T-Paw unveiled his bond plan yesterday to much fanfare and joyous celebration. Tucked in with his comments about his $897 million plan were comments about stadium construction:
While they are not part of the bonding proposal for the coming year, Pawlenty said he also wants proposals for a Gophers football stadium and a Twins baseball stadium to pass the Legislature this year.
Huzzah! T-Paw wants a Twins baseball stadium bill to pass this year! Oh happy day! Because we all know if T-Paw says he wants something, it is done! I think we can all rest easy now knowing that T-Paw has said the magic words and made his desires known.
Yeah right.
• Of wonderful. Nick Coleman has again graced us with his opinion about stadiums in Minnesota. This time, it is an attack on the Vikings and their plan to turn Anoka County into a place Minnesotans may actually want to visit. I've written about Coleman's hypocisy and stunning ignorance before, so I won't go into tirade mode again today. Let me just say I'm starting to think that if Nick Coleman doesn't like the idea, it is probably a pretty good one. So, Zygi, well done. Spend your money on your new consultants. If Nick (aka Gollum) is unhappy, then you are on the right path.
• And speaking of the new Vikings stadium, I've been thinking about what Zygi can do to help his efforts when it suddenly dawned on me that I don't like the new design of the stadium. I don't like it at all. Especially not compared to the old design:
 New design (click for larger) |
 Old design (click for larger) |
Do you see what I mean? The new design looks like crap! And what is with the two garish yellow towers jutting out of the front? I don't get it. Whoever drew this thing up could have done a better job. I mean, look at the old design. Sleek lines. And those cool stainless steel rounded beams coming out of the top evoking thoughts of the Viking longboats of old ... man, that was a cool design. I gotta give Red credit for that one. This new stadium needs some more pizazz if it is going to get the attention and excitement of the people of Anoka County. That is what I think anyway.
That's all for now. Have a good one!
Posted by snackeru at 8:14 AM | Comments (13) | Stadiums
Category "Life"
Category "Stadiums"
January 17, 2006
Happy Birthday to Me (and SBG)
• Greetings and salutations, loyal reader! I'm not sure that anyone out there cares, but today is my birthday. Now, last year was an interesting birthday because I found out that January 17 is also Stick and Ball Guy's birthday. So, after you stop by here go over to his site and wish him a happy birthday from me! And just for your edification, here is a list of other people who were also born on January 17th:
Benjamin Franklin, 1706
Al Capone, 1899
Rock Hudson, 1925
James Earl Jones, 1931
Muhammad Ali, 1942
Jim Carrey, 1962
Good company for me and SBG, heh? Drop me a comment for my birthday! You can even do it anonymously! In fact, I command you to leave me a comment! It is my birthday wish!
• If you are looking for stadium news today, there isn't much to report. In case you missed it, you should check out Andy Brehm's commentary, Replace the Dome or Lose the Twins. A little sleight of hand with the numbers, but overall a good and well written effort.
UPDATE: Of course, just when I think there isn't any stadium news, the Vikings go ahead and create some. My initial impression of this turn of events is that the Vikings are wasting a whole lot of money by trying to ram their plans through this year. Unless this firm is going to start promoting a Twins stadium too, I don't see the legislature giving the Vikings the time of day. And that is a shame because in many ways the Vikings stadium bill is better than the Twins stadium bill. Well, I guess in one big way: it includes a bigger chunk of change from the owner. We'll watch this situation closely, I can guarantee you that, but I don't think much will come from it. I wish Zygi the best though. If we can get one of these stupid stadium bills out of the way that would be a good thing.
• I must admit that I hate the song "Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is" by Chicago with a burning passion that rivals the Sun. It may even rival my hatred for Tom Petty songs. I heard it yesterday while I was enjoying a delicious Snuffy's malt and it just about ruined everything. I'm still humming that stupid song.
• 
I just gotta ask, does this man deserve the money the T-Wolves gave him? I know he is a great guy and all, but what does he play, maybe 10 minutes a game? What does he average, a little over 1 point a game? I can't help but think that Mad Dog is the poster child for the ineptness of Kevin McHale as VP.
• Well, I watched all the Firefly episodes. Loved 'em. Couldn't get enough of them. And that Wash character! Such a funny guy. Then I watched the movie Serenity and I was loving it. It had action, suspense, comic relief ... it answered questions and had an awsome plot. And then the unthinkable happened! Why did Joss Whedon do what he did? Why? Both my wife and I sat there stunned. Very upsetting. If you've watched it, you know what I'm talking about.
Luckily, it looks like there will be a Serenity sequel of some sort (probably on TV) so Whedon can redeem himself.
That's all I got time for now. See you later!
Posted by snackeru at 5:52 AM | Comments (18) | Life | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
January 14, 2006
What T-Paw really thinks about losing the Twins
Click image for larger version.
Posted by snackeru at 10:57 AM | Comments (2) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
January 12, 2006
This just in ...
Wow. I'm hearing news from everywhere now. I was just informed of a few items from yesterday's lunch with the governor, Twins, and Hennepin County. One is that Opat may be feeling more optimistic than the news reports. That is certainly good news. However, I was also informed that Bell is really, really disappointed. I mean dangerously disappointed. That is not so good.
I was also informed that Sid Hartman had a serious breakdown on WCCO radio this morning and he literally freaked out about all of this stadium business. This was in part because of the Twins' disappointment over the lunch yesterday, but also because he has heard from other sources that the governor has admitted it would be "political suicide" to attempt a stadium run in 2006. This is not that surprising, but what had Sid really upset is that the governor is telling the media one thing, and his minions another.
I guess Sid also freaked out on Eric Eskola, calling him a "brown-noser" and saying he (Sid) isn't afraid to tell it like it is, that the governor is in jeopardy of losing the Twins and that his political games are getting a little tiresome. I think we all wish T-Paw would just say what he truly thinks and let the chips fall where they may.
I'm trying to get a hold of a recording of this exchange. I'll post it if I can get it.
Posted by snackeru at 9:16 AM | Comments (8) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
Don't give up
• Hello everyone! I know yesterday's news was a little depressing, but a little birdy tells me not to give up hope yet. So, I won't.
• I don't have much time today, so I'm going to leave you with a few thoughts and a document for you to peruse. The document highlights the differences between T-Paw's '04 stadium bill and Hennepin County's '05 stadium bill. Seriously, looking over this document it is obvious T-Paw should have been jumping up and down for joy that Hennepin County was willing to step up to the plate in this way. Hennepin County's plan didn't include any shaky TIF schemes, no arbitrage, no state money, a predictable source of revenue, a clear, up-front contribution from the team, and a very good chance that the debt would have been retired well in advance of 30 years. To put it bluntly, the governor really screwed the pooch on this one. Especially considering the votes were there.
T-Paw '04 vs. Hennepin County '05 (PDF)
Amazing...
Posted by snackeru at 8:19 AM | Comments (0) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
January 11, 2006
Enough slacking off!
• OK people. Enough slacking off. Enough with the excuses. I've got some things to say, and gosh darn it I'm going to say them. 
• As many of you probably know, T-Paw, Hennepin County, and the Twins are going to meet this morning to discuss the possibility of a new stadium bill for the 2006 session that extends the Hennepin County plan. I am confident that T-Paw will say all the right things, but I wonder if Bell is going to put up with the same old rhetoric. There are three things that could happen in this meeting: 1) T-Paw could convince the Twins that he is going to really back a plan and everyone leaves happy, 2) T-Paw could do an adequate job of convincing the Twins he will go to bat for them, the meeting will break up cordially, but Bell will feel pessimistic at best, or 3) T-Paw talks his talk, Bell says he's heard it all before, and the meeting breaks up with nothing accomplished. Obviously I'm hoping for scenario number 1.
• And now to toot my own horn a little bit. I've heard from two different sources deeply involved in the stadium battle that my Voter's Guide is actually having an impact at the state capitol right now. According to my sources, lobbyists are impressed with my work and may even help me finish it off, or suggest places where I am wrong or votes have changed. One of my sources even informed me that lobbyists are "usually paid thousands of dollars" to do what I have done. My next question should have been, "Where is my money then?" but I usually think of the right thing to say well after the conversation has ended. Shoot!
So, my plea for all of you is to make sure that I have the right stance down for your representative. I have been informed that more and more representatives will now be seeing the Voter's Guide and that maybe even the governor himself may be shown my work to prove that the votes are actually there to get a stadium bill passed in this god-forsaken state.
I gotta admit that I have always wanted this site to have an impact. I started the Greet Machine because I was upset with the level of commentary and news concerning the stadium issue, and I wanted to maybe change a few minds, or educate the public with my unique form of propaganda. To hear now that the Voter's Guide is actually making the rounds in the hallowed halls of the capitol is extremely gratifying. If a stadium is ever built, I'd like to think that I have done my part, no matter how small that part may be.
• From another one of my sources I have heard some interesting reasons why the Hennepin County plan does not include user fees. Check this out:
Hennepin County has always advocated for using tax-exempt bonds to finance the public's share of the ballpark's cost. Tax-exempt bonds carry a lower interest than taxable bonds and that keeps the public's cost down. (Similar to a homeowner wanting to find the lowest possible mortgage rate).To make the public's bonds tax-exempt, the IRS requires that the taxes used are unrelated to revenue streams connected to the team, the facility, or events at the facility. That means the ever popular 'user-fees' (ticket taxes, parking surcharges, etc.) don't work if the public entity wants to use tax-exempt debt. That's also why the revenue streams are directed to the team. If the County directly benefitted from the team's activities the public bond issue could not be tax-exempt.
Interesting, no? So there you have it. While some of you still may feel that user fees are more important that a tax exempt status on the bonds, the County's stance is that they will save money in the long run by striving for this tax exempt status.
Of course, there are other reasons why user fees are not a very good source of revenue, and I've written about those reasons before.
• Finally, I must admit that my new contacts in the stadium games are pessimistic that a bill will be voted on by the legislature this session. One source puts the chances at 70-30 against. Of course, it has also been pointed out to me that 30% is an all-star MLB batter so we shouldn't give up hope yet. We'll see how the meeting goes today.
Posted by snackeru at 8:18 AM | Comments (5) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
January 4, 2006
Expect a plan, but no ballpark
In case you missed it, Aron Kahn of the Pioneer Press had a good article concerning a possible plan for a Twins stadium in this upcoming legislative session. As has already been pointed out, Kahn highlights that we should expect a plan to surface, but unless something drastic happens with the collective thinking in the legislature we shouldn't expect that the plan will actually result in a new stadium:
Indeed, Twins point man Jerry Bell, who could challenge the golden horses for most time spent at the Capitol in the past decade, abandoned his diplomatic style last week to say loud and clear that the Twins' problem in the Capitol dome is politics, not the merits of the deal.The team won't spend time lobbying this year, he said, until Pawlenty and lawmakers take the lead and shepherd a stadium bill to a vote on the floor of the House and Senate.
I'm sure you'll all agree that this is not likely. In addition, the article has this to say:
Bell also doesn't know where the future lies. Neither does Pawlenty, Pohlad or baseball commissioner Bud Selig. The ballpark issue is a creature of mood, timing and politics, and no one can foresee the exact time of a harmonic convergence, should it come.But sports-business professionals believe the Twins' status quo at the Metrodome will not exist five years from now.
The first option: The team could indeed get a new stadium deal, but each year it likely would cost more. With the $478 million project missing construction deadlines, the Twins say, a ballpark will cost another $30 million if approved this year, but they insist they will not increase their $125 million portion to cover the difference.
Also, the team could be sold and perhaps moved by a new owner who isn't interested in years of debating the stadium question. There are eight groups currently bidding to buy the Washington Nationals. Will one of the seven losers go after the Twins?
Nothing good in this article, I'm afraid. 5 years from now I think we'll finally know what is the fate of the Twins, Vikings, and Metrodome. Scary to think about.
Of course, I'm interested in the meeting that will take place between the team, T-Paw, and Hennepin County this week, but unless T-Paw really decides to ram a plan through, we should not get our hopes up.
Posted by snackeru at 9:15 AM | Comments (0) | Stadiums
Category "Books"
Category "Gophers"
Category "Sports"
Category "Stadiums"
Category "Vikings"
January 3, 2006
Coaches and other random thoughts
• First of all let me say that I was happy that Zygi gave Tice the pink slip. It is time to put the Red McCombs years behind us and the best way to do that was to fire the Tice. McCombs only hired Tice, who had questionable head coaching credentials to begin with, because he could save some money. With the Wilfs now in charge, I think we are finally going to see some changes at Winter Park that make sense if the organization is really interested in winning a championship. And this may sound callous, but I hope all the assistant coaches under Tice get the pink slip too. Here is my list of who will probably be considered:
- Gregg Williams, defensive coordinator for the Redskins. It sounds like he is the top pick amongst the players.
- Ron Rivera, defensive coordinator for the Bears. I've heard a lot of talk about this guy being given a chance somewhere in the NFL to be a head coach. We'll see if it is the Vikings.
- Ted Cotrell, defensive coordinator for the Vikes. Say it ain't so. I want to fully clean house.
- Scott Linehan, offensive coordinator for the Dolphins. Again, his credentials aren't quite there yet, but Daunte sure would be happy. I expect the Vikings will give Linehan a shot.
- For the rest of the possible choices, check out this post from Mr. Cheer or Die, plus the comments.
And concerning Tice, let me just say that I think he is a top notch guy. One of his best qualities is how gracious he is in defeat, and he showed this quality off again by praising the Wilf family after he was fired. I will remember Tice, the person, fondly.
• I was also happy that the Gophers retained the services of Glen Mason. Letting Mason go would have meant rebuilding, again, for the Gophers. The Gophers cannot afford a "big name" coach to replace Mason, which would have meant hiring some kind of "no name." Retaining Mason means recruiting will continue (and Mason has done pretty well with this considering he has to recruit with the Metrodome), and it means continued respectability for Gopher football. I've said this before and I'll say it again, the Gophers will not win a Rose Bowl until they are playing on campus again. Mason is the right coach to bring them to this point.
• In case you missed it, Sid reports that this week will include a big meeting between T-Paw, the Twins, and Hennepin County concerning the shape of the latest (and greatest!) new stadium plan:
A meeting next week to include Twins officials, Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat and maybe other commissioners will no doubt decide if the Hennepin County plan to build a new baseball park will be extended into next year or dropped.At this point, it is apparent that nobody involved in the negotiations for the baseball stadium are convinced Pawlenty will stick his neck out in favor of building the stadium that not only will assure the Twins remain in the state, but result in million of dollars in labor contracts and building materials.
There is no assurance that the site in back of Target Center will be continue to be available if something constructive isn't done soon.
Count me in the group that doesn't believe Pawlenty will push to get this baseball stadium built.
Amen to that. There is no way that T-Paw sticks his neck out for this, not in a year when the Republicans will undoubtedly be fighting for their political lives. I'd like to think that Pawlenty will want to solve this problem, but right now he is in extreme politician mode as he tries to make everyone as happy as possible while really getting nothing accomplished. Meanwhile, stadiums get more and more expensive ...
• Just finished my first book of the year, Empire Falls by Richard Russo. This was a fantastic and very well written book, but I couldn't help but think that I've read it before. It was very similar in feel to Minnesota author Jon Hassler's Staggerford and Grand Opening. In fact, another Russo book I've read, Straight Man, was eerily similar to Rookery Blues by Jon Hassler. So, I dug around a bit to find out if anyone else has these same feelings, and I find that Russo is a big fan of Hassler. What does this mean for you? Probably nothing. But if you've read any Russo and you enjoyed it, I encourage you to pick up Hassler's books, especially Grand Opening.
Now I'm reading Planets by Dava Sobel. Pretty good so far, but nothing can top her writing in Longitude, the story of a clockmaker's attempts to solve the biggest maritime problem in the age of discovery.
That's about it. See you soon!
Posted by snackeru at 8:23 AM | Comments (8) | Books | Gophers | Sports | Stadiums | Vikings
Category "Stadiums"
December 28, 2005
Let's make this clear...
In the famous words of one of my favorite comic book characters growing up, "Big fat hairy deal." Let's spell it out in a mathematical equation type format:
$30 million increase in cost + "absolutely" no more money from the Twins + moronic legislators + "talk is cheap" governor = No New Twins Stadium
Whatever plan Pawlenty is going to put together will go absolutley nowhere. The sooner we come to this conclusion, the better.
This is my immediate reaction...
Posted by snackeru at 9:27 AM | Comments (2) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
November 29, 2005
Sqwaking about all three stadiums...
Howdy everyone! Well, just a quick word about the upgrade of the software that runs this blog. If you didn't know, the Greet Machine sits on the UThink system at the University of Minnesota. Yesterday, we upgraded the entire system from Movable Type 2.661 to Movable Type 3.2. This was not a trivial change so it was a little nerve wracking yesterday. Well, for the most part things went OK. I did have to work on the system last night to fix comment submissions and allow people to change templates, but everything is looking good. On with the crux of this post.
Let's start with the Vikings. If you didn't get a chance to read Mark Craig's story in the Strib this Sunday, Saying No Way to the Cleveland Way, you should definitely check it out. Again, Wilf is emphatic that he won't move the Vikings. And up to this point I have always believed him. Unfortunately, after reading the story of how Cleveland lost the Browns, I am now of the opinion that while Zygi is a great guy, there is now way that he stays in the Metrodome forever. No way. I still think the Vikings have a better shot at a new stadium than the Twins, but if the Vikings situation turns into a repeat of the Twins fiasco, I don't expect Zygi to be patient and understanding forever. I don't know what it was about the article, but I just got a bad feeling.
The part of the article I foud most interesting though was this quote from Zygi:
Wilf said if anyone is waiting for him to pay for the entire stadium project, “it won’t be happening. We have a partner that is willing to throw in $280 million, the county of Anoka.�
That shouldn't surprise anyone. However, what I take away from this snippet is that I think Zygi is beginning to realize he has got to take the state out of the equation. Right now the state is expected to kick in $115 million. Forget about it Zygi! If Zygi came out and said, "OK, $280 million from Anoka County and the rest from me." Well, I think we would have a done deal. It would also demonstrate to Pohlad how to open up his wallet a little more.
Secondly, let's talk about the Twins. You probably saw this editorial/commentary from Hennepin County Commissioners Mike Opat and Randy Johnson so I won't get into it too much, but I was thrilled to see that Opat and Johnson still have hope. Obviously, they blame Pawlenty more than anyone over this mess, and I can't say I disagree. Pawlenty has shown zero leadership on this deal, even though it meets all of his criteria for stadium construction for the Twins. Again, though, the fact that Opat and Johnson are still discussing this is a good thing. We may see some action on this front in December.
And to back up that notion we have news about the Gophers stadium situation. Today in the Minnesota Daily there is an article discussing the sponsorship deals the U has put together and how they are in danger of expiring. That we all knew. However, the article also quotes University Chief Financial Officer Richard Pfutzenreuter as saying they haven't given up yet on a special session:
Pfutzenreuter said the University will attempt to renegotiate the deals if they are in danger of expiring. Before the University contacts the businesses, it will make another effort to reach out to Gov. Tim Pawlenty, he said.“(This week), we’ll take the temperature of the governor about a special session,� Pfutzenreuter said.
So, in other words, we may get another flurry of activity soon concerning the possibility for a special session. This is certainly good news, but I'm not sure we should get our hopes up yet.
Well, that is about it from here. There is more UThink work to do!
Posted by snackeru at 8:39 AM | Comments (4) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
November 23, 2005
Wow! Lots of stuff to chew on ...
Wow! I leave for Boston for a couple of days and the travesty that is the Twins stadium debacle just explodes with news. Let's get it on!
Today it is being reported that the Florida Marlins will begin exploring a move out of Miami. Of course, the same old cities are trotted out as possible new homes: Las Vegas and Portland to be specific.
If you'll recall, the Marlins had a bill before the Florida legislature that called for a team contribution of upwards of $190 million, almost half of the cost. The Florida House approved the bill, but the Senate balked at a state contriution of $60 million in the form of a sales tax rebate. It is this kind of flat out stupidity from the Florida legislature that has me convinced that no matter how much the Twins offer for a new stadium, our illustrious legislators will tell them to take a hike unless it is 100% of the cost.
According to the article above Portland has already given the Marlins office an exploratory phone call inviting them to consider western Oregon as a new home. Portland has an interesting web site discussing their efforts to build a stadium and land a team. You'll note that in the upper right there are a bunch of articles that highlight the difficulties the Marlins, A's, and Twins are having building new stadiums. It seems Portland won't be picky, they'll take any of our teams. How nice of them. Anyway, they are hot for the Marlins now.
Portland also seems to have a stadium financing plan in place, but it is a very weak plan from what I've read. According to an article in the Oregonian, the financing plan looks like this:
Portland does have the baseball stadium financing bill in place, passed in 2003, that would contribute an estimated $150 million from the income taxes of players and team officials to the construction of a ballpark. There also has been progress on moving the U.S. Post Office from downtown and freeing up what could be the best stadium site -- that could be accomplished within five years, Kanter said.
$150 million? Wow, that is weak. It would appear that Portland is far from ready for this.
That leaves Las Vegas, which Jayson Stark recently listed as the odds-on favorite to land the team:
One baseball man familiar with the situation says there is "no way" Vegas could get a ballpark up and operable before 2010. But since the Marlins have a lease in Florida till then, they could, in theory, stagger through four lame-duck seasons while they're waiting for the moving vans. It's not a perfect situation. But people who know Loria continue to predict that if Vegas builds it, the Marlins will come. ODDS: 2 TO 1.
Stark also writes that Loria considers the Las Vegas market to be a "gold mine" so I look for the biggest push for the Marlins to be towards Sin City.
The big question in all of this, though, is how does this affect the Twins? Is this good news or bad news? Obviously one less city to worry about as a possible future home of the Twins could certainly be looked at as a good thing. However, the way I see it there will be two cities (Portland and Las Vegas) that will now be going ape over trying to land the Marlins. Only one of them will win the team, but they will both do a ton of work trying to land the team. I would wager that the losing city, having worked so hard to land the Marlins, will then make a huge push for the Twins or the A's. And by 2010 the Twins in particular will be willing to listen.
Thankfully, the Twins haven't made any kind of overt threat like the Marlins yet saying they are exploring the possibility of a new home. But I wouldn't be surprised if they do after December 31. Recently I began thinking about just what are the Twins options after Dec. 31 when the Hennepin County plan expires?
I think Major League Baseball and the Twins have a bunch of options: 1) they can threaten a move ala the Marlins, 2) MLB can purchase them ala the Expos, 3) MLB can threaten contraction, 4) the Pohlads can sell the team, or 5) they can keep quiet and realize they are stuck.
Given that the Marlins beat them to the punch, I don't think the Twins will make the same threat to move. At least not this year, or probably even next year or the next. As Stark mentions above (and Jay Weiner mentioned a couple of weeks ago), Las Vegas won't be ready for a new team until at least 2010, and Portland won't be ready for a team ... well ever probably. It was probably a big problem to get the public to pony up $150 million, let alone the $400-$500 million Pohlad will expect to move the team out there. So, I really don't expect the Twins to make any threats to move.
I also strongly don't think MLB will buy the Twins ala the Expos. They don't want that headache again. ESPN reported last week that the Nationals still don't have a stadium deal hammered down (Baseball is balking at Washington DC's request for guaranteed rent, believed to be about $6 million a year. Can you believe it?), they still don't have an owner (about 8 groups are rumored to be ready to pay upwards of $450 million for the team), and they don't even have a budget for next year ready. MLB has made a total mess of this situation and it doesn't look like it will be cleaned up soon. Does MLB want the same situation with the Twins? No, not at all.
And now with the Marlins threatening to move, contraction would appear to be off the table as an option for the Twins. For contraction to work, the Twins would need a dance partner and without the Marlins there would be no one left.
Selling the team also seems to not be an option given that Pohlad has already made it quite clear he doesn't want to sell the team. Plus, who would buy the team? Reggie Jackson has already been proven to be the second coming of Donald Watkins, and what other idiot would want to buy a team without a decent stadium?
That leaves the Twins one option, it would seem, and that is to shut up and do nothing. I suppose they could threaten to move, but where would they move to? Las Vegas will already be courting the Marlins, and Portland is a joke. The Twins will be stuck, and they know it. I can't say for how long, but for the next 4-5 years the Twins have zero options besides staying in Minnesota.
Why am I writing all this? Well, it is my sincere hope that Pohlad realizes that the game is up. It is my sincere hope that he knows he is stuck until at least 2010. Again, he has a choice: he can either sit there and "lose money" every year as he claims, or he can bite the bullet and offer more money.
The Hennepin County plan is a good one. Again, I wonder what would happen if Pohlad cracked open his wallet just a little wider and bumped his contribution to $200 million? Would the legislature throw it back in his face or would they stand up and take notice? Given that in 4-5 years any new stadium plan, any last gasp of an effort, will probably require a $200 million contribution from Pohlad (or probably more). So, why doesn't he "shock the world" and just get this deal done NOW? There is room to negotiate Pohlad! Please, for the love of Pete start thinking about this and make this plan work!
All bets are off after 2010, but I can't see the Twins doing anything but sticking around in our sorry excuse for a stadium for the next 4 to 5 years. Pohlad has got to know this. Sadly, it would appear the Minnesota legislature knows it too. As much as I would love Pohald to "pull an Irsay" as Kevin in Arizona has written, I just don't think it is going to happen.
Posted by snackeru at 2:49 PM | Comments (7) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
November 16, 2005
Stadium news update
Believe it or not, there has been some stadium news as of late that may or may not be of interest. The first item of business comes to me from long time reader freealonzo who pointed me in the direction of this recent post on the City Pages blog The Blotter. In the post, Mike Opat voices his disgust with T-Paw and his inactivity on the Hennepin County Twins stadium bill:
"The disaster scenario is that they think we're going to be there next year with this proposal," Opat continued. "But I'm not going to sit across the table from the Twins this spring and tell them we don't have a deal yet. If this doesn't happen, there will have to be a proposal that uses state dollars."...
Either way, Opat seemed resigned to walking away. "If this proposal isn't hashed out, I'm done," Opat said, with just a hint of bitterness. "I've got to move on with my life."
So, there you have it. I suppose this is nothing really new (Opat has hinted at this before), but you can really read the frustration in his quotes now. The post also includes some interesting comments from Frank Hornstein, Minneapolis representative and moron extraordinaire:
Hornstein, who has expressed distaste for public funding of stadiums in the past, said that the current proposal might have legs in the legislature--"the Minneapolis delegation would vote against it, and half of the Hennepin County delegation, but everybody else seems fine with it"--but that he would rather see a proposal that involves the Twins ponying up more than one-quarter of the cost. And, he said, if the deal changes to the Twins needing state money, all bets are likely off.
So we have Opat saying if another deal is struck it will include state money and Hornstein saying if state money is involved "all bets are off." A bit of a conundrum, don't you think?
But really, again, this is nothing new. Hornstein does offer a ray of hope in saying that the Twins need to offer more money and it is beginning to look like (actually it has always looked like) this is exactly what needs to happen. How likely is this? Not very, but I sure wish Pohlad would get his head out of his butt and start seeing the inevitable.
As has already been pointed out, Vegas is a long shot to be a future home of the Twins. Best case scenario is 2010 and only if "all the stars are aligned." So, your probably really looking at 2014 or 2015.
So Pohlad has a choice, it would seem to me. He can either stay in the Metrodome and "lose money" or he can offer more and get this deal done. What if he decided to bump up his contribution to $200 million? What if as a last ditch effort he said, "Screw it all, I'm old and I can't take it anymore. Here have an extra $80 million." Would a special session be called then? I would hope so. But again, what are the chances of this happening? Probably zip.
Well, I'm just rambling now. The fact of the matter is I want this to be over.
I also wanted to send a big Shout Out! to Jim in St. Paul for recently sending me some really, really interesting old documents detailing the history of Met Stadium and its construction. Fascinating material. I became so enamored with the documents and the stories of how the Twins and Vikings decided to make their homes here in Minnesota that I decided to scan them myself and make them available on this here blog.
Unfortunately, due to copyright concerns, I was only able to scan one of them titled "A Decade at the Met: The Twins and the Vikings." Download it with the link below:
A Decade at the Met: The Twins and the Vikings
For the purposes of getting the file to be as small a download as possible I stripped out all the pictures and just left the text. But it is very, very juicy. The story of the building of the Met is quite fascinating, especially the claims that it was built without a dime of tax payer money.
Most of the work of building the Met fell upon the broad shoulders of a group of Minneapolis businessmen who called themselves the Minute Men. The Minute Men sold many of the original bonds that financed the original construction of the ballpark in 1954-56. Without these phenomenal leaders the Met would have never been built and who knows if the Twin Cities would be major league even today. The document states:
The Minute Men's initial task has been accomplished. But the work of the group has not ended. It committed itself early to support those enterprises which have made the area big league. "Screaming successes" have faded in other towns because boosters became complacent and figured that they had no further obligation to back and promote the sports attractions they had won.As one wag said, "And who would be stupid enough to let such a dynamic collection of talent disassemble?"
It seems we are stupid enough as the Minute Men are no more. Sadly we need them now more than ever.
More on these documents from Jim in St. Paul at another time.
Posted by snackeru at 12:40 PM | Comments (4) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
November 7, 2005
Ellen Anderson, my new enemy
Let's see ... my list of enemies is growing. The "list" has always been topped by Phil Krinkie and John Marty, followed closely by Ron Abrams. New additions to my list have included Frank Hornstein, Ann Lenczewski, and Eric Paulsen. Now, thanks to this article in last week's Star Tribune, I must also add Sen. Ellen Anderson.
It seems Ms. Anderson is in favor of a special session to deal with heating costs and heating aid. That is certainly a noble cause and one I would also favor. However, towards the end of the article, she also had this to say:
Anderson said she doesn't want a special session that would have energy assistance as its primary purpose but would also produce hundreds of millions of dollars in stadium subsidies for privately owned teams."If that was the result, I think we'd all look really bad," she said ..."
Sigh. No, Ellen, I'll tell you what would make you look "really bad": waiting and waiting for a mythical "better deal" until stadium costs are so prohibitive that any savings you hoped to achieve are all eaten by inflation.
A new basebal stadium is inevtitable. We can either do it now and save ourselves a lot of money or do it later for probably 10 times as much.
Back in the late 80s/early 90s U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago was built completely with public money for $167 million. You know what? They look like the smart ones now given that any public investment for a stadium in Minnesota will probably be twice as much as that. Even if the Twins paid for half, the public investment on a new stadium would probably be around $250 million.
How in the world has this fight against stadium financing benefited Minnesota? This is what we fought for? The opportunity to get a "better deal" that will actully cost us way more than if we had just built the stupid thing back in 1995? Gee, thanks Ellen! Its a good thing I have you on my side!
And by the way, if you are wondering what it means to be on my list, well it means Ellen Anderson can look forward to a nasty letter and less than flattering commentary on this blog! Take that!
Posted by snackeru at 12:46 PM | Comments (2) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
November 2, 2005
Stadium in the North
Good article in the Strib today:
Time is now for stadium in north
Among other salient points, the author makes these arguments:
This development will produce thousands of jobs, generate millions of dollars in economic activity, improve infrastructure and help ease the local property tax burden. It's estimated that the two impacted school districts each will see their property tax base strengthened by $5.4 million, and the city and the county each will see their tax base grow by $10.8 million. This provides the schools, city and county an enhanced tax base enabling property taxes to remain the lowest per person in the metro area and among the lowest of all 87 counties in the state, while funding education and human services programs for residents.
Interesting. It sounds good to me, but how likely is this actually? What is the "reality check?" Personally I have no doubt that a stadium would benefit Anoka County, so what would the anti-stadium crowd say to these claims above?
Regardless, Anoka County won't see this project approved for quite a while. I'm thinking not until the Twins leave.
Posted by snackeru at 3:06 PM | Comments (11) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
I know, I know!
I know what you are thinking, "Where is Shane? I need my Greet Machine!" Well, I'm very sorry about my absence yesterday. I decided to take another day off from work to help my wife recuperate from the festivities of "Halloween at the Creek." Obviously, I'll have to describe this, but at a later time.
Because I have taken two days off, I am now swamped under a tidal wave of email. So, I must keep this brief. In my time available I would like to point this little tidbit out that you may have missed:
Dean Johnson, the Senate majority leader, credited Gov. Tim Pawlenty with making phone calls to various members of the Legislature trying to get the votes necessary to hold a special session. The session would include voting on the Gophers and Twins stadium. Johnson said he's still hopeful something will be done.
My prediction: there will be one more weak attempt to call a special session, but surprise, surprise it won't go anywhere. Pawlenty is playing both sides right now in hopes that he can placate enough people to get re-elected. This stadium business is just part of the game. Oh well, I'll keep my fingers crossed. Although, they've been crossed for over 11 years now and they are starting to hurt.
Posted by snackeru at 8:52 AM | Comments (1) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
October 27, 2005
Random thoughts
• First of all congratulations to the Chicago White Sox. 88 years is a long time to wait. Although I wouldn't have minded if the Astros had won, I am happy that A.J. got a ring. He deserves it.
• Now, it wouldn't be right if I didn't somehow turn this into a stadium rant, I mean, that is probably what you expect. So, I'll try not to disappoint.
Minute Maid Park cost $250 million back in 1998-1999 when it was built. $180 million was publicly financed through a 2 percent hotel tax and a 5 percent rental-car tax. The rest came from a $52 million contribution from the owners (20% of the cost) and $33 million from a no-interest state loan (about 12% of the cost). This is a beautiful, retractable-roof stadium built for $250 million. I'm sure most Houston residents are thrilled with it (even though their team lost) and wouldn't ever decide to go back in time and not build it.
U.S. Cellular Field cost $167 million when it was built in the 1989-1990 and was 100% publicly financed through a 2% hotel tax in Chicago. We can argue forever on whether or not it is a "nice" ballpark, but I think we can all agree that it is better than the Metrodome.
My question for all the anti-stadium baseball fans out there is how can you stand to even watch this game anymore? How do you stomach the fact that 90% of the teams out there play in stadiums that are so heavily publicly financed? I mean, just look at the White Sox. They are riding the public gravy train for all it is worth. Doesn't that just make you turn off the TV in disgust? And if not, why not? Why do you choose to perpetuate this situation by continuing to support such a "flawed" system?
I truly would like to know how anti-stadium folk that are also baseball fans can justify their continued support of MLB. Is this public fleecing OK for other cities, but just not OK for the Twin Cities? Do you feel better about the situation just because you aren't the one being fleeced? I gotta admit, if I was anti-stadium I would have turned off the TV, I would have watched my last professional game, a long, long time ago. Why do you continue to watch MLB? I have to know.
• Finally, yesterday was Day 2 in my quest to figure out if my life is interesting or boring. Yesterday was a pretty ho-hum day at work, only one meeting, and I got some nice stuff accomplished. However, last night I went to church with my family. My church puts on a production every Wednesday night called Mission 6~7 that is geared towards kids. There is singing, there is a little play staring the Mission 6~7 clubhouse kids (a bunch of hilarious adults), and there is a message to take home. This last month the theme has been "determination" which has been defined in kids language as "deciding it is worth it to finish what you've started" and the play and other little skits are geared toward getting that message across, that working hard for a goal is well worth it. Of course, being a church, there is a heavy focus on the Bible and what it has to say about determination. As you might imagine, there are a ton of examples in the Bible that demonstrate determination.
Anyway, my kids love Wednesday nights. How often do kids actually like to go to church? Well, my kids do, and that is great. There is also a good message coming out of the production that my kids can use in their daily lives. Hey, it sure beats watching Cartoon Network all night. Plus, we hang out together as a family. I practically dance around with my daughter the whole time.
So, I'm going to give yesterday the rank of Interesting. Not as interesting as backpacking in Thailand, but better than sitting on my butt watching TV. That brings my tally to:
Interesting days: 2
Boring days: 0
Posted by snackeru at 8:51 AM | Comments (11) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
October 24, 2005
Little known Einstein equation
BERLIN -- A little understood Einstein equation has finally been explained as proof that besides being a genius Einstein could also predict the future.
"We've been scratching our heads over this for over 70 years," says Helmut Konigkaiser, curator of the Einstein Museum of Chalkboard Equations. "Now we understand it as a very prescient prediction of the ineptitude of the Minnesota state government in the year 2005."
Originally written by Einstein while sleep walking, the equation has been shown to be proof positive that the current government of Minnesota is filled with morons to the 36th power. How Einstein came up with the number 36 will never be known, but it is obvious that he intended to show that the moronic level of the Minnesota state government is very, very high.
"While the 'moronic level' of anything is difficult to measure," added Mr. Konigkaiser, "I think it is safe to assume anything above being 'squared' or 'cubed' is truly a hopeless situtation."
Indeed, the people of Minnesota are, in fact, being governed by a group of people that have difficulty mustering the mental fortitude to tie their own shoes or even cross the street. Unfortunately for them, while Einstein figured out a way to measure the 'moronic level' he did not suggest a way for Minnesotans to get themselves out of this mess.
"I've got a solution," says Cheesehead Craig, long time hater of all things Minnesota and fan of all things Wisconsin. "There is always room for you all on the Wisconsin bandwagon. Come to the dark side and finally be happy."
It would appear that Minnesota sports fans are stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Posted by snackeru at 4:26 PM | Comments (13) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
October 20, 2005
I crush your head!
Posted by snackeru at 6:46 PM | Comments (2) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
Krinkie for Congress
• Krinkie for Congress official web site
• Krinkie for Congress blog
Let me just say that I am in full support of Phil Krinkie becoming a U.S. Congressman. It is my opinion that he can do less damage to our state in Washington than if he is working in St. Paul.
Go Krinkie, go!
Really, please go ...
Posted by snackeru at 4:08 PM | Comments (2) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
Oh boy, here we go ...
Well, I can't hold back. Not with all this stadium news and debate going on. "No Sports Week" at the Greet Machine has now been put on hold. This should make Cheesehead Craig happy since (and I kid you not) two days ago he was outside my backyard window chanting, "We want sports! We want sports! We want stadium news!" That gave me a chuckle.
Where to begin? How about with Sid's column today. Unless you live under a rock you have probably already read:
With the governor refusing to call a special session and the Twins going to court to make sure they are free to move if they so desire, it's beginning to look more and more like that the 2007 Twins will be playing in Las Vegas.
Holy cow, I don't like to read stuff like that. It gives me the willies. True, Sid has made some crappy predicitions before, but as my father-in-law says, "Even a pig finds a cherry every now and again." Translation: you make enough predictions, sooner or later one of them will turn out to be true. So, what say you Sid?
You want my prediction? Baseball will buy the Twins from the Pohlad family one of these days, just as it did with the Montreal Expos. Then the Pohlads will be off the hook. And a stadium will be built, or this team will be on its way out of town.
Well, there certainly is precedence for this. Plus, Shooter is reporting the same thing today:
If the Twins are unable to get approval for a new ballpark, one option for Major League Baseball might be to buy the franchise, as it did the Montreal Expos for $120 million, then operate it until it can be relocated. The Expos, under the ownership of Major League Baseball, played part of their schedule in Puerto Rico.
I know what you are thinking, between Sid and Shooter you have maybe 1/4 of the actual truth. Well, what we do know for sure is that MLB is fed up with this situation. How do we know this? Why else would T-Paw be calling Bud Selig on a Sunday to discuss stadiums?
I've been critical of Pawlenty, and for good reason, but it does appear that he is "fervently" working in the background to make something happen.
Pawlenty, who resolved to not lose professional teams on his watch, hosted the private meeting on Sunday at his Summit Avenue home.According to people familiar with the meeting, the governor received Doug Baker, chief executive of Ecolab; Jim Campbell, former chief executive of Wells Fargo of Minnesota; Dick Ames, chief executive of Ames Construction; Dave Mona, a public relations executive and sports booster; Jim Pohlad, son of Twins owner Carl Pohlad; Dave St. Peter, president of the team; Jerry Bell, president of Twins Sports Inc., the Pohlad company that owns the club; and various support staff.
Man, what I would have given to have been a fly on the wall at that meeting. What was discussed? Were there any new proposals floated? Did Bell and Jim Pohlad exit the meeting feeling better or feeling the same? Well, I think we know the answer to that one. Shortly after the meeting the Twins sued the MSFC.
So, I gotta cut T-Paw a little bit of slack. It would appear he is doing something. However, the proof is in the pudding. We'll see if T-Paw has anything to show for this activity come December 31.
Again, we know T-Paw wants to call a special session. We know that he is in favor of this plan. He would sign off on it if it came to his desk. But we also know that this issue of a new Twins stadium would not make for a short and sweet special session. First of all, T-Paw, Sviggum, and Johnson will never be able to get the 2/3 majority in both chambers to circumvent legislative rules of procedure. That means that a bill has to pass at least one committee and be heard on the floor 3 times. If you put the Twins stadium bill through that, we are really talking about a long, painful, drawn out process as every anti-stadium legislator beats away at the bill with amendments and their two-cents.
So, I gotta cut T-Paw a little slack. True, he is showing a real lack of leadership in not being able to convince his some of his party members to get in line, but getting this Twins stadium bill to a House floor vote is flat out a hard thing to do.
Finally, check out what St. Peter had to say when Bob Sansavere asked him how much more a Twins stadium will cost next year:
Losing another year will cost $31 million. Those are real, not mythical, numbers.
$31 million. Gee, thanks a lot Krinkie, Marty, Paulsen, and all you other anti-stadium legislators that are fighting so hard so that I'll have a few extra pennies in my pocket. Fighting so hard is only costing me and the state of Minnesota more than any savings you think you are giving to me!
That's all I got time for. More later...
Posted by snackeru at 8:21 AM | Comments (3) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
October 10, 2005
Clarification
• First and foremost congratulations to the University of Minnesota football team for reclaiming the Little Brown Jug this Saturday. What a great game. If you missed it, you missed out on something special. Bring on the Badgers!
• I need to clarify that I am not anti-Gopher stadium. I'm not against any stadium. I think a new Gopher stadium will be great, and I am going to have a blast watching it being built. However, it perplexes me to no end that we are bending over backwards to build a stadium for the only team that cannot leave our state. You will never see a University of Minnesota home game live from Los Angeles.
So, again, I love the idea of a new Gopher stadium. I love the idea of bringing the tradition of Gopher football back to campus, and the stadium designs I have seen are absolutely beautiful. But I have always given the Twins priority.
• Finally, I need to clarify that I am not against a stadium being built in St. Paul. I would love a stadium in St. Paul. But T-Paw's recent comments concerning building a new Twins ballpark in the capital city are so transparent to me I am almost speechless. Almost.
From my standpoint, T-Paw is only bringing St. Paul back into the picture because Minneapolis will soon be out of the picture. Mike Opat has made it clear that if the Hennepin County plan is not approved they will be taking it off the table. T-Paw knows this. So, in order to keep the Twins placated he is now suggesting St. Paul again as a possible new home. Then, when he screws over that plan I suppose he will then suggest Minneapolis again.
As Sid said today, T-Paw doesn't care if the Twins move. He only wants to do enough so that it looks like the state is interested in keeping the Twins. When the Twins are gone, I am going to hold him personally responsible.
Posted by snackeru at 8:49 AM | Comments (6) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
October 7, 2005
I'm tired
Well, I've had my fun. I'm tired. I'm angry. I'm spent. If you live under a rock, outside of the state of Minnesota, or if you don't keep up with stadium politics at all, today I received some very bad news. At least for me. If you are anti-stadium you should be thrilled. Good for you.
It looks like the special session (if there is one) will only deal with the Gophers stadium. In addition, if another issue is to be taken up it will probably be the hospital in Maple Grove. This is a big let down for me. I don't know how else to put it. I want a Twins stadium. It doesn't look like it is going to happen anymore.
Why? Well, as I said a few days ago, the votes are there, but anti-stadium legislators promised to turn the special session into a circus if the Twins stadium was a part of it. Remember that 2/3 majority vote to suspend legislative rules for a possible one day session? Yep, John Marty pretty much promised he would use that against any efforts to pass a Twins stadium bill.
So, I must face facts. I must come to grips with the inevitable. It ain't gonna happen. I think my hope is at an all time low. Is there still a little bit of hope? Yes. But less than ever.
Really, why should I get upset about this anymore? 10 years of let downs should have made me immune to this kind of feeling.
Not next year. Not ever. Not in Minneapolis. Not in St. Paul (Pawlenty is such a moron!). Do what you will, Mr. Pohlad.
See you all later. I don't know when...
Posted by snackeru at 4:40 PM | Comments (7) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
October 6, 2005
Optimism increases
• Holy cow am I feeling good today. It is surprising what just a little snippet from Charley Walters can do for my outlook on life in general:
Latest word is the Twins and Gophers now have the legislative votes to approve new stadiums if agreements can be reached, so Gov. Tim Pawlenty can call a special session. Pawlenty wants to hear a firm commitment first, though.
So, there you have it. The votes are there. T-Paw is willing to call the session. It sounds like the legislative leaders just need to cross the t's and dot the i's.
Ha! Phew, I almost got ahead of myself there! As Kevin in AZ says, it is all just talk right now. We've got a long way to go. However, I feel good about what I am hearing.
• You know what I can't stand? Hypocrisy. I know, you probably can't stand hypocrisy either. That is why I'm sure you'll agree with me that Nick Coleman is an idiot, but worse he is being very hypocritical.
Nick is anti-stadium. As examples, there is this, and this, and many more that demonstrate his anger towards stadium financing, especially towards building a Twins stadium.
I am really quite stunned by the level of anger demonstrated by this usually coherent author. First of all, Nick, why don't you calm down, clean the spit up off your chin and the drool off of your bib, and take a moment to consider just what you are all upset about. As a Star Trib has already pointed out 30 other cities and states have figured out how to make this work, but somehow we are different. I'll tell you how we are different: we are filled with morons like Nick Coleman that would rather we end up with nothing, no worse than nothing, a freaking $10 million gap in our state budget so he can stick it to an 80 year old man.
Oh no, the Gollum-like Nick Coleman says, you can't have my precious pennies, I would rather 10 years pass by after the Twins are long gone so we can spend 3-4-5 times as much on a new stadium then. By that time Minnesota will realize its huge error and we'll be begging for baseball to return. Thanks a bunch for that, Nick. You seem to have a real knack for seeing the forest through the trees. Save now and spend way more later. Where do I sign up for that?
Nicky also thinks he is somewhat of a ballpark design expert. I had no idea he was so knowledgeable concerning the placement and design of new baseball stadiums. Nick has called the design a "boxy thing" that won't get hardly any sun and where the spectators will be treated to the smells of "roasting garbage." Hyperbole? Meet your new king. I tell you what Nick, besides the fact that it has already been proven that the smells from the burner are minimal at best, I think I'll trust the Twins and the architects to design the new ballpark. God knows whatever they design will be better than the Metrodome, which by the way doesn't get any sun-light at all.
But here is what has me really angry towards Nicky today: he has written an article full of praise for the Minnesota Wild and the Xcel Energy Center. The Minnesota Wild. A team that is a part of the NHL. Yes, the same exact NHL that cancelled an entire season.
But more importantly, the Minnesota Wild is a team, much like the Twins would be, that is accepting millions of dollars in public subsidies to pay for their arena. Why isn't Nicky upset about this? Why isn't he railing against the half-cent sales tax that St. Paul residents currently pay for the X? Why isn't he spewing his vitrol towards the interest-free state general fund loan that the Wild received to build the X? Where is the same level of anger towards the ownership of the Wild that Nicky launches towards Zygi Wilf and Carl Pohlad?
Is it because the X cost less than a Vikings or Twins stadium? Is it all about price then rather than the principle of giving billionaire owners public money?
Or is it because the X is built in St. Paul? Coleman is quite a homer for St. Paul, so maybe if public money is going to be given to billionaire, as long as it is in St. Paul it is OK.
Or maybe it is because Nicky likes hockey. If I remember correctly, Nick has written before that he laces up the skates every once in a while. Maybe Nick feels public money for billionaires is OK as long as he likes the sport the money is going to.
Whatever the case, if he was ever against the X (and he should have been given his diatribes against the Twins stadium) he isn't anymore. It seems his principles are lost as soon as the new venue opens and he can see for himself how beautiful and meaningful these new buildings can be. But before they are built he goes out of his way to prove his stunning and hypocritical ignorance.
I am sick of it.
• Finally, there was a decent letter to the editor in the Strib today that had this to say:
There are at least four issues that the governor and legislative leaders need to get together on: new stadiums for the Minnesota Twins and the University of Minnesota football team, a proposed hospital in Maple Grove and the Minneapolis teachers pension fund. Each of them is very important.All parties need to take a stand, call a special session and resolve these issues.
Amen, Mr. Crosland. Here is what is remarkable about this letter. Mr. Crosland combines stadiums, health care, and education issues all in the same grouping of "we should get all of these done." Yes! I don't have time to expound on this point, but I think all of you get the picture.
Posted by snackeru at 8:35 AM | Comments (8) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
October 5, 2005
Same old, same old
• So, the headlines today and yesterday read "Pawlenty's special-session offer drew no takers", "Agreement on agenda unlikely", and "Special session menu fails." One troubling thing I have read in these articles is this set of quotes from Geoff Michel:
Sen. Geoff Michel, R-Edina, author of the Gophers stadium bill, said he’s “encouraged that the governor is going to meet with legislative leaders.”“These are difficult issues, and they should be decided face to face, not through the mail,” he said.
Asked what should be done about the Gophers stadium proposal, Michel said he would encourage people to consider holding a one-day University session with no legislator pay.
“One day. No pay. Gophers only,” Michel said.
I think it is a given that the only reason a special session is still being considered is because of the financial realities of the Gophers stadium plan. Two of their big donations expire before the beginning of the next regular session, so there is an urgency to get this plan approved.
The troubling thing about Michel's statements is that I wouldn't be at all surprised if this is the kind of discussions T-Paw and the other legislative leaders are having. What is the only bill they can count on passing in a timely fashion? The Gophers bill, of course. What is the only bill that is keeping the hopes for a special session alive? The Gophers bill. What is the only bill they can all agree on? The Gophers bill.
As I said before, T-Paw wants to call a special session. I am especially convinced of this given that yesterday he still wanted to talk about the possibilities with legislative leaders even after they made him and his "menu" look stupid. However, the agenda is narrowing.
I pray that the session will deal with the Gophers and the Twins, but realistically the only bill that meets Pawlenty's criteria for a quick and painless session is the Gophers bill.
Here is hoping that Sviggum and Johnson can convince T-Paw to take up the Twins bill. We shall see...
• In addition, I have a few words concerning my claims that "the votes are there" to pass a Twins stadium bill. Check out this snippet from a MN Legislature document describing special sessions:
During special sessions, the House and the Senate often pass bills shortly after they are introduced. This is accomplished by declaring an “urgency” and suspending both the constitutional requirement that each bill be considered on three different days in each house and the requirement of legislative rules that each bill be referred to a committee when it is introduced. The two-thirds vote required in each house to expedite passage in this way usually is forthcoming, because legislators generally wish to curb the length of the session.
People, 2/3 majority in the House is 88 or 89 votes. While it is possible, it is highly unlikely that there are 88 yes votes for the Twins stadium bill. Again, I count 66 yes and 21 unknown. Even if all 21 unknowns came out in favor of the bill, that would only be 87.
Am I missing something here? Will 2/3 majority be necessary, or is there some other legislative procedure I don't know about? Any anti-stadium people out there know for sure? David Wintheiser?
If 2/3 majority is necessary ... well, that would suck. I don't know how else to put it.
• Finally, I just wanted to say that I love the Johnny Cash song "The Man Comes Around." It is approaching "Songs for a Desert Island" status. That voice, the understated guitar, the lyrics! Just wonderful...
Posted by snackeru at 8:53 AM | Comments (7) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
October 3, 2005
Pawlenty speaks
Well, the moment I have been waiting for has come. Pawlenty has spoken favorably about the chances for a special session. Or has he? Let's take a look at his actual words, from the pages of Sid's illustrious column in the Strib today:
"I'll bring them in, but you know, the point is, they all want to shoot their traps off -- not all of them, but a couple of them on the other side of the aisle -- and it's put-up-or-shut-up time. If you're for the stadium, then say it, but limit the session to that -- the Gophers or Twins, or whichever other of those issues -- and that they've got the votes to back up their words. So, you quit talking the talk and start walking the walk.
Hmmm ... it sounds like he is talking about Dean Johnson. Deano has come out with some pretty harsh words towards T-Paw, and for good reason. However, Johnson has also come out strongly in favor of both the Twins and the Gophers stadiums, and he has repeatedly stated that the votes are there in the Senate.
Who else could he be talking about? Matt Entenza? Entenza is a strong supporter of the Gopher's stadium, but I'm not so sure about a Twins stadium. Here is hoping he puts aside his differences with the Twins stadium bill to get the Gophers stadium bill passed. However, he is also heavily criticizing the governor for his lack of leadership.
Dick Day? Day is the Republican minority leader in the Senate, but he has certainly been "shooting off his trap" recently. He has said that he and his Republican cronies don't want to come back to the capitol to do their jobs in a special session, and that he would rather sit at home with his thumb up his butt (OK, I made that last part up). In fact, according to Entenza it is the Republicans themselves that are holding up the special session.
Truthfully, we have a huge mess on our hands, and a special session hasn't even been called yet. Everyone is pointing fingers. T-Paw is showing a huge lack of leadership by reamining wishy-washy on the issue itself which has let his Republican underlings off the hook of taking a stance. And the DFL leadership is simply trying to make T-Paw look bad, plain and simple.
It is partisan politics at its finest. Let's see what else Pawlenty had to say:
"I'm ready, if they're ready, but right now all they want to do is yap a little bit. I'm ready to put my reputation on the line, take a risk and call it; they just have to agree on the issue and demonstrate they've got the support to pass it and reasonably control the situation so we don't have a runaway session, which would be a huge, ugly situation for the state."
That last part is the key: "reasonably control the situation." Truly the real reason a special session has not been called isn't because the votes aren't there. The real reason is that Hennepin County legislators would turn the special session into a zoo. Looking at the Voter's Guide we have 66 pro-stadium legislators in the house, 47 against, and 21 unknowns. I believe the votes are absolutely there.
However, in the House we also have a lot of vindictive HC legislators that are right now planning how they will muck up the proceedings. I'm sure Ann Lenczewski has already written 50 amendments that she will use to try to derail the plan. HC legislators are more concerned with keeping their jobs than doing what is right for Minnesota. Make no mistake, it is the potential circus atmosphere of never ending amendments and floor debates that Pawlenty is trying to avoid.
Here is the way I see it. Right now Sviggum is trying to convince anti-stadium legislators in the House to let their vote be their voice. He is trying to determine how many anti-stadium legislators are willing to allow the House to simply vote on the matter without making a huge fuss about it. Right now, I am not confident he is getting the answer he wants. If he can pull some strings, if he can demonstrate some leadership and convince the anti-stadium crowd to be satisfied with voting "No" rather than doing their best to grandstand ... well, how likely is that?
Finally, for some good news. You probably saw this, but Shooter reported on Sunday:
People who should know now believe Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty will call a special legislative session in early November that will approve new stadiums for the Gophers and Twins.
Sigh... the soap opera continues. In conclusion, I believe Pawlenty wants to call a special session, but he doesn't want it to be a circus. If Johnson and Sviggum can assure him that they will tame the anti-stadium crowd, or that the anti-stadium crowd will put up a minimal amount of resistance, then we will finally get this monkey off our backs.
What do you think?
Posted by snackeru at 12:51 PM | Comments (8) | Stadiums
Category "Life"
Category "Stadiums"
September 30, 2005
What else is new?
The Strib wrote an interesting editorial yesterday regarding the lack of leadership from our friend T-Paw. It ended with this sentiment:
What's needed is a mature and sincere commitment on all sides to clear the decks on stadium issues -- first the Twins and Gophers in a special session, then the Vikings next year. If the intent is to wave goodbye to the Twins now and the Vikings later, then the governor and key legislators should have the courage to say so. If not, they should scrape together a few hours this fall to invest in Minnesota's quality of life and competitive future.
This is an interesting thought. If it just ain't gonna happen our legislature should have the guts to just come out and say so. Then we would finally know what really is going to happen. No more threats from the Twins. Pohlad would know with definitive certainty that the state will never approve of public funds going towards stadium construction. Finally, we could move on and just say to Pohlad, "Do what you will." I would welcome that.
• But enough about "the issue that will never die." I'm sick of it. In fact, I'm sick of everything. Nothing is good, everything is bad, and I'm not happy about it. You stink, I stink, the whole world stinks. So there.
• I will end this post with interesting facts. If you don't like them you can just go jump in a lake.
- In 1963, baseball pitcher Gaylord Perry remarked, "They'll put a man on the moon before I hit a home run." On July 20, 1969, a few hours after Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, Gaylord Perry hit his first (and only) home run.
- Average life span of a major league baseball: 7 pitches
- Slugs have 4 noses.
- The ant, when intoxicated, will always fall over to its right side.
- A Wisconsin forklift operator for a Miller beer distributor was fired when a picture was published in a newspaper showing him drinking a Bud Light.
• Finally ponder this quote from Charles Schulz the rest of the weekend:
"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia ."
Have a good one everybody!
Posted by snackeru at 3:35 PM | Comments (0) | Life | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
September 28, 2005
No direction home
• First things first, once again our hopes of a special session are being dashed. And what really surprises me about this is the fact that it isn't just the Twins the legislature is screwing over, it is the Gophers. The Gophers recently released new figures that indicated that due to the delay of stadium construction, it already costs $13 million more. I can't imagine what this delay does to the Twins stadium costs.
Yesterday Pawlenty passed around a special session questionnaire of sorts which asked legislators in the House and Senate which issues they would be willing to vote on, including all three stadium requests (Twins, Vikings, Gophers). In addition, he gave legislators three different scenarios for a Twins stadium specifically:
The three Twins stadium proposals are the Hennepin County proposal for a downtown Minneapolis ballpark paid for in large part by a new county sales tax; the same plan with a guarantee that Hennepin County voters could decide whether to impose the tax; and an alternative that would allow any other community to schedule a referendum and try to raise taxes for a ballpark if legislators rejected the Hennepin plan.
Hmmm ... I wonder which scenario will be the one everyone can agree on.
Based on T-Paw's recent move, both Matt Entenza and Dean Johnson (it seems) are not very optimistic that a special session will be called. I will have to say I agree with them. This is especially true considering that Pawlenty wants the session to end in 2 days. That is a tall order and everyone knows it.
Hopefully Pawlenty will reveal the results of the questionnaire, but as I said a couple of weeks ago, I think you can stick a fork in the chances for a special session, and, of course, any resolution or leadership concerning stadiums in this fine state.
But what else is new?
• But that isn't actually what I wanted to talk about today. Over the past two nights I have been watching the PBS documentary "No Direction Home" about Bob Dylan, and I must say it has been wonderful. I've never really been the biggest Bob Dylan fan, but his impact on rock and folk music is undeniable. The documentary covered his childhood, his move to New York, his song-writing and creative explosion, his switch to electric, and his motorcycle accident in 1966. It was absolutely riveting.
Througout the show I was struck with what a genius this man was/is, and how subtle his message was. Dylan abhorred labels, or people trying to categorize him, and as a result his songs are truly timeless. His lyrics are beautiful, and haunting, and they are as true and appropriate today as they were in the 60s. Seriously, if you want to be absolutely blown away, if you are in the mood for overwhelming poignancy or stunning simplicity, take a listen to The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan, his second album. "A Hard Rain's A Gonna Fall" ... absolutely beautiful.
I was struck by one of the comments of an interviewer in the show who said that God didn't speak through Dylan as much as he kicked Dylan in the ass. Dylan had no choice but to heave up his amazing output of material. It flowed out of him almost effortlessly, as if he had no say in the matter. The interviewer went on to say that just looking at him you could see the Holy Spirit surrounding him. Amazing to think about.
I was also struck with Dylan's relationship with his audience. Dylan seemed to care about his audience in the beginning, but as he became more and more popular it was almost like he purposefully tried to alienate himself from the people who cared about him the most. Again, his audience tried to box him into the label of a "protest" singer, and Dylan rebelled. They tried to make him into only a "folk" singer with only the permission to play an accoustic guitar. Obviously, Dylan would have none of that. In a way, it seems Dylan went out of his way to confuse and tick off his audience. Or did he? Again, he wrote the music he wanted to write. If you like it great, but if not then don't listen.
Anyway, I don't know where I'm going with this, so I'll just stop for now. If anyone else watched this documentary please by all means let me know what you thought of it. I was blown away.
See you all later...
Posted by snackeru at 8:36 AM | Comments (7) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
September 22, 2005
U2: See you at the show...
Greetings and salutations loyal readers! If you need your stadium fix you should check out the Strib's excellent editorial on the subject today. I'm pretty sure I can't say it any better. Also, did you see Shooter's column in which he suggests the Twins front office are less than thrilled with Zygi's recent proposal for a new Vikings stadium? I wonder why that is. Is it because Zygi and the NFL are putting up close to half? Or is it just because the Twins must now compete for the attention of our esteemed legislators? Whatever the case, I am still convinced that Zygi's announcement has only put more pressure on the legislature and the governor to start solving some of these problems. We'll see...
But today's main discussion is not about stadiums. Tomorrow night I will be attending the U2 concert at the Target Center with Curt in Grand Forks and I am quite excited about it. This will be my first U2 concert, and my first rock concert since seeing Pink Floyd at the Metrodome in (I think) 1995. I've tried to see U2 before, but I have never been able to get tickets through the jammed phone lines. This time, however, Curt purchased the tickets in Grand Forks. Needless to say, the line at the local Ticketmaster outlet (at his neighborhood grocery store) was not very long. So, finally, I will get a chance to see the greatest post 70s rock band in existence.
I've been keeping a close look at their set lists to see if I can guess what they will play in Minneapolis. Here is there set list from last night in Chicago:
City of Blinding Lights
Vertigo
Elevation
Electric Co.
The Ocean
Wild Horses
Beautiful Day
Miracle Drug
Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own
Yahweh
Love and Peace or Else
Sunday Bloody Sunday
Bullet The Blue Sky
Miss Sarajevo
Pride in the Name of Love
Where the Streets have no Name
One
Bad
Original of the Species
With or Without You
Fast Cars
All Because of You
40
All of this is, of course, good stuff, but I would take out a few of these songs. "Wild Horses"? Let the Stones sing that one and replace it with "Until the End of the World." "The Ocean"? If you are going to sing something off of Boy stick with "Electric Co.", "I Will Follow" and "An Cat Dubh." Or better yet, replace "The Ocean" with "Gloria" off of October. That would be cool.
And I gotta say, you can sing "Love and Peace or Else" or "Bullet the Blue Sky" but I would prefer it if both weren't sung in the same show. They may have a nice way of working them all together though.
I would love it if "Still Haven't Found" was somehow a part of the set, but they may be sick of singing it by now (it was a part of the European tour). I'm just thrilled to see "Streets" is still a part of the show. That will be wonderful to hear in concert.
Anyway, it looks like, from viewing other recent sets, that they are trying to mix things up, so I bet we'll hear at least one song that hasn't been sung in concert yet this tour. Again, I am hoping it is "Until the End of the World." That would make my night!
Anyway, that's it for now. Don't expect anything tomorrow. Curt and I will be painting the town red starting at 7:00 tomorrow morning when I pick him up from the train station. A complete report will follow.
Posted by snackeru at 12:47 PM | Comments (6) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
September 21, 2005
In case you were wondering...
I'm home sick today. I'm too sick to even write about the stupidity that is John Knight, Nick Coleman and all the other moron anti-stadium people out there. You know, the people that fight and fight and fight against any kind of plan until it costs too much, the teams leave, and we end up begging for another team that costs three times as much. Oh, and then we build a new stadium. Genius.
Don't think it could happen? Do you remember the North Stars? We could have renovated the Met Center for a pittance, but instead the team moves, we beg for a new team, and we build the X. More expensive? Yes. Flat out stupid? Oh yes. How long did it take before we had a new hockey team in this state? 7 years.
New stadiums are inevitable. We have some good deals on the table right now and we should take advantage of them before we fight ourselves out of a great deal of money. That's right, stadium opponents are actually costing Minnesota taxpayers a lot of money. Take Camden Yards for example. It cost about $100 million to build. The Twins wanted to build a new stadium right around that time, but of course, stadium opponents said no. Now a new Twins stadium will cost upwards of $500 million. Gee, thanks a lot for all your efforts Mr. Knight.
Houston Oilers ... no new stadium ... they move to Tennesee ... now the Houston Texans play in the highly expensive Reliant Field. Cleveland Browns ... no new stadium ... they move to Baltimore ... now the new Cleveland Browns play in a new highly expensive stadium.
Over 30 other communities have figured out how to get this done. It is time for Minnesota to finally figure this out and move on!
I'm going back to bed.
Posted by snackeru at 10:57 AM | Comments (7) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
September 20, 2005
A good first try from Zygi
I've said it before, but when I heard so long ago that Zygi and the Vikings were putting together a plan for a new stadium in Anoka county that relied on state money ... well, I though that it would not sit well with the state legislature. It appears this prediction is turning out to be true. However, more importantly, how does this new Viking stadium proposal help or hurt the Twins stadium proposal? That is the question. Let's go over the plan:
Vikings contribution: at least $280 million
Anoka county contribution: at least $280 million
State contribution: at least $115 million
A few things stand out for me about this breakdown.
- The Vikings contribution is being aided by a loan from the NFL. Although the term "G3" hasn't been used, it would appear that is the fund this is coming from. I've been wondering if there is still money in that pot and I think we have our answer.
- $280 million is about $130 million more than Red ever agreed to. That is very significant and a step in the right direction
- The Anoka county contribution is a general sales tax that breaks down to .75 cents on every $100. So on a $20,000 car purchase the extra tax would be $150. I just find that interesting
- And finally, the state's contribution. $115 million isn't a whole heck of a lot to ask from the state, but it is $115 million more than the Twins are asking for. Sorry Zygi, I just don't think it is going to fly.
The state's $115 million is said to be coming from a new TIF (tax increment financing) district set up around the stadium. The district would siphon off new tax monies to go towards paying off the stadium. The thinking behind a scheme like this is that without the stadium there wouldn't be any new tax monies to begin with, so the state wouldn't be losing any money any way you slice it. With or without the stadium the state would see the same amount of tax money.
TIF financing is also a financing strategy already suggested and approved by T-Paw from a couple of years ago. In fact, TIF was a major part of T-Paw's plan to build a new Twins stadium. Of course, this TIF strategy met with resistance and it was scrapped, and now the Twins aren't relying on it at all. Does that mean that the Vikings could have more success now that the Twins aren't a part of the TIF picture? No, I don't think so.
There is a great deal of animosity towards any kind of state contribution towards stadium funding (sans the Gopher stadium plan). Dean Johnson has already reacted quite cooly to this plan given the fact that it requires some form of state money.
So, my question is this: if the legislature approved the Anoka county tax, but not the TIF financing scheme would the deal still go through? I think the answer is yes.
Zygi would pick up the rest of the tab. I don't think this plan will work out for Zygi, but I definitely think it is a step in the right direction. Once they take the state out of the equation I think you will see the plan go through. $115 million more for a guy like Zygi is still a lot of money, but there is no way he would turn down all that "free money" from Anoka county if that is all the legislature approved.
According to the Anoka County propaganda site this stadium proposal will create 8,700 permanent jobs, and increase the property tax base in both the city and the county by $10.8 million. They also promise that with this stadium school districts will actually see more money, to the tune of $5.4 million. Not to mention all the construction jobs that this proposal would create. You will see a stadium in Anoka county some day. I have no doubt in my mind about that. But the plan needs a little more tweaking. We'll also see how it goes in the coming months.
Now for the Twins. Does this plan hurt or help the Twins cause? I'm still of the opinion that it helps them since it highlights once again what a brilliant strategy it was to take the state out of the equation. Everything will be paid for by Hennepin County and the team, including infrastructure around the stadium. Sviggum and Johnson love this and support the plan because of this. So, anything that can make the Twins plan look better is a good thing.
Secondly, the Vikings coming out with this plan, a plan that is so close to working, only puts more pressure on the legislature to start solving some of these problems. They know the Vikings are close to coming up with a workable plan. They also know that steel, oil, and construction costs are only increasing and that the time is now to hammer some of these proposals through. And hopefully they know that these problems aren't going to go away. Not even if the teams leave.
I see this as a good development. It is a good first try from Zygi, and it only highlights more the fact that the Twins also have a pretty decent plan. Plus, it puts more pressure on T-Paw. I think we've all read this statement from the Strib:
"The governor will be communicating with legislative leaders regarding stadiums and other issues shortly," McClung said. "We will evaluate the Vikings proposal in that context."
So, T-Paw is going to get the ball rolling soon. That is what I've been waiting for. My prediction is that support is given to the Twins and the Gophers, and a pat on the back is given to the Vikings. Would I love to see all three proposals given a fair shake? Of course, but I don't think that will happen.
More later as I have more time to think this through...
Posted by snackeru at 7:28 AM | Comments (5) | Stadiums
Category "Books"
Category "Life"
Category "Stadiums"
September 16, 2005
No, I'm not dead...
I just haven't had much to say over the past couple of days. So, in honor of my lack of things to say I will now write a stream of consciousness type post of whatever pops into my head:
• The Green Day song "Jesus of Suburbia" off of American Idiot is approaching "Bohemian Rhapsody" status for me. What a phenomenal song. 9.5 minutes of pure musical genius.
• I just read the book Magic Street from Orson Scott Card. This is a very good book that reinterprets Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream by using the characters of Puck, Oberon, and Titania in a contemporary setting. Card is a master at re-examining old myths and beliefs and trying to glean the truth of them. Why did people believe in fairies so long ago? Is there an inkling of truth to these old beliefs? What would happen if fairies were still around today? I'm not sure this book answers all these questions, but they are the questions I have after reading it.
• Of course, if you want a really good book about fairies, do yourself a favor and read Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. Yikes, what a good book. And I know what you are thinking, "Fairies? I don't want to read a story about Tinker-bell." Ah, but there is a lot more to fairies than that. They were actually mischievous (nasty) creatures that most people tried to avoid.
• Vince and freealonzo bring up a couple of good points in the comments below concerning my favorite topic, stadiums in Minnesota. For one thing, McLaughlin's showing in the recent Minneapolis mayoral primary was not very good, and that in itself is a very good thing. McLaughlin is a Hennepin County commissioner and one of the 4 votes needed to hammer the Twins stadium through once the legislature approves it (ha!). If McLaughlin becomes mayor of Minneapolis there is no telling who will take his place and if he/she will still support the stadium initiative.
And you may not know this, but after the legislature approves the Twins stadium plan (ha!) the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners will vote again on whether or not to proceed with the plan. So, McLaughlin's vote is very important.
Secondly, the recent announcement that Best Buy will contribute $2.5 million to the Gopher's stadium drive is a very good piece of news. Of course, this adds even more pressure for Pawlenty to call a special session. The only bad thing about this announcement is that the legislature has to approve the Gopher's stadium bill before February for the Best Buy contribution to kick in. I wish they would have made it December like TCF's contribution.
And this little tidbit came out today, the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly at the U has come out against the Gopher's stadium plan since it calls for a $52 million contribution from students at the University. Luckily, the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly has about as much power as I do here at the University. In other words, their stance means nothing.
I see the chances for a special session still at 50%. Why? Why am I still so pessimistic? We are still dealing with the same old idiots in St. Paul, that's why. You know, the idiots that let the state shut down? So, le't try to keep it in perspective.
• Finally, I'm going to be on TV! I was asked to appear on the PBS/U of M show Tech Talk. The taping for the show was yesterday, and the show will be aired January 1 at 9:00 PM on channel 17 (in the TC area). Of course, the show is about blogs, a topic which people seem to think I am somewhat of an expert on.
Anyway, I am on the show for about 7 minutes and I talk about how to create a blog, how to get people to read your blog, how to search for blogs, and a little about blogging anonymity. Of course, now that I think back on the things I said I can't help but think I sound like a moron, "Me likey blogs! Blogs fun! Blogs funny word! Me say it over and over, blogs, blogs, blogs!" Gah! Oh well, if you'd like to take a peak at your's truly just tune into PBS on January 1. I guarantee a riveting performance that will rival the Gopher's appearance in the Rose Bowl (ha!).
• Nothing else pops into my head. More later...
Posted by snackeru at 9:03 AM | Comments (5) | Books | Life | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
September 13, 2005
Dean adds to the pressure
What is Dean Johnson trying to do to me? I have just sworn off any hopes of a new Twins or Gophers stadium ever being built in this God-forsaken state and then Dean Johnson comes out and says that not only does he favor a special session to deal with stadium issues, he also favors voting on all three stadium proposals during the same special session!
Johnson said the unfinished business from the regular session and optimal conditions for stadium-building provide the right opportunity. "The costs of construction will continue to increase, the economic benefits to the state are more positive than not, and this is the best overall package we're going to see from the Vikings, the Twins and the [University of Minnesota] Gophers," he said. "There are not state taxes, no property taxes, just local sales taxes and maximum contributions from the teams."
I ... will ... not ... get ... my ... hopes ... up. No, no, no, no! I can't take it anymore. I am still getting over the last time my hopes were dashed! So, I will play devil's advocate.
Like I said this morning, all of this is just talk until T-Paw calls a special session, or even comes out and says anything favorable about the chances for a special session. So far, he remains "skeptical." So, there is reason number one I will not get my hopes up.
And here is reason number two: Deano wants the special session to be called two days before Thanksgiving. What? On the positive side this will give our state ample opportunity to do whatever it intends to do concerning Hurricane Katrina victims from the Gulf region. In fact, I am positive this is why Deano wants to wait so long. That is fine. However, by waiting so long stadium opponents will have well over two months to bash us over the head again and again concerning why it is such a bad idea to build stadiums for billionaire owners.
Coincidentally, the third reason I will not get my hopes up also deals with the number 3: as in how the heck do we expect our fine legislators to agree to build three new stadiums when they've never been able to agree on one? Three! I'm laughing as I am typing this. Three! Oh my goodness! That is a funny one!
Talk, talk, talk, talk ... that is all our legislators are good for. They tell us what we want to hear and then do absolutely nothing but collect their paychecks. Bah! I'm sick of it.
(Sublminal message: If T-Paw ever comes out and even says something favorable about the chances of a special session being called ... well let's just say hope will spring eternal!)
Posted by snackeru at 4:07 PM | Comments (4) | Stadiums
Category "Gophers"
Category "Stadiums"
Today's bit of wisdom
• First things first, by now you've all heard that Minnesota state basketball star Isaiah Dahlman has given a verbal commitment to attend Michigan State. My question is, how long before he decides to attend the University of Minnesota? Check out this list of former state high school basketball stars:
- Rick Rickert committed to Arizona, but later decided to become a Gopher
- Kris Humphris committed to Duke, but later decided to become a Gopher
- Ben Johnson played for Northwestern, but later decided to transfer to Minnesota
- Aaron Boone played for North Carolina, but later decided to transfer to Minnesota
- Dan Coleman attended summer classes at Boston College before deciding to transfer to Minnesota
- Moe Hargrow leaves the program and transfers to Arkansas only to transfer back to Minnesota a year later.
What is going on here? What kind of voodoo magic does Monson have over these players? And again, when should we expect Dahlman to wear the maroon and gold? My bet is after his sophomore year. The writing is on the wall: Dahlman goes to Michigan State, plays decently, but realizes he'd rather be closer to home and his family. He will be a Gopher some day. I think that is a given.
• And now for the issue that just won't die, stadiums in Minnesota. I refuse to get my hopes up. I just flat out refuse. But the news coming out of St. Paul is very intriguing. Here is what Dean Johnson has recently said regarding not just one, but three stadiums in our fine state:
"I just got done talking to constituent groups, and they were fairly positive for a one- or two-day special session and a vote on all three stadiums. ... There's now an attitude of getting the job done," he said.
Holy crap. That would be so amazing. But again, I refuse to get my hopes up. Dean Johnson is smoking some pretty powerful wacky-tabacci if he thinks this state can pass a bill to fund even one stadium. Or is he? Of course, T-Paw still refuses to commit to a special session in the wake of Hurricane Katrina so this is all moot until he starts speaking more favorably concerning the possibility.
If no special session is called, though, Mike Opat had some depressing things to say:
"The economics are time-sensitive -- steel prices, oil prices, construction, inflation. That's going to change," said Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat, who led the county's negotiations with the Twins for a ballpark deal that includes $125 million from the team and a proposed countywide sales tax. "If the Legislature is unwilling to take us up on this offer, I can't see going through the considerable time and effort to renegotiate with the team."
Does T-Paw think this issue will go away? Because it won't. The Twins and Vikings could leave our state after 2011, we could be without these teams for years, but sooner or later new stadiums for NFL football and MLB baseball will be built in Minnesota. That is a given. It would be a whole heckuva lot cheaper to just do it now.
But I refuse to get my hopes up. There will always be higher priorities. I will be amazed if all this talk actually results in even one stadium being built.
Posted by snackeru at 8:49 AM | Comments (13) | Gophers | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
September 8, 2005
Things are not looking good
Reading this blog is like watching a tennis match. Back and forth, back and forth I go from optimism back to pessimism back to optimism. Well, I'm back to pessimism. People, it was fun while it lasted, but let's call it like we see it: a special session will not be called. A new Twins stadium will not be built.
Let's look at the news. First of all we have Charley Walters reporting today:
A senior member of the state Legislature said Wednesday he feels there is "zero" chance of a special session to be called by Gov. Tom Pawlenty, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
This can only be expected. Hurricanes and other natural disasters have a tendency of showing us what is really important, especially after the devestation of Katrina. Plus, it does not surprise me at all that a "senior" member of the legislature would say this since, as I've said before, they don't want to come back to the state capitol to deal with these issues. Our legislators want to stay home. So, if you think you are punishing our fine legislators by refusing to make them do their jobs, well, that is exactly what they want.
So, we have Katrina and the fact that our legislators don't want to come back anyway. But those two aren't really the reasons I am so pessimistic. No, we have another reason that pretty much squashes any chance we have to finally put this issue to rest.
At the State Fair, fairgoers filled out the annual Senate (PDF) and House questionnaires. And as you might expect the results were pretty much against the current Twins stadium proposal. The House survey shows almost 70% of the almost 9,000 people surveyed are against a special session being called for stadium issues. Is this a representative sample, or scientific in anyway? No. Could this even be considered a good sample of the over 1.6 million people that attended the fair? No. But will it impact Pawlenty's decision on whether or not to call a special session? You better believe it.
Other interesting statistics come from the Senate survey. According to this survey, a little over 50% of the people polled are actually in favor of a new Twins stadium, but only 23.2% of the people are in favor of the current proposal without a referendum.
The Senate survey also gives away just who these people are that took the survey. Almost 80% of the people surveyed are either from Minneapolis/St. Paul or a Twin Cities suburb. Typically, Twin Cities residents are usually the most anti-stadium, so I suppose these statistics should come as no surprise.
In summary, we have Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath (which is definitely a worthy distraction). We have our legislative body's own laziness. And we have these stupid surveys. 1 + 1 + 1 = no Twins stadium. 3 strikes you're out. Pick your cliche.
If anyone can think of anything to be positive about concerning this I am all ears, but I am not optimistic. Another year, another disappointment. Stadium costs continue to rise and the CBA expires next year which means contraction becomes an option again. Your guess is as good as mine concerning what happens next, but I can feel myself becoming more and more of a Gophers fan.
Posted by snackeru at 8:53 AM | Comments (16) | Stadiums
Category "Life"
Category "Stadiums"
September 6, 2005
Don't have much to say
• The students have returned to the University of Minnesota. I am always surprised at how much more crowded the campus becomes today compared with last week. I prefer having the students around though. Makes things a little more exciting.
• And because the students are back, The Minnesota Daily is back in print every weekday. Today, they had a good article discussing the chances for a special session to deal with the Gophers stadium issue. According to the article, Sen. Geoff Michel, R-Edina, chief author of the bill sets the chances of a special session being called at 50-50. Also according the article: "But Rep. Phyllis Kahn, DFL-Minneapolis, said she doesn’t think the governor will call a special session in light of the government shutdown earlier this summer." So, we are still up in the air on this one, it seems. I personally still think a special session will be called.
• This is especially true since the governor is going to start getting more and more pressure to call a special session now that the State Fair is done. Bob Sansavere of the Pioneer Press wrote a very short article voicing his support for a Twins stadium and a special session in today's paper. I think we are going to start seeing more of this.
• Lastly, and I don't know why I am thinking of this right now, but something from my childhood needs to be rectified. When I was a child in elementary school my teacher (and I can't remember what grade I was in) asked the class to think of interesting questions about nature or space or weather, etc. to ask that would encourage the class to research the question and find the answer. Stuff like, "Why is the sky blue?" or "Why does toilet water drain in a clockwise direction?" Questions that you have always wondered but never quite knew how to answer.
So, I started thinking really hard. And I came up with what I thought was a pretty decent question. When it came to my turn I asked, "Where does dust come from?" Well, you would have thought I asked the dumbest question in the history of time. My teacher, in fact, told me that was a dumb question because everyone knows that dust comes from dirt swirled up from the wind. With that she moved on to the next question which, of course, was "Why is the sky blue?"
Anyway, I'm here to tell you that was not a dumb question and that my teacher answered the question wrong. Dust is way more interesting than that. Sure, the bulk of dust outside comes from dirt, but "house dust" actually is a bit more disgusting. According to Wikipedia.org, "house dust" comes mostly from sloughed skin cells. Skin cells! That is interesting!
So there, Mrs. Eilers. Your arrogance prohibited you from answering my question in a respectful and accurate manner. And although I wish I could go back in time and express this all to you in person, writing this out today has actually made me feel better. I suppose this also proves that there are no stupid questions and that one shouldn't think one knows everything. That is the lesson for the day. Let's all humble ourselves and practice a little more humility.
Posted by snackeru at 9:14 AM | Comments (8) | Life | Stadiums
Category "Life"
Category "Stadiums"
September 1, 2005
Stuff on my mind
• First things first, it appears that a special session will indeed be called. I've heard this from two sources now. The more reliable report comes from Cheesehead Craig who has said that Randy Shaver says T-Paw told him one would be called after the Fair. This is, of course, good news. The other report comes from my brother-in-law who is a teacher in Hennepin County and who could benefit from some additional health care legislation if a special session is called. He tells me that his union/teacher compatriots are being told that there bill will be heard in a special session. So, I'm feeling more and more confident our legislators will make a glorious return to the capitol in a couple of weeks.
The big question is will the Twins stadium be heard? Will it pass? Again, the Twins stadium chances have definitely benefited from the Gophers stadium efforts. However, Gopher fans and the Gopher stadium drive has recently been grabbing all the good press and the favor of the legislators. At the fair:
Oh, they were talking about some matters of state at the fair on Saturday. A few with their dander up about the Legislature's dawdling ways got some digs in when they met up with some of the legislators making their fair appearances. And the No. 1 serious statewide topic appeared to be sports stadiums, followed by the prospects for a fall special session."I'm hearing a lot of support for a Twins stadium," said Rep. Mike Charron, R-Woodbury. "But the e-mails I'm getting are more for a Gophers stadium."
Did you catch that subtle dig? The Twins stadium is important, but not as important as the Gophers stadium. And it appears that emails are more important to our legislators than actually talking. How peachy. Anyway, I think it is obvious a special session will be called and that a Gophers stadium is a slam dunk. We'll see if the same can be said for a Twins stadium in a couple of weeks.
• And speaking of stadiums, the evacuation of the Superdome seems to be put on hold right now due to shots being fired and arson fires being lit. I can't imagine what people are going through right now down there. I read an interesting piece about the looting happening in Louisiana, a piece that actually speaks in favor of the looting. Very interesting and thought provoking. Can't say I disagree.
Needless to say, my wife and I will be making a donation to the Salvation Army to help with their relief efforts.
• Cheesehead Craig and I resumed our Border Battle last night with round two of Stratego. I lost. It was all my fault. I was right next to his flag but I moved back instead of right. Kaboom. Game over. I was very upset to be so close and to lose thanks to my own stupidty. Quite frankly I don't even want to talk about it. Craig leads the battle 3-2. Mini-golf is next.
That's all for now. See you soon.
Posted by snackeru at 8:44 AM | Comments (4) | Life | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
Category "Twins"
August 24, 2005
How about those Twins?
I'm speechless. It really doesn't happen too often that you watch a game that will be remembered, not just for a couple of years but I would wager for a long, long time. So much drama! The pitching, the fielding (!), the fact that Jacque Jones seems to always come through when most of us would have been hobbled by grief ... Man! What a game.
Too bad Mays is pitching tonight.
• Charley Walters is reporting today that:
Although talks have picked up in recent days, no decision on whether to have a special Legislative session that would include stadium issues is expected until after Labor Day, and insiders say odds are no better than 50-50 that it will occur.
50-50 is better than nothing. Our best bet still remains in the fact that the Gopher's stadium bill needs to be heard before December:
In the past seven days, almost 2,000 e-mails have landed in the offices of Gov. Tim Pawlenty and state legislators, asking for a special session to pass a bill providing the public's share of the football stadium's projected $235 million cost.
Apparently, a large group of Gopher stadium backers have been successful in catching the ear of the governor. In addition, the article included this quote:
"Their Web e-mail thing works,'' Brian McClung, the governor's chief spokesman, said Monday. "It's a noticeable volume of e-mail.''
Too bad the thousands of letters they've received in favor of a new Twins stadium seem to have gone unnoticed. I guess its only when they all look the same and have the same content do they start counting them.
But whoever would have thought that the best chance for a Twins stadium bill would be to piggy back on another stadium bill's chances? I still say a special session will be called.
Posted by snackeru at 1:05 PM | Comments (2) | Stadiums | Twins
Category "Stadiums"
August 18, 2005
Special session news
There has been a flurry of news on the special session recently that somehow I have missed. Why didn't anyone tell me? Oh well, better late than never. First of all, Brian McClung recently had some interesting things to say about the possibilities for a special session:
"It's only been a month and two days since the second-longest special session in state history ended," said Brian McClung, Pawlenty's press secretary. "The governor has said he'd be willing to call a special session that is controlled, productive and limited, but for now we think legislators should enjoy the few remaining days of a beautiful Minnesota summer. We can revisit these issues after Labor Day."
So, Pawlenty's press secretary has said that these issues can be revisited after Labor Day. I'm going to hold you to that McClung!
Secondly, Sviggum recently spoke to T-Paw concerning the parameters of a special session including what would be discussed and how long the special session would be. Sviggum favors these topics or issues:
- A Hennepin County proposal for a new baseball stadium for the Minnesota Twins.
- A Gophers football stadium on the University of Minnesota campus.
- Authorization for a new hospital in Maple Grove.
- A rescue of the Minneapolis teachers retirement fund.
Sounds good. But what sounds really good is this little snippet from Sviggum:
"I agree with the governor about not calling a session unless we have prior agreement for a one-day session," he said.
One day ... one day and all these problems could go away. One day and we would never hear about the Twins or Gophers stadium issues again. What a glorious day that would be!
What else is there. Again, I'm sorry that I am so late in getting this out to you (and again, why didn't anyone tell me!) but Mike Opat (my hero) wrote a great OpEd piece on August 14 detailing why it is "now or never" for a Hennepin County ballpark:
Simply put, without approval in a special session this year, the Hennepin-Twins proposal will not survive. Oil and steel prices continue to climb--as do interest rates. There is a new developer making plans for the ballpark site. Without authorization to move ahead soon, the budget estimates and the development schedule for a 2009 opening will no longer be valid.This is not a chest-thumping threat. Rather, it is a very sober (and somewhat somber) realization that Hennepin County cannot help solve important state problems without support from other elected officials.
Well said. To reiterate, if a ballpark bill does not pass this session then Hennepin County's plan is nullified. Stadium opponents would obviously say this is a good thing, but with Hennepin County pulling out of the game, and the fact that St. Paul already seems to have thrown in the towel, it would seem the Twins would have no other suitors (besides Las Vegas). Opat also adds:
We answered the governor's call for ballpark proposals and presented a viable plan that includes no state money. And we negotiated an agreement with the Twins that guarantees the team's contribution before the first pitch is thrown and an unprecedented sharing of any gain should the franchise be sold within 10 years of the ballpark being built.
This is so true! Hennepin County put together a plan using the governor's own guidelines. It takes the state out of the equation and it enables a representative from Willmar to tell his or her constituents that if they don't want to pay a dime they won't have to. There is a guaranteed contribution from the team (not enough some would claim) and community safeguards concerning a possible sale of the team. What is not to like about this plan?
Oh yeah, Carl Pohlad will make money ... that is a bummer (heavy sarcasm). Man! These rich people just won't stop making money! What about us? What do we get? Opat writes:
The city of Minneapolis will benefit directly from the new ballpark. Fans attending Twins games will generate millions of dollars of new tax money each year. The Warehouse District and all of downtown will benefit from the vitality created by the ballpark and the fans. It is time for more elected officials in Minneapolis to step up and support the Hennepin County ballpark proposal.
Amen. It is time to get this monkey off of our backs. There is an electricity in the air right now that points to this problem finally being fixed. Do you feel it? I sure do.
Posted by snackeru at 8:20 AM | Comments (1) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
Category "Twins"
August 17, 2005
Yoo hooo ....
• Sorry for my silence yesterday everyone. I am working on a new, redesigned University of Minnesota Libraries web site and it is sapping all of my time. But enough about that ...
• What a joy it is to watch Justin Morneau play baseball. I see nothing but good things in his future (as long as Scotty Ulger stays away from him). His blast in the White Sox game last night seriously had me launch myself out of my chair to sing the introduction to the "Also Sprach Zarathustra" which, as you probably know, is pretty hard to do considering it doesn't have any words. In fact, the introduction to the "Also Sprach Zarathustra" should be Morneau's walk up music. That would be awesome. Man can he smack the ball!
• And speaking of last night's game, as you probably also already know, the Twins play the White Sox 11 more times. If the Twins win all 11 games they will probably win the American League Central. The chances are slim, to be sure, but there is a chance! This "jinx" was officially brought to you by McDonalds: you deserve a break today at McDonalds! Seriously though, sweeping the White Sox for this series would be quite spectacular for this team. Tonight's game should be a doozy (unless you've been living under a rock it is Santana vs. Buehrle). If the Twins can manage to get even one run, Santana better hold on tight...
• So I walked out of church last Sunday and turned on the Sports Huddle with Sid and Dave (which I normally do) only to hear Sid say, "Well, that was Dean Johnson on the phone. Sorry about the length of the conversation everyone, but there was some important things that he said concerning a special session." Argh! I was beside myself with grief for missing the contents of that call. Anyway, knowing Sid I knew that he would discuss the call in his Monday column. Well, while he did discuss it, his recap was a little disappointing because of its brevity:
Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson, DFL-Willmar, said Sunday he was going to talk to House Speaker Steve Swiggum, R-Kenyon, about sending a letter to Tim Pawlenty suggesting that the governor call a special session this fall to discuss a limited agenda including stadium bills for Gophers football and the Twins. Johnson said everything would have to be agreed to before calling the special session, but that he was for it.
So, let's do our own recap. A couple of weeks ago Steve Sviggum, the Speaker of the House, spoke in favor of calling a special session for stadium issues, and now we have Dean Johnson, the Senate Majority Leader, also publicly giving his approval to the possibility of a special session. This is good people. So, so good. It makes me happy, jubilant, thrilled, and wholly too optimistic. I need to calm down.
Of course, Pawlenty has been silent for a while on the chances for a special session, but we should here from him pretty soon concerning the possiblity. My guess is after the state fair.
And even though I missed the call itself, I listened to Steve Thompson's show afterwards where he asked callers to call in and let him know whether or not they (the people!) approved the idea of a special session to discuss the stadium issue. Of course the vast majority of the callers expressed their strong approval for this idea, but there were definitely a few misguided individuals who were against a special session. But not for the reasons you think. Sure, some of them were just flat out against a Twins stadium being built with taxpayer money, but a lot of them were against calling a special session because our legislators "don't deserve another chance." According to some callers, our legislators had their chance to pass meaningful bills and they shouldn't get another. What?
This reasoning is pure stupidity. These callers think we should punish our fine legislators by NOT letting them come back to the state capitol to take care of their unfinished business. This is exactly what those morons want! They don't want to come back to the state capitol. They would rather play tic-tac-to, or stare blankly into the distance, or change their drool bibs (or whatever it is morons do when they aren't working) than come back to the state capitol and finish what they started! Gah! I say we demand that they come back and finish their business! If you haven't already, please write Pawlenty and demand that a special session be called to deal with the stadium issue.
I'm still of the opinion that a special session will be called. Our saving grace is the Gophers stadium and the fact that it must be dealt with before December. Keep the faith people. Just like the Twins are proving on the field, it isn't over until it is over.
Posted by snackeru at 8:34 AM | Comments (0) | Stadiums | Twins
Category "Stadiums"
August 5, 2005
What? Smells fresh to me ...
• Well, I'm glad I can make at least one reader happy with my day to day ramblings on the stadium issue. Well, maybe not happy ... maybe I just entertain him. ("I'm funny how? I mean, I'm funny like a clown? I amuse you? I make you laugh?") Anyway, since David was kind enough to call me a "heck of a good guy" I must reciprocate and say that David is probably an equally "good fella" with a sad hatred for rich people making money. He also seems to take a lot of pleasure in crushing my already dwindling stadium hopes while at the same time alienating himself from the majority of other Twins fans. To his credit, David doesn't have anything to prove to anybody and he isn't afraid to write passionately about what he believes in. Nothing wrong with that. It is what blogging is all about.
But if David is waiting for Reusse to write an article about stadiums, don't hold your breath buddy. I say this for two reasons: 1) While I was at the press conference for the Twins announcement of this proposal, I overheard Reusse say, "I haven't written a stadium article for 5 years now and I'm not about to start." So far he has kept his word. And 2) as far as I can tell, Reusse supports this plan. I've heard him speak favorably about the Hennepin County proposal on his Sunday night show with Sid, Mike, and Dark so it is my impression that if he ever did write about stadiums it would probably be a more eloquent version of what I write on these pages. That is just my guess, though. I could be wrong.
But what really perplexed me about David's post was this snippet concerning our favorite baseball team:
Given how badly you guys are disappointing the fans and citizens of Minnesota, why should the people of this state feel excited about building a new ballpark for you? Why should the people of Minnesota feel at all worried at the thought that the club will pull up tent stakes and depart for Las Vegas, or Puerto Rico, or Hoboken?
Wow. One mediocre year and we should jeopardize the long term viability of the team? Why don't we just stop going to games, stop watching them on TV, and stop cheering for them all together? Those jerks! How dare they win 3 division championships in a row and then barely reach .500 this year! Honestly, this kind of thinking perlexes me to no end. I would be stunned if Reusse wrote an article that suggested this kind of response. It is "fair weather" at best, but more than anything it is extremely short-sighted.
Whatever, though. David is free to have this opinion. I'll just chalk it up as yet another example of one of his misguided opinions I don't understand.
And I say this mostly in jest, David. I don't want to you to get snarky with me again. We will never see eye to eye on this issue. I want to save money in the long run by getting a deal done, while you want to fight and fight and fight until the Twins are gone, we beg for a new baseball team, and we finally build a stadium that costs 10 times as much. Again, though, that is just the way I see it.
Finally, I told you not to read this. In fact, I made it quite clear that you shouldn't read it. Maybe next time you'll heed my advice, hmmmm?
Anyway, that's all I got for now. Next week's postings will be pretty sporadic since I will be in usability testing all day Monday, Tuesday, and half of Wednesday. So, don't expect much (not that you ever should).
Posted by snackeru at 3:46 PM | Comments (3) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
August 4, 2005
Sviggum says 50/50
• Boy, it doesn't take much to make me happy. For a while I've been living under the dark cloud of T-Paws 60/40 odds against a special session being called. No fun. And then Charley Walters, the great Shooter, comes out with this fantastic tidbit today that seriously made me so happy I could burst:
Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum said Wednesday that chances for a special legislative session appear to be about 50-50 if Gov. Tim Pawlenty can be convinced there will be a focused, structured agenda.A special session could be called by mid-September.
Sviggum, who supports the Twins' Hennepin County ballpark plan, believes lawmakers, who are elected to vote, should have to make a decision one way or another.
"And if it gets to the House and Senate floor, it will pass," Sviggum predicted.
I'm pathetic. According to Sviggum chances for a special session have only increased 10%, and I treat the news like the first shovel full of dirt will be dug tomorrow. Sheesh! However, I just can't help it. News like this keeps me going.
After I read this news I wrote Brad Finstad, the rep. who authored the bill, to ask him what's up from his end. I will certainly let you know if I hear from him.
Further down the Shooter article, Sviggum also had some interesting words about Carl Pohlad:
Sviggum, who has been Speaker of the House for seven years, said he's convinced that as long as Twins owner Carl Pohlad is alive, the team will remain in Minnesota. He's not certain beyond that, however, because the Twins are not bound by lease to the Metrodome, as are the Vikings through 2011.
That is very interesting. He might be right. I'm not sure Pohlad wants his lasting legacy to be "the man who moved the Twins to Las Vegas." He'll leave that for his kids I guess. While I agree that Pohlad probably won't be the one to move the Twins at this point, I would still like to solve this stadium mess once and for all. Duh. Maybe it would be wise to start putting some pressure on Pawlenty to call a special session.
• As I've said before, our big hope is the fact that The Gopher's stadium would be heard in the same special session. The Pioneer Press had another good article called U stadium hopes wane which was a little too pessimistic for my taste. It did have this interesting comment though that is so obvious it is painful:
Herbstreit, an ESPN college football color analyst, said bringing a recruit to the Metrodome as opposed to, say, Wisconsin's renovated and rowdy Camp Randall Stadium is "not even close" as an experience. The Gophers averaged 47,581 fans (about 19,000 below capacity) in six games last season; the Badgers averaged 82,368 in six sellouts. This season already is sold out at Wisconsin.
Once again, Wisconsin shows us the way. Wisconsin has three fantastic stadiums that just put us to shame. Quite frankly I am stunned with how well Glen Mason has done recruiting with the Metrodome. We should be at the bottom of the Big Ten every year. I'd like to see what Mason can do with a new stadium.
• Finally, what about the Vikings. Shooter also mentions:
Pssst: New Vikings owner Zygi Wilf had limited partners Alan Landis and David Mandelbaum, New Jersey real estate developers, meet with Blaine and Anoka County officials Wednesday in Blaine about land for a new Vikings stadium.
People, I don't worry about the Vikings. They are here to stay. Wilf is right now gobbling up land and it isn't so he can just have it sit empty. There will be a Vikings stadium up in Anoka County. Let's just hope PSLs aren't a part of the plan (right COD?).
Posted by snackeru at 12:41 PM | Comments (1) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
August 1, 2005
Questions for Lester
Mr. Cheer or Die has asked me to supply him with some possible questions for his podcast interview with Lester Bagley in the coming week(s). Here are the questions I would love Mr. Bagley to answer:
1. How much state support does Zygi expect for a new Vikings stadium? (hopefully nothing)
2. Given what he has seen from other NFL teams (Eagles, Patriots, Giants, Cowboys), and considering that the Gophers are privately financing over half of their own stadium, would Zygi also consider privately financing the majority of a new Vikings stadium?
3. Being a developer at heart, is Zygi somewhat excited that he can design a stadium (and some of the surrounding entertainment options) himself, or would he have preferred to come into an environment where a new stadium had already been constructed?
4. Outdoor vs. indoor. Most Vikings fans were thrilled with Zygi's announcement that he prefers an outdoor stadium. Is he still leaning that way? Does he understand that if he decides to go that route he will probably have to fund the majority of the stadium himself?
5. Zygi has already made the statement that even if the Vikings don't get a new stadium by 2011 the Vikings are staying in Minnesota. Come on! Red McCombs and the old ownership told us over and over again that the Vikings cannot stay competitive in the Metrodome. Was Red just flat out lying? Can the Vikings stay in the Metrodome past 2011 and hope to compete?
6. Would Zygi consider the possibility of renovating the Metrodome?
7. Zygi has probably read about the difficulties the Twins have had getting a new stadium. Heck he has probably even spoken to Carl Pohlad about their difficulties. Are there any lessons that Zygi has learned from the Twins' difficulties? Do their difficulties hopefully convince Zygi that he will need to come up with a plan that uses more private money than public, and one that offers tangible benefits to the host community?
What does everyone think? Decent questions? Any questions that I have missed?
Posted by snackeru at 4:03 PM | Comments (0) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
July 28, 2005
Relax ...
As you might have noticed by my lack of postings, things have been kind of busy for me. Couple that fact with the idiots in the legislature and governor's office, and you've got a very stressed out author of the Greet Machine. So, I've been thinking about ways to relax and take all this stuff off of my mind. Or maybe even to just change my focus and rethink how I relate with the world around me. Then out of the blue, I got an email from long time Greet Machine reader "Jim in St. Paul" who gave me a great idea: why don't we try some haikus?
Now, before we try some haikus we all have to get in the mood. You know, think about gurgling brooks, chirping birds, the smell of fresh cut grass inside of a new Twins stadium ... ahhh, my mind is clear. Let's try something else. Focus on this picture for a while:
There ... how do you feel? Are you mentally ready for the relaxing atmosphere of the haiku? "Jim in St. Paul" provides the first example of bliss:
Yes ... the universal truth of Pawlenty's stupidity is like a relaxing stream trickling around my feet. Let me give it a try:
Are you with me? Because after those two haikus I am in my happy place. And in my happy place there is a unicameral legislature, a governor that cares more about the citizens of this state than the Taxpayer's league, and all the Sunkist orange pop I can drink. Shall we try another? I think we shall:
I'm almost there. I have almost achieved nirvana ... the moksha of my existence is within sight. Could you help me reach that plane? Please submit your own haiku for all of us to enjoy, and you may also attain enlightenment ...
Posted by snackeru at 8:47 AM | Comments (7) | Stadiums
Category "Libraries"
Category "Lists"
Category "Stadiums"
July 21, 2005
Tidbits
• Tonight I shall pick up my copy of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince from the library. If you'll recall, I was number 484 in the waiting list of well over 2,000 library users. I actually got a note from the library that my copy of the book was ready on Monday, but I have waited a little because I was not ready to read it. Anyway, to recap, I could have picked up this book from the library only two days after it was released.
In other words, what in the world are all of you doing still buying books? The last book I bought because I just had to read it and I couldn't wait was The Lost World by Michael Crichton. It was a let down and I vowed to never buy a book again but to use the library to its fullest potential. Now, I have a big list of library holds and they trickle in about as fast as I can read them. Save yourself some money and use the library. And if you are worried about fines don't feel bad about keeping a book a few days longer. Most libraries count on a certain amount of fees and fines coming in. By keeping a library book a little longer you are just giving them a little donation that they most likely desperately need anyway.
• I gotta say I am really enjoying the show "Rock Star: INXS" on CBS Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights. The talent on this show blows "American Idol" out of the water (not that I watched that show all that much). Why am I watching "Rock Star" then? I am a fairly big INXS fan and I think this is a pretty interesting way of picking a new lead singer. Although, I must also admit that I am preparing for a let down concerning whoever they pick to replace Michael Hutchence. Hutchence co-wrote most of their songs. I would be very surprised if they can re-create the magic they had when Hutchence was the lead singer. But I don't blame them for trying.
A quick list of my favorite INXS albums:
- Welcome to Wherever You Are: Highly underrated. Good from beginning to end (although I do skip the last song).
- Kick: Phenomenal album that launched them as one of the top three acts of the time. Can't get enough of it.
- Listen Like Thieves: Features their first big hit "What You Need." I like "Kiss the Dirt" too.
- X: "Bitter Tears" ... great tune. "Stairs" is good too. This album was the follow-up to Kick and it didn't really set the world on fire.
- Full Moon, Dirty Hearts : Again, highly underrated. A "dash-off" album that has definitely grown on me over the years.
• I like reading the "Letters" section of the Star Tribune, especially when those letters relate to stadium issues. Honestly, I could write every day about the stupid letters I read about this issue. They are highly entertaining. Today there was a letter from a gentleman from SLP who wrote:
I fail to see what the state has to do with a stadium in downtown Minneapolis or the pension program for Minneapolis teachers. If Minneapolis wants stadiums and funded teachers' pensions, let it pay for them.
Do any of you recognize the concept at work in this letter? That's right, it is the Me First platform! Good stuff. Since a new Twins stadium and teachers' pensions in Minneapolis don't directly affect him (and most likely his wallet) then he shoudn't have to worry about them. That's the spirit! A selfish Minnesota is a strong Minnesota! I like how he deftly ties the stadium and Minneapolis educational issues together inferring unequivocally that he doesn't care about either and therefore they are unimportant. Beautiful. Makes me feel all fuzzy inside that I live in such a "progressive" state.
• That's all I got time for. Talk to you later.
Posted by snackeru at 4:26 PM | Comments (18) | Libraries | Lists | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
July 20, 2005
Let the wondering begin
So, I was reading the paper today and an article about Pawlenty and his no new taxes pledge caught my eye. It sounds like T-Paw is done signing pledges like this. That is a wise move. But then I started to read further and I came across this snippet that quite frankly made me sick to my stomach:
"The governor also said that while he hoped to call a special session this fall to deal with, among other things, the Twins stadium proposal, that appeared improbable.Putting the odds at 60-40 against such a session, Pawlenty said that the closely divided Legislature is too polarized to reach a preagreement on such a controversial issue and commit to a short session of less than a few days.
However, Pawlenty made it clear that he wants to keep the Twins here, and to find 'reasonable' ways to fund the arts, transit, natural resources and other amenities."
Well, there you have it. There is a 60% chance a fall special session WON'T be called. But it is nice to hear Pawlenty say that he wants to keep the Twins in Minnesota. I guess by just saying we want to keep the Twins in Minnesota over and over again for 10 years straight we can somehow assure that they do just that. Needless to say I am growing more and more pessimistic that this "strategy" will continue to be effective.
Grant had a great comment below concerning how long we can continue to talk about keeping the Twins and yet do nothing. I couldn't say it any better, so please take a look. Talk to you later...
Posted by snackeru at 8:27 AM | Comments (1) | Stadiums
Category "Politics"
Category "Stadiums"
July 14, 2005
Me first
FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY DO NOT READ THIS POST. CLICK YOUR BACK BUTTON NOW!!! PLEASE! STAY AWAY FROM THESE INCOHERENT RAMBLINGS! DON'T SAY YOU HAVEN'T BEEN WARNED!
I have seen the light. What in the world have I been doing for the past 10 years? Year after year, session after session I have been begging for a new Twins stadium but to no avail. I suddenly realize that all these years I have been fighting for the wrong cause. Allow me to introduce my new cause, my new platform, which I'm sure the vast majority of Minnesotans will quickly understand and be able to relate to. Allow me to introduce the "Me First" platform.
The "Me First" platform is based mainly on a single principle that is rapidly becoming more and more important to the average Minnesotan: what is in it for me? I have seen this principle at work in the stadium debates of the last 10 years and I gotta admit it is starting to have some appeal. Seriously, what is in it for me? You say you want to build a new light rail line? What is in it for me? I never ride the light rail. You say you want to build a new Guthrie theater? Holy crap, what the heck is in it for me? A bunch of pansies dressing up and acting like idiots, that's what. You say you want to build a new downtown library? What, so more people can surf for porn for free? What is in it for me? You know, I could really get the hang of this...
And don't give me this "community" crap. I've tried that argument before and it just doesn't work. If you don't care about the millions of Twins fans in the upper midwest, if that community doesn't matter, then I for sure don't care about you. You see, the only thing I care about from now on is my own pocketbook and how to make it fatter and sealed more air tight.
As you might imagine my new hero is Phil Krinkie. What an American hero! Phil Krinkie's tireless fight against all forms of government spending has truly been an inspiration, and he has taught me the all important concept of the "boondoggle." What a phenomenal word. Of course, this is Krinkie's favorite word. Say it with me: boondoggle. If you aren't familiar with how to spot a boondoggle then let me give you a crash course. It is essential if you want to follow the "Me first" platform:
Does the project cost money? If so, it is probably a boondoggle.
Does the project make anyone else besides me any money? If so, it is definitely a boondoggle.
Does the project require any tax money? Ding, ding, ding! It is a boondoggle.
No good can come from any projects like these! The LRT? It cost a lot of money, it definitely made some contractors a lot of money, the bulk of that money has come from taxes, and I haven't benefited from it at all. I mean, I never ride it. Yep, boondoggle all the way. Let's go back in time a little ways. The Metrodome? Back in the early 80s it cost a lot of money, it has made the Vikings and the Twins a whole lot of money (and they only paid for 9% of the building -- their locker rooms and offices -- the public the rest), and what have I gotten in return for that building? You guessed it. Not a dime. How about the Xcel Energy Center? Tax money ... check. Rich sports owners making money ... check. Have I ever set foot in the building? Nope. Boondoggle.
I think you are beginning to see the point. Gone are the concepts of sharing, community, investment, and civic pride ... what a rube I have been! These concepts do not make for a better Minnesota! What will make this state a great place to live in the future is if we all start thinking more about ourselves than our neighbors. I mean, who cares about millions of Twins fans? Not me anymore. And I don't care about schools (except the one my kids go to), roads (except for the one in front of my house), parks (except the ones I visit), etc. etc. You get the picture.
"Me First," baby. That is the only way to go. I have seen the light, and I want more of it for myself.
Posted by snackeru at 12:40 PM | Comments (10) | Politics | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
July 13, 2005
Misery and pessimism
DO NOT READ. IT IS NOT WORTH YOUR TIME.
I've tried to hold back. I've tried to spare you all from my words of misery and despair. All day long I have held off writing on these fine pages in the hopes that my mood would brighten a little. Well, it hasn't. I am angry. I am bitter. Why is this so hard? Why is building a stupid stadium so freaking hard? Why can 30 other communities figure this out, but we can't?
So, the legislature is finally going to pass a budget and everyone is going to go home. So what. Idiots. Morons. Slimy, bad-breathed, good-for-nothing, stupid, ugly, pea-brained, polyester wearing, pus filled, slack jawed MORONS. Gah! Why do I even waste my time on all of this. Why do I ever put even a shred of faith into this supposed body of my "representatives?"
Pawlenty is showing absolutely NO leadership on this or any other issue for that matter. Mike Opat is suggesting that the Hennepin County Board is losing interest, especially if this carries over into next year. St. Paul is trying to get Target to move onto the plot of land they had designated for the stadium, and Minneapolis will build on the Rapid Park site with or without a stadium. Peachy. Just PEACHY!!!! That means new stadium prices will go up while suitable plots of land decrease. Could someone put me in touch with a Montreal Expos fan? I'd like to know how I should start planning for the inevitable.
Pawlenty is hinting at a special session this fall. Big hairy deal. So my misery will be prolonged. Oh goody. You say Selig was optimistic after talking to Pawlenty about the issue? Pawlenty is the KING of feeding people with the crap they want to hear right before he does absolutely NOTHING. Where is Tom Ridge when we need him?
I am in pain right now. Not even the wonder that is Bret Boone can cheer me up.
Thank goodness I live in such a progressive state! I mean Wisconsin?!?! What a bunch of rubes with their refurbished Lambeau Field and their brand new Miller Park (not to mention their 80,000 seat, newly renovated Camp Randall field). What are they thinking taking care of these assets? Let em rot! Or what about Illinois with their brand new Comiskey Park and renovated Soldier Field? We must be a whole lot smarter than them. Or Michigan with their brand new Ford Field and Comerica Park? That All-Star game (not to mention the upcomng Super Bowl XL) they just had sure demonstrated what a dumb idea it was to invest in their sports teams.
What is the use. We are just way too smart. The atmosphere that made this state great during the 60s and 70s is gone. "Me first." That is the new state motto. What is in it for me? Light rail? I'll never ride it. Tear it down. School referendum? Bah! My kids don't go to school there. Health care? I've got insurance, why should I care about you? Twins stadium? Where is my return on this investment? I don't care if my neighbor, my co-worker, those senior citizens, that construction worker are all Twins fans. I've got my eye on that quarter pounder with cheese at McDonalds so you can take your new Twins stadium and shove it.
Thanks. Thanks for nothing. There is a reason we love living in the state of Minnesota. There was a time when we invested in our community, there was a time when we had something to prove and we worked hard to make Minnesota a great place to live. That attitude is gone. I sincerely hope it comes back before it is too late.
Posted by snackeru at 7:41 PM | Comments (6) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
Category "Twins"
July 12, 2005
Chances
• I like that the Twins have acquired Bret Boone. Some interesting facts that I've been reading about Boone:
- He is a career .271 hitter at the Dome with 4 homers and 16 RBI.
- Concerning the Dome, Boone has said: "And the Dome ... I love playing there, I really do." I am always stunned to read something like this.
- He has 25 extra base hits this year which would put him in second place concerning this statistic on the Twins.
- When the Twins acquired Shannon Stewart in 2003 they were 7.5 games back. They went on to win the division. The Twins are 9 games back now.
- Boone has won 4 Gold Gloves at second base. That is 8 more Gold Gloves than Luis Rivas has (since Rivas actually has negative Gold Gloves).
Will this be the spark the Twins need? I think the chances are good. This is an upgrade at second base no matter how you slice it.
• OK, now let's talk about stadiums. Of course, you've probably heard by now that the legislature will most likely adjourn without dealing with this sticky problem. It has already been suggested that Pawlenty may call another special session to deal with the Twins' and Gopher's stadia, but even if that happens it may be as much as four months away. With this reality, Bell has already stated:
"We're going to find out if the numbers still work," Bell said. "We calculated this on beginning work in June, foolishly believing that the Legislature would end on time."Bell hinted that the delay caused by waiting for a special session this fall may collapse the proposed deal entirely.
You know, at this point I wish Bell would just shut up. That is a stupid thing to even hint. Here we have Hennepin County raising over $1 billion dollars over 30 years for the ballpark, and Bell "hints" that a delay of 4 months may kill the deal entirely. Of course, he may be saying this to try to convince the legislature to deal with the issue now, but you know and I know that that Twins will take whatever they get whenever they can get it. 4 months shouldn't make a lick of difference and if Pohlad has to pay an extra $10 million then so be it.
The best shot the Twins have at even being heard in a special session is the fact that the Gophers stadium bill will also need to be dealt with. The Gophers stadium lobbyists are working hard right now to try to convince the legislature to deal with their bill now. If they are successful, if the legislature decides to take up the Gophers stadium bill in the waning moments of this special session, then the Twins stadium bill is dead.
In other words, I can see the governor calling a special session to talk about stadiums if the Gophers are part of the mix, but if it is just the Twins (and Vikings)? Forget about it.
• What are the chances then of a special session being called for stadium discussion? I would say they are pretty good. The Gophers deal with TCF hinges on a financing plan being in place by this December to build their stadium. Since the next legisaltive regular session doesn't begin until after that another special session will need to be called this fall to pass the Gophers stadium bill.
In addition, I was listening to Mike Max last night on WCCO and he had former Senate Minority Leader Duane Benson as his guest. Benson said the chances for a special session to deal with stadiums is very good. He would not give the same chances to a Twins stadium bill actually passing in a special session, but the bill will be heard. He also said that part of a Vikings stadium plan could also be dealt with. The Twins, the Vikings, and the Gophers ... the legislature would indeed have a lot to discuss.
Here is hoping that Pawlenty does the right thing and calls another special session to deal with the stadia issue in Minnesota once and for all. It is all in his hands now. I know, this is a scary thought.
Posted by snackeru at 7:45 AM | Comments (10) | Stadiums | Twins
Category "Life"
Category "Stadiums"
June 22, 2005
Like watching a train wreck
I'd be surprised if you haven't seen this news yet, but apparently the projected state budget deficit is about to get larger. To the tune of between $250 to $300 million due to a state Supreme Court decision that will allow corporations in Minnesota to claim tax breaks for foreign operations. The state, it seems, expects a lot of corporations to begin claiming these tax breaks which could add up to a lot of money in a hurry. According to some lawmakers, this deficit won't be dealt with until the next legislative session and until after the state's budget forecast in November, but that didn't stop both sides of the aisle from taking turns pointing fingers (DFLers) and discounting the severity of this problem (Republicans).
What a mess. And after reading about the DFLers reaction to this fiasco, and the Republican's vigil outside the door of Dean Johnson's office, I'm beginning to sense a government shutdown is almost a given. Look at this from the DFL point of view. By standing firm on their desire to raise taxes for the wealthiest Minnesotans to fund programs like MinnesotaCare they effectively have the high ground in this battle. Especially when you factor in this growing deficit. Many Minnesotans are beginning to see the raising of taxes as an inevitability and they are starting to look at Pawlenty and Sviggum as too inflexible. If Pawlenty capitulates he will need to break his no new taxes pledge, and in political-speak that will be a "gift that keeps on giving" for the DFL come the next elections. However, if Pawlenty does not give in, his budget cuts will look/be so extreme that I don't know how he will survive.
My prediction: The DFL stands firm, the government shuts down, and Pawlenty ends up taking the heat. What do you think Oracle?
And what does all of this mean for a new Twins stadium? Stick a fork in it, as Douglas has already said. I can't even see them getting to the Gopher's stadium in this climate. Of course, I continue to pray that I am wrong about all of this.
• Secondly, check out Mr. Cheer or Die today as he continues his series on advice for Zygi with a discussion about the stadium. In his post he writes convincingly that the new Vikings stadium needs some kind of signature attraction, ala the pirate ship at Raymond James. I made some suggestions in the comments focusing on Norse mythology. Please add some more!
• Finally, as many of you know, I am big on trying to find the "signs from God" in everyday things. For example, a while back I wrote about "whatever song comes on next ..." and how I play that game to determine the outcome of the future or my present course of action. Well, as many of you know I also subscribe to Netflix, and out of the blue Netflix sent me a movie that wasn't even on my queue. In fact, I already had three movies at home so to get a fourth for no reason was totally unexpected. What movie did they send me? It was Dumb and Dumberer, the sequel to Dumb and Dumber.
At first I thought, why did they send me this? Do they think I will enjoy this based on the other selections in my queue? I was offended! I was outraged! But then I thought, well, I do have both The Ladies Man and Hot Chick in my queue so I guess I should keep my moral indignation to a minimum.
Then it dawned on me, this is a sign from God! He is trying to tell me something through Dumb and Dumberer! I mean, what other explanation is there for getting this random movie, one that isn't even in my queue, and especially when I already have three movies at home? So, I watched the movie last night, and I watched it very closely as I tried to decipher the message meant only for me.
Unfortunately, the only message I could get out of this movie is that I have somehow offended God in a most egregious manner. What a bad movie. It is so bad it might have to go on The List. Last night I lost two hours of my life that I can never get back for a movie that Gitmo is probably using as a torture device. What have I done to offend thee, Lord? Well, fortunately it seems my punishment is over. Believe me, I am trying to think of the offense that caused my punishment so as to avoid this in the future.
If anyone else has seen this movie and can think of what other kind of message God is trying to send me, I would be grateful for any ideas you have. Otherwise, I will continue to think I have been chastised.
Posted by snackeru at 8:07 AM | Comments (6) | Life | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
June 20, 2005
Painful to read the newspapers
There must be some hint of action on the Twins stadium bill at the capitol since both TC dailies are coming out fast and furious with stadium news. This could slightly be corroborated by something I heard cadidate-for-governor Steve Kelley say at the Parktacular parade this last Saturday. When asked if the budget stalemate is nearing an end Kelley responded, "I expect we'll get our work done before June 30." Of course, we've heard these "expectations" before. Let's hope our legislators can get the job done, especially for for the sake all those people about to be laid off.
Even with all this stadium news, though, it is still painful for me to open the newspaper. I read the paper with one eye shut and a cringe on my face since it seems the anti-stadium forces are gathering a pretty impressive amount of steam. In the Pioneer Press today, the four biggest opponents are outlined, including "rookie of the year" candidate John Knight. Does anyone know what law firm he works for? I'd like to avoid it if I ever need a lawyer. Nothing personal, I just don't like his vehement opposition to something I would give almost anything to have.
And even though the Strib had an article in today's paper that seemingly discussed the virtues of the St. Louis Cardinals plan for a new ballpark, I still found some interesting tidbits that we could look at a little closer. First of all, you'll recall that last Friday I discussed how I thought that the history of the team, their nostlagia, and the time the Cardinals have spent in St. Louis could actually work against them in their efforts to get a new ballpark. This idea was reiterated in the article, but this time with a focus on their success:
Jim Baker, St. Louis County's director of administration, said it quickly became clear that the team's relatively good financial standing in fact hurt the Cardinals' chances for public money. "I think it was a real shock to the Cardinals to realize the more successful you are as a sports franchise, the less leverage you have," he said.
Again, the Cardinals have far less leverage than the Twins in that they make a ton of money, the team is worth at least two times more than the Twins, and their fan base and local media revenue is also twice as large. Given all this success, the Cardinals threats to move, even across the river into Illinois, were probably met with a chuckle.
Even with these differences, and even though our situations are hardly the same, most anti-stadium people around here still look at the Cardinals plan as the way to go. I am of the opinion, though, that it still wouldn't matter if the Twins did agree to put up $300 million of their own money. People around here would still be against the plan. According to the article above, people are ticked off with the $85 million the Cardinals are getting from the city and state:
"When I was younger, the sun rose and set on whether the Cardinals won or lost," said Fred Lindecke, a retired St. Louis newspaper reporter and a leading critic of public subsidies for professional sports. "I'm never going into that new ballpark."The team, Lindecke said, is getting $310 million through naming rights, public seat licenses and other revenue -- giving the Cardinals what Lindecke calls a "free ballpark."
Stunning, isn't it? Even with the $300 million pledge, there is still sizable opposition. I am convinced this would also happen in the Twin Cities. During the Local Government committee hearing just last month Tony Cornish make the statement that if the Twins agreed to put up half that we wouldn't even be having this conversation. It would be a done deal. Given the difficulties the Cardinals have had, I just can't agree with this sentiment. Some people will always be against any plan and determined to see the Twins wave goodbye. (Another example of this just happened in Florida, with the Marlins agreeing to put up almost $200 million of their own money and the rest coming from Miami and the state. They, of course, were turned down).
Something the article does not discuss that definitely needs to be mentioned is the fact that even though the Cardinals are one of the most successful franchises in baseball, even though they make more money than most teams, even though they have a higher payroll than most teams, with a new stadium their revenue streams are about to get even better. Recent success aside, the Twins cannot continue to compete at this level, either financially or on the field, without a new ballpark.
Posted by snackeru at 12:58 PM | Comments (2) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
June 17, 2005
Issue 6
Issue 6: What is the Vikings stadium situation?
I will admit that I was very depressed to read this statement in the Strib today concerning Zygi Wilf:
Wilf said he hopes to persuade the Legislature to form a stadium authority in Anoka County to centralize stadium planning. He said he has pledged to pay one-third of the stadium cost, in addition to buying the land for a multi-use development.
Shoot! That is a little bit of a let down. I had heard so many rumors that Zygi would be more willing to pay for the stadium himself. Maybe he has changed his mind? It also appears he has changed his mind on a roofless stadium saying:
Wilf hedged on his previous insistence on building an outdoor stadium, saying he is amenable to "elements of a controlled environment."
Shoot again! I was so looking forward to outdoor football. Maybe Zygi was told in no uncertain terms that if he wants an outdoor stadium, he would have to pay for it himself. I still have hope for this, but it is dwindling fast. Man!
What a rube I am. Obviously I have way too much hope when it comes to all of this stadium nonsense. Truthfully, here is what I really think. I am almost certain that the only way the Vikings will get a stadium is if the Twins leave or are contracted. The fear of God has to be put in the legislature to do anything, and the Twins leaving would definitely put the fear of God in them. It is a high price to pay, but at least we'll still have the Vikings.
Having said that, Zygi has made some very refreshing statements concerning the Vikings long term viabilty in the state of Minnesota including, "If we're stuck in the Metrodome, then we'll be stuck in the Metrodome." How long he keeps singing this tune is anyone's guess, but it is sure nice while it lasts. I just hope he keeps talking like this until LA gets its own football team.
Posted by snackeru at 4:03 PM | Comments (0) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
Issue 4
Issue 4: Why can't the Twins pay for the stadium themselves ala the Yankees or the San Francisco Giants?
This will be "off the cuff." The Strib had an interesting editorial that mentioned this topic a while back that I will quote from now:
As we've said numerous times, it would have been wonderful for teams to have built new ballparks on their own. The Giants were actually able to do that by riding the Bay Area's dot-com bubble of the late 1990s, but they couldn't do it today. The Yankees can do it because of their huge local TV contract. The Cardinals can finance most of their new digs because they own development rights on the adjacent real estate. Other teams lack those advantages.
SBG also points out that the Yankees can deduct the cost of the stadium against their total revenues, thereby reducing their payment to the other teams. It actually makes financial sense for them to do this.
What it all comes down to though is money. The Twins don't have a lot compared to these other teams and Pohlad has already made it plainly clear that he won't use his personal fortune. The Cardinals and the Yankees have huge cable TV packages that roll in the cash, and they have huge, rabid fan bases that also increase their revenue. The Twins, quite frankly, have neither. According to the Twins, if they built their own stadium they would not increase their revenue enough to stay competitive over the long term. We can argue that point until we're blue in the face, but that is what they are telling us.
And if I could, I'd like to stick with this stream of consciousness for a little bit and discuss maybe one more thing that the Twins actually have that the other teams don't that might also make all this blackmail from the team possible. The Twins have leverage. The Twins have the leverage to threaten contraction, or to threaten that they'll move away from the state if they don't get what they want. The Yankees, the Cardinals, and the Giants do not have this same leverage. At all. Can you imagine Steinbrenner threatening to move the Yankees out of New York? He would be laughed at by the state, the city, the fans, heck even MLB would snicker at something that outrageous. The Cardinals, the Giants, and the Yankees will never leave their respective areas. Everyone knows it, and therefore they have no leverage.
The Twins have this leverage, and they are using it to its maximum potential. I don't like it, you don't like it, no one likes it ... but that is the way it is. I would be interested in any comments on this point as I am sure it is full of holes. Am I on to something or am I off my rocker?
Posted by snackeru at 1:53 PM | Comments (3) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
Issue 3
What chance does the stadium bill have to pass during this special session?
If you have been wondering let me assure you that I have definitely been paying attention to all the stadium news coming out of the Pioneer Press and the Star Tribune lately. My problem is that every time I try to write about it I end up getting so disgusted both with myself and the situation that I stop. I read about the Hines group and how they are now in charge of the Rapid Park development, and more importantly how they don't care if a stadium is built or not. I read Nick Coleman's vitrolic diatribe against the stadium using all the same idiotic anti-stadium arguments that I've read so many times before. Truth be told, I was so angry about Coleman's column that I actually wrote a response to it. It is sitting in draft mode on this site, but will probably never see the light of day. And, of course, I read the tepid and conditional support the Minneapolis City Council is giving to the stadium plan. Actually, I read it last night, after which I seriously couldn't sleep as I planned my attack against this outrageous stupidity. How could the very city that this stadium will reside in be so wishy-washy? It boggles my mind.
Every time I sit down to finish a post off about any of this, though, I just plain fall flat. I still believe passionately about the benefits a new stadium, and of course keeping the Twins, would have on our community, but deep down inside I am steeling myself for the inevitable. The anti-stadium crowd, with their twin arguments of "this money should go to education" and "no corporate welfare for billionaires," have again vanquished any hope I have of seeing outdoor baseball in this God-forsaken state any time soon. Couple this with the state budget fiasco, the fact that Sviggum's support is hanging by a thread, the apathy of your average Twins fan, this horribly rainy weather we've been having ... it all spells doom and depression for your's truly.
Back to the question at hand. Do I think the Hennepin County plan has a shot in this legislative session? Is there still a chance? Yes. But it is slim and with every passing day of the budget impasse it is getting slimmer. Too slim, actually, for me to have much hope.
And to all the anti-stadium people I have just one thing to say: I hope you are right. I sincerely hope we can keep saying "no" and still expect to keep the Twins.
Posted by snackeru at 11:41 AM | Comments (3) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
June 9, 2005
The Roof: Part II
You may recall that I've written about a roof (or the lack of roof) on the new Twins stadium before. Even with all the rain we've been having I still think it is a luxury and not a necessity, but let me clarify something: I would LOVE to have a roof on the new ballpark. No doubt about it.
As you probably know, there were two articles about "the roof" in the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press today:
Lawmaker calls for Twins stadium roof
Twins plan on playing outside at new home
Let's start with the Star Tribune story. In it we have some of the same old points that have already been made concerning the proposed ballpark. First of all, it will not have a roof and it will not be built "roof ready." This makes sense from a Hennepin County standpoint since they will be assuming all of the debt. A roof is not a necessity for a Hennepin County resident since we can all just look out the window and decide if we should go to the game or not. Truly, why should Hennepin County residents pay for a purely out-state necessity? I'm OK with that.
There were also some interesting comments from architechts concerning just how roof-ready the stadium could be made. Some suggested that it would be cost-prohibitive to even make it roof-ready, and some suggested anything is possible. Some even suggested that a roof could be put on even without it being made roof-ready. I am in the "anything is possible" camp. Given enough will-power and technical know-how, it could be done, even after the fact I should think. The main issue, as it is right now, is that no one will want to pay for it. No one wants to pay for it now, and no one will want to pay for it then. So, we probably shouldn't worry about it.
What struck me most about this article, though, was a quote by Steve Sviggum:
House Speaker Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon, said this week that it was his understanding that the proposal before the Legislature was for an open-air stadium capable of adding a roof in a few years if the public wanted it."I thought this is something that could be done incrementally. It could be my misunderstanding of the proposal. ... It makes it a little less attractive."
That is not good to hear. Not good at all. First of all it suggests that there are many legislators that probably still think the ballpark will be built roof-ready, and even worse it suggests that Sviggum's support is waning. Ouch ouch ouch. We'll have to watch this development carefully. He did suggest he will still support the bill, but his tepid support is definitely not a good thing.
Enter Rep. Loren Solberg. Today in the Pioneer Press Solberg said that he has an amendment ready to use the TIF method of financing to put a roof on the ballpark. As with any new development I try to look at it from the perspective of "does this help or hurt the chances for a ballpark to actually be built in the Twin Cities area." In this case, I am still not sure. In fact, I don't know what to think.
Let's get the obvious out of the way. Solberg's amendment suggests that he is in favor of the Hennepin County proposal. I have him marked as anti-stadium, but I may have to change that. I have written him to ask him to clarify his stance (for example, would he still support the bill even without a roof?) and I will certainly let you know if/when I hear back from him. If he is now pro-stadium, that means we'll have 66 pro-stadium legislators in the House that I can identify! That would be fantastic.
However, regardless of how many different ways you can justify using TIF money to finance a roof, it is still state money and it would bring state money back into the equation. One of the best things about this bill is that it is simple. There is one funding source with predictable revenue streams. Bringing TIF money back into the mix confuses the issue and could cost the bill some votes.
On the other hand, the votes we would probably lose the most of would be Hennepin County legislator votes, and we could never count on them anyway.
Is it conceivable that Solberg's amendment could strengthen the base of out-state votes, given the fact that they already support the bill and this amendment would probably make their constituents, especially the Twins fans, even happier.
Like I said, I am a little confused over what to think about this development. Again, hopefully we'll get a chance to see this played out.
• Speaking of which I saw Pawlenty on KMSP this morning and he again said he favors the Hennepin County proposal, that he expects it to be heard after all the important business of the legislature is taken care of, and that the lack of a referendum is not a deal breaker for him. Hallelujah!
• Finally, there was a point in time that the Metrodome was an outdoor ballpark. Take a look at this photographic evidence.
Posted by snackeru at 12:29 PM | Comments (5) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
June 8, 2005
Bork! Bork! Bork!
Zee Tveens need a noo stedeeoom. Zee Hennepeen Cuoonty plun is a reesuneble-a vey tu feenelly get zee jub dune-a. Vetcheeng zee Tveens in un ooootduur stedeeoom is leeke-a ieteeng a vell-cuuked cheeckee. It joost duesn't get uny better.
Pheel Kreenkie-a duesn't vunt tu booeeld a Tveens stedeeoom. Vhet un ideeut! Ell stedeeoom ooppunents shuoold be-a poot intu a put a bueeled leeke-a lubsters! Zeen zeey shuoold be-a chupped up leeke-a cerruts und drooned in a stoo. Stedeeoom ooppunents ere-a ell ifeel peuple-a thet prubebly secreeffice-a nooburn keettens tu zeeur inseteeeble-a guds ooff despeur und meesery.
Iff a noo Tveens stedeeoom is booeelt zeere-a veell be-a heppeeness und dunceeng und juyuoos celebreshun. I veell prepere-a und feest ooff sooccoolent steeks und lesegna! Iff nu noo stedeeoom is booeelt zeere-a veell be-a peeen und surroo und nu feest. Zee Svedeesh Cheff needs ooootduur besebell!! Vhy du yuoo inseest oon turmenteeng zee Svedeesh Cheff?
Bork! Bork! Bork! Bork!
Posted by snackeru at 1:01 PM | Comments (6) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
Time to be quiet
I'm sick of spinning my wheels. The votes are either there, or they aren't. At this point there is probably little that you or I can do to change this situation one way or the other. Whatever happens, I am looking forward to this being over.
Have a good day everyone.
"There was never much hope. Only a fool's hope." -- Gandalf, ROTK.
Posted by snackeru at 8:15 AM | Comments (2) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
June 7, 2005
Bigger fish to fry
• A few things about my favorite topic, Stick and Ball Guy and Frightwig have been having an interesting debate over the stadium issue again (that spilled onto the comments section of this page in yesterday's post). I encourage you to read SBG's post today which, yet again, does a wonderful job of seeing the big picture when it comes to stadium politics. Essentially, SBG builds up to the fact that the current stadium plan is "small potatoes" compared to other tax injustices the American people deal with.
The trouble, as I see it, is that this baseball stadium is easy for people to pick on rather than some of these other injustices, or even rather than getting up off of our fat butts and actually really fighting for education funding, or police funding, or health care. It appears to me that most people limit their moral indignation towards inadequate funding for education and their fight to gain more funding to a battle against a Twins stadium. The argument, "I'm against a Twins stadium because that money should go to education" quite frankly makes me very angry because 1) the two issues are mutually exclusive on a number of levels and 2) no new Twins stadium does not automatically mean more money for education. Truly, I would love it if that actually happened. No, no new Twins stadium means no new stadium and continued inadequate funding for education.
So, taking SBG's post as my inspiration, I would like to suggest that stadium opponents stop focusing on the stadium and start actually focusing on the issues they would like to rectify. Or better yet, stop focusing on the Twins stadium because there are more important issues to focus on. I know the Twins stadium is easy to pick on, but defeating this proposal will not bring your pet issue any closer to your desired solution.
And the irony is not lost on me ... I could have probably cured cancer by now with all the time I have spent fighting for a new Twins stadium. We have a proposal on the table right now where the two parties, Hennepin County and the Twins, are both satisfied. Let's get it done and move on with our lives.
Oh, and one more thing, Carl Pohlad is rich. Get over it.
Posted by snackeru at 8:57 AM | Comments (1) | Stadiums
Category "Libraries"
Category "Stadiums"
Category "UThink"
June 6, 2005
Long time, no see
Hey everyone. Sorry for my extended absence. You know how it goes, though. Between travelling to Baltimore and the nice weather we've been having, it has been hard to sit in front of the computer for too long. Anywho ...
• Nothing to report on the stadium front. There was the Krinkie/Marty attempt to grandstand a little by proposing that the majority of the profits from the new stadium go to the county, but other than that nothing is happening. I must admit I'm getting a little pessimistic. This is even with Shooter reporting yesterday that ,"[c]hances appear favorable for legislative approval of a new ballpark for the Twins before the end of the current special session." I wish he would give more details about why he thinks the chances are still favorable.
It seems that the state budget debate has taken a turn for the worse. The DFL Senate, the governor, and the Republican House appear to be unable to agree on anything. I am beginning to think that by the time they get a budget worked out they will be so sick of seeing each other that they may not want to even deal with the stadium issue. I suppose our best shot is by tagging along with the Gopher's stadium and hoping that after our legislators handle that piece of legislation they'll want to take care of the Twins.
Did you see the poem Dean Johnson's staff wrote after Pawlenty vetoed the state poet laureate bill? It went a little something like this:
"The governor, on promotional tour,
Education is sound-bite du jour.
To govern through press, that is his goal,
But fly-arounds will take their toll."
Why, Dean, oh why do you insist on making this debate even more acrimonious than it has to be? Sigh. If anyone has any news on the budget or the stadium please feel free to share.
• As you probably know, I was in Baltimore this past Thursday and Friday to speak at Johns Hopkins University about UThink. First things first, as I said below, I promised to find out why there is an "S" at the end of "Johns" Hopkins. The trouble with blogs is that sometimes people read them. So, while I was being introduced for my presentation on Friday the gentleman introducing me told the audience that I had written about my desire to get to the bottom of this mystery. Ha! That was a little embarrassing. So, he explained (and as bjhess has already pointed out) that "Johns" is actually a family name that was given first to Johns Hopkins great-grandfather. "Johns" was the maiden name of the benefactor of Johns Hopkins University's great-grandmother. So, there you have it. Truth be told, I was just joking around about my desire to get to the bottom of this "mystery." As CC pointed out already, it is easy to find this out through their website.
Overall, my trip went very well. I got into Baltimore on Thursday afternoon and drove past both Camden Yards and the Raven's stadium on my way to the hotel. Camden Yards is just beautiful. Quite frankly, it is so beautiful I don't even want to talk about it. It made me upset just to look at it. Let's move on.
Thursday evening I went out to to dinner with some of the staff from the Johns Hopkins University libraries, as well as my co-presenter Brewster Kahle, co-founder of the Internet Archive. I guess I wouldn't be surprised if you've never heard of Brewster Kahle, but for a librarian and techy like me he is pretty famous. Kahle is an Internet pioneer and millionaire with offices at the Presidio (neighboring the new offices of George Lucas). The Internet Archive is a bi-monthly snapshot of the entirety of the WWW which allows the user to see what a specific website looked like two months ago, or five years ago. Check it out:
Google, Dec. 2, 1998
Amazon, October 13, 1999
ESPN, Dec 2, 1998
Greet Machine, Dec 25, 2003
You get the picture. As you might imagine, the Internet Archive has a huge storage capacity and currently contains approximately 1 petabyte of data and grows at a rate of 20 terabytes per month. Yikes, that is huge.
Brewster Kahle came to speak about this project and also his new initiative to digitize the entirety of human recorded knowledge ala Google and make it all "universally accessible." His talk was awe-inspiring, important, timely, engaging, and entertaining. The scope that he is dealing with, the higher plane that his thinking currently resides in ... wow. It was awesome to meet him and talk with him. His presentation mainly dealt with different media types such as print, sound/music, video/movies, and graphics and his desire to digitize all of it. He also tried to convince everyone how relatively inexpensive it is to do so and how librairies especially are at a unique point in our history to make a huge impact in this realm. He said more than once something to the effect that right now the technology community is looking to libriaries for advice, help, and assistance in doing all of this. "We are cool to the techies right now" he kept on saying, and we need to do something before we aren't cool anymore. Of course, I'm not doing his talk justice, but needless to say it was very thought provoking and inspiring.
And then there was me. Ha! Actually, I was Brewster Kahle's warm-up band, so to speak. I presented first, and I am happy to report that my presentation on UThink went very well. I spoke about our efforts to record the cultural memory of the University of Minnesota through blogs, and our efforts to use blogs to create community on campus, give instructors another way to engage students in the classroom, and most importantly to promote intellectual freedom. Our efforts to create "communities of interest" and promote intellectual freedom seemed to resonate with the audience the most, as well as the fact that the UThink project was designed without a committee. UThink is basically just me (and the excellent work of a programmer). One audience member labled my efforts "gutsy" and extolled the virtues of taking a chance every once in a while. That was flattering.
So, I think I held my own with Brewster Kahle, and after our presentations were over we both agreed that they dovetailed nicely. Kahle is certainly working on a worldwide scale, but UThink is an example of a local based project with some of the same goals: capturing the cultural memory of a group of people and making it accessible to all. All in all, our two talks worked great together and it was a very enjoyable day.
Anyway, that is about it. If you got this far, thanks for reading. Back to our regularly scheduled programming...
Posted by snackeru at 8:37 AM | Comments (7) | Libraries | Stadiums | UThink
Category "Stadiums"
May 27, 2005
Stadium revenue sources
Frightwig has written a thoughtful piece today discussing, again, his opposition to the current ballpark plan and his desire for Hennepin County to be able to capture some of the revenue a new ballpark is sure to create. Yes, this would be wonderful, there is no doubt about it. FW also writes that since most Twins fans are so rabid about getting a new ballpark, why don't we propose to pay for it through ticket taxes, memorabilia taxes, lottery tickets, bobbleheads, license plates, etc. Could it be done?
This is actually an idea that gets thrown out there a lot. Why don't we pay for a stadium with all of these funding sources? Why don't we put a tax on tickets, have those that benefit the most from the stadium pay for it, and finally put this issue to rest?
Truthfully I think all of these ideas should be used to fund a stadium. No doubt about it. I would play a lottery scratch game every day of the week and twice on Sunday if it meant a new Twins stadium could be built. However, there are a lot of problems with building a Twins stadium in this fashion. No more problems than building a Twins stadium with tax money, true, but problems nonetheless.
First of all, there is no way any of these possible revenue streams could raise enough money to pay off the debt on a new stadium. Not even if we combined them. The Minnesota Stadium Task Force of 2003 looked at all of these funding sources and came up with these figures (PDF) for the amount of revenue each could generate. Since these figures were put together in 2003 I will generously round up the amount of money I think we could reasonably expect from each of these revenue sources:
$3 million per year -- sales tax on food and alcohol in new stadium
$3 million per year -- 10% ticket tax
$3 million per year -- clothing and memorabilia tax (statewide!)
$2 million per year -- lottery scratch game (per game offered)
Keep in mind that I am rounding up the state's figures. That is only $11 millon per year. Obviously this is a far cry from the $28 million per year needed to retire the debt. What if we just increase the fees? I think the state was wise in putting these estimates together. I think this may be all that the citizenry of our state would be willing to pay in fees.
Another problem is the fact that these funding sources would be shaky at best. What if the Twins don't draw well one year? What if no one plays the lottery game? What if the money we were counting on from these funding sources just doesn't pan out? Who pays then? Neither the Twins or the state want to have to worry about that. Quite frankly, these possible revenue streams would not produce the kind of money that anyone could count on to get the job done.
Another group that wouldn't want to worry about the lack of "hard" money in this kind of scheme are the people lending the money to build the stadium. These funding sources are so shaky that the interest rates on the debt would probably be higher, which obviously would mean that the debt would be larger.
Finally, using all these funding sources is too complicated. If we have found anything out about our legislature in the last few years of this stadium debate, it's that they don't like complexity. Too many funding sources would mean too much bureaucracy and too much red tape. The Twins don't want that, and the state doesn't want that either.
The Hennepin County plan is not perfect. But it will 1) raise enough money to get the job done, 2) produce consistent revenue that everyone can count on year after year, 3) raise enough money to probably retire the debt early, and 4) it is relatively simple. That is why it has the best chance to finally get a stadium built.
Having said all of this, I still think Frightwig's idea has a lot of merit. We should use all of these funding sources regardless of the complexity that has dissuaded the team and the state from using these revenue streams over the years. However, it won't be enough. If we lived in a perfect world we could have the team pay for the rest. But Pohlad has already made it clear he won't do that. Needless to say, it is very frustrating.
Sigh. I am sick of this argument. I am sick of thinking about this. I just want it to be over. Build a stadium or don't build a stadium. Let's just make a decision.
Posted by snackeru at 8:11 AM | Comments (2) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
May 24, 2005
Dan Dorman is a "yes"
I just received verification that Dan Dorman is voting "yes" for the Hennepin County ballpark bill! This is very, very good news, not only because it moves the bill closer to the magic "68" votes it needs in the House, but also because Dorman is a member of the powerful House Taxes committee. According to my calculations, we may be sitting at a 14-14 tie vote right now in that committee.
Thanks, Rep. Dorman for your letter and your committment to keeping Minnesota a "major league" state.
Posted by snackeru at 1:29 PM | Comments (0) | Stadiums
Category "Life"
Category "Stadiums"
May 23, 2005
Not much to say
• Not much to say, but I'll say it anyway. Revenge of the Sith was good. In fact, it was very good. It renewed my faith in the Star Wars franchices, and I enjoyed it immensely. While the acting was a little stilted in some cases, the story came together nicely and the action was top notch. Great fight scenes, wonderful visual elements, and all together just stunning eye-candy. If you go and see it you'll have to let me know if you agree with me on this though: I thought Anakin's decision to pledge his allegiance to Palpatine was a little abrupt. Maybe that's just me. My wife thought it was fine.
Favorite scence: when Kenobi and Anakin fly into General Greivous's ship and Kenobi vaults out of his ship doing a couple of mid-air flips and generally kicking butt ... I thought that was cool.
• I'm starting to really like Zygmunt Wilf. I think he'll be fine as a Vikings owner, especially after I read that he has pledged not to move the Vikings. That is good to hear. I think his pledge is a little more solid, too, than when Red bought the team. You'll recall what Red said: "The Vikings belong in Minnesota." There is a lot of different ways to wiggle out of that statement. Wilf, on the other hand, when asked if he will move the Vikings said, "That'll never happen," and also according to Sansavere Wilf also said, ""There's no question (the Vikings are staying in Minnesota). Listen, no way (they're leaving). It's a storied franchise. It is Minnesota.'' Wonderful. OK, what about a stadium? Wilf had this to say:
Wilf has visited Minnesota several times, looking at potential sites for a new stadium. Wilf indicated it is possible he would purchase the land for the stadium site and said he would "not necessarily" ask the state for money to build the facility."We feel that it's important to work with everyone involved to get a world-class venue for our Minnesota Vikings,'' Wilf said. "We're exploring all options to achieve that result. Get the best venue for our team and the fans, that's our goal. We're committed to fund our share and we have to go into details before finalizing our exact plan. We're exploring all options (for funding). I am determined to find a way (to get a new stadium).''
"Not necessarily" ... that is very interesting. Does that mean he will still seek county money ala the Twins? Or is he considering how to fund this monster himself? I certainly hope so. No one wants the Vikings to go through what the Twins have gone through. The fact that Wilf is a Giants fan is, I think, a positive thing in regards to the stadium. If you haven't heard, the Giants are paying for their new stadium themselves. I can't help but think that Zyggy has been paying attention to this development. I sincerely hope he strives to emulate it.
• Not much to report on the Twins stadium front. As you probably know, the Senate will have their first committee hearing for the ballpark bill this Wednesday. Other than that, I haven't heard much of anything new. If you have heard anything please feel free to share in the comments below.
Posted by snackeru at 8:40 AM | Comments (6) | Life | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
May 20, 2005
Friday notes
People ... PEOPLE!!! Why must I be cursed with these thoughts? I cannot, no matter how hard I try, stop thinking about this stupid Twins stadium. I pray that this year this issue is finally resolved if for no other reason than just to retain my own sanity. Gah! Let's get to the news:
• The legislative session ends on Monday. There is no way that the Taxes committee is going to tackle this issue before then. Of course, for weeks now most legislative pundits have been predicting a special session, and with Pawlenty's veto of the gas tax yesterday I think it is a given now. So, if this ballpark bill is to carry on it will have to be done within this special session. And the rules will slightly change. According to a document I found on the legislature's web site (PDF):
Each special session is a separate, free-standing meeting of the legislature, independent of the regular legislative session and any other special session. All legislation to be considered must be introduced as new bills. The legislature may not act on bills from the regular session or another special session.
Interesting. So, the ballpark bill will have to be re-submitted. Does this mean it will have to go through the same committees? Probably not, I would think it would go straight to Taxes. However, Taxes is going to be busy with more important matters (omnibus tax bills), as they should. So, is there a chance this bill could skirt by some of the legislative protocol and committee rules? I think there is. Again, according to the document above:
[T]he legislature usually uses expedited procedures to pass legislation. During special sessions, the House and the Senate often pass bills shortly after they are introduced. This is accomplished by declaring an “urgency” and suspending both the constitutional requirement that each bill be considered on three different days in each house and the requirement of legislative rules that each bill be referred to a committee when it is introduced. The two-thirds vote required in each house to expedite passage in this way usually is forthcoming, because legislators generally wish to curb the length of the session.
Now, I don't think the ballpark bill has a chance of getting 2/3 of the votes in the House. I'm not that stupid. The Senate? Maybe. However, what if in the special session the ballpark bill was introduced, sent to say the Ways and Means committee (given all the work the Taxes committee has to do), and passed there. Could the bill then move to the floor? Constitutionally, how many committees does a bill have to go through before it gets to the House floor? I'm thinking that in a special session the rules are a little different, perhaps.
Well, I think we are going to get a chance to find out. Should be interesting.
• As Steve pointed out yesterday (thanks Steve!), there was a great StarTrib editorial concerning our favorite topic. I encourage everyone to read it as it does an excellent job of spelling out the reasons why a referendum on this issue continues to be such a bad idea:
Second, if a referendum were somehow compelled, the expense in time, money and injury to public discourse would far outweigh any benefit. Interest rates and construction costs are rising. Already a decade of delay has added $200 million to the project's cost. A televised, California-style campaign of shallow, vitriolic attacks shouldn't be the model that Minnesota follows on this or any issue. The inaccuracies spouted in public testimony on this matter have been stunning. This alone should be a clue to legislators that they are best qualified to cooly and factually assess this issue. We already have referendums every four years; they're called elections.
Beautiful. Just beautiful. Referendums, or as I like to call them "the enemies of progress," are just a huge cop out by our legislators. Do the job we elected you to do! If you don't want the job, please step down and we'll try to find someone who does. The inaccuracies spouted by (and believed!) by the public that are sure to precede a referendum would truly be stunning. Not to mention the fact that this issue would further divide our state and just plain be nasty. Who wants that?
Also, the paragraph above reminded me of another simple fact: would any other bill of this kind of importance survive the scrutiny (public and legislative) that ballpark bills usually have to endure? Never. If we treated all of our spending bills like we treat ballpark legislation nothing would ever get accomplished. Nothing could survive this kind of scrutiny! My point is there are pros and cons to almost every kind of legislation out there, especially legislation involving money. Sometimes you've just got to focus on the pros, like we do with most other bills, and get the job done.
• Did you see that MLB has now given the Florida Marlins an ultimatum that by June 9 they must have their stadium financing in order? What MLB didn't to do was list any consequences for failure to meet this deadline. What could happen to the Marlins if they don't have a workable plan by June 9? A move to Las Vegas? Who knows. Personally, I think MLB is waiting to see what happens with the Twins. The options open up with both the Marlins and the Twins unable to secure stadium deals. The current MLB collective bargaining agreement (CBA) ends December 2006. After that, contraction becomes an option again. I can't believe MLB would try something like this again, but they've done some really stupid things before (like try contraction). Let's just pray that the Twins and Hennepin County can get the job done.
Gotta go for now. See you soon.
Posted by snackeru at 8:55 AM | Comments (1) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
May 18, 2005
I have connections
Believe it or not, I know someone on the Taxes committee. Not an aide, or some pimple faced page, but a legislator actually on the committee. I know, amazing! I told him that I wouldn't give away his identity, but let's just say that he is "family" of sorts. I have held off on writing him because I knew that at some point I would want to harass him about the Taxes committee. What follows is some of my correspondence with him today.
At first I asked him some general questions about what he thinks the chances are of this bill making it out of the committee. He gave me some wishy washy answers and then he asked me how I knew that the vote would be so close. I admitted that I actually track this issue pretty religiously and that I have a web site devoted to it. I thought this would clam him up immediately, but he sent me this reply:
Then, off the record, I'll tell you this. Ross Kramer just came around shaking me down for votes in Tax committee. He had a hard list with checks by names and he did not look too happy. Nonetheless, Kurt Zellars and I just went down the list in the red book and the numbers look pretty tight to us. That said, the only one's lobbying on this right now is the pro side. The lawyer dude from Minneapolis sent me one e-mail. Nothing else. Zero. Zilch.
Ross Kramer is a Twins lobbyist. I am not surprised that he is not happy. I was also surprised to read that the anti-stadium people he has heard from is limited to Mr. Knight. And based on his comment about lobbying, maybe we should all take this opportunity to write the committee a few pro-stadium letters, hmmm? Next I sent him my list of yes/no votes on the committee and asked if he wouldn't mind verifying my predictions. He wrote back:
I think Vandeveer is a no. But I am not certain how accurate your list is on two - Abrams & Erhardt. You could be right, it's just that the jury is out on them in my book.
This completely blew me away. Abrams? As the former chair of the Taxes committee he has consistently crushed Twins stadium efforts over the years. So, obviously, the thought of Abrams actually favoring the Hennepin County proposal was almost too much for me to believe. I asked my contact to clarify just why he thinks Abrams will be a yes:
Something weird I heard a week back. But I was waiting for confirmation, so I put him in my "dunno" column.
Do'h! I think I'll keep Abrams in the "no" column. Anyway, while I don't have any good news in terms of the Taxes committee, I do pretty much have verification that things will be tough for this bill. That is unfortunate. I will be sure to write my contact more as time goes on to try to get his impressions concerning this issue. Again, I'm sorry that my news isn't more positive.
Finally, believe it or not, I have also been corresponding with Linda Koblick, the Hennepin County commissioner most opposed to this plan. Our correspondence has been very instructive and while I understand her views much better, unfortunately I have been unable to convince her to change her position concerning this proposal. Shoot. Anyway, just tonight she sent me an email which closed with this parenthetical statement:
(I think it will pass, btw)
So, take that for whatever it is worth. I know that little statement will give me enough hope to continue fighting the good fight. See you soon...
Posted by snackeru at 10:03 PM | Comments (13) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
Divine intervention
OK, remember how I said now was not the time for pessimism? That now is the time for action? Well, unfortunately, get ready for some pessimism. Oh boy, the breakdown of the Taxes committee does not look good. Not good at all. Unless Sviggum has something up his sleeve, the Twins ballpark bill will not escape this committee without a referendum attached, and it may not even escape this committee at all. Check this out (with the person's likely vote at the end):
That is 13 votes for the bill, and 15 votes against. You'll recall that in the Local Government committee a referendum amendment was narrowly defeated 10-9 even though the bill itself was passed with a 12-7 vote. So, even if this bill can squeak by the Taxes committee, I just can't see it getting by without a referendum attached. I hope I'm wrong, I pray I'm wrong, but this just does not look good Twins fans.
Now for some optimism. Many of my predictions are based on 10 years of stadium debate. While it is unlikely, it is possible that many of the legislators that have expressed anti-stadium rhetoric in the past are now in favor of this plan. This is certainly true of Nora Slawik who is not a member of Taxes, but is a legislator who has been anti-stadium and is now pro-stadium. So, of course, let's keep our fingers crossed.
However, and now for some more pessimism, while I have Anderson, Bernardy, and Vandeveer in the "Yes" column, I would not be suprised at all if they came out against this bill. Truthfully, all three of these legislators are a "yes/no" at best. I know, how depressing.
That leaves us with the question of what can we do? What can we do at this point to help this bill pass? Sadly, I'm not sure. I've watched two hearings now, and the same arguments for and against were bandied back and forth in both ad naseum. Legislators on both sides of the issue expressed disgust with the nit-picking, delay tactics, and grandstanding displayed at the hearings. However, regardless of all of this debate, the hours of arguing, I'm not sure a single legislator actually changed his or her mind on how he/she was going to vote before the committee even started. We've been at this 10 years. At this point, it almost seems that all of this pomp and circumstance is a huge waste of time. The legislators know how they are going to vote and all these hours of arguing isn't going to change their minds. Am I wrong or am I right?
Legislators for the bill recognize the value of the Twins can't be measured purely in dollars and cents and they want this problem solved. Legislators against the bill think Pohlad should be contributing more, or that Hennepin County shouldn't be footing the entire bill for a statewide asset. Most legislators, I would think, have already chosen a side. Does this mean I'm not going to write all these legislators (again) and tell them what I think? No, I'm still going to write, and I encourage you to do so also, but it almost seems that we are watching a play where the script has already been written. At this point we are just waiting for the end.
OK, what if the Taxes committee actually has the votes to pass the bill, but not without a referendum? In that case, we have to count on the Senate to pass the companion bill without a referendum. When the two bills meet up in conference committee Sviggum would hopefully fill the House committee with pro-stadium legislators, the referendum would be stripped off, and the bill would go back to both chambers for another vote.
What if the bill just doesn't pass the Taxes committee? Can Sviggum resurrect the bill on the House floor even without the backing of the Taxes committee? I'm not sure. I think so, but I just don't know for certain. Can anyone shed some light on this? I'm of the opinion the House floor can decide to vote on anything they want, but that this is an unlikely scenario.
And of course, a special session is a unique animal in itself. I have no idea what the protocol is in a special session, but I would think, again, that this bill could be resurrected there if necessary. Truthfully, it seems we are in for a long, painful few weeks.
In conclusion, I think this bill has enough behind it to pass a House floor vote. I do not think it has the votes, though, to get out of the Taxes committee. I'm going to do a little more research on that and hopefully I'll be back with some better news. Until later...
Posted by snackeru at 8:37 AM | Comments (5) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
May 17, 2005
Local Government Committee: PASSED!
Just to let you know, the Hennepin County ballpark bill has passed the Local Government Committee! I don't have much time to editorialize right now, but let me say that it appears Lenczewski was strongly convinced by the other members to withold all her amendments and let the bill move on. She agreed, much to the dismay of committee chairman Mark Olson it seems. Before the vote Olson suggested that these amendments will all show up when the House floor debates this bill which will probably lengthen that process. Oh goody. Anyway, this is how the vote broke down:
Anderson- no
Charron- yes
Cornish- no
Garofalo- yes
Hilstrom- yes
Holberg- no
Hornstein- no
Hosch- yes
Lanning- yes
Lenczweski- no
Marquart- yes
Olson- no
Paymar- no
Peterson- yes
Poppe- yes
Samuelson- yes
Scalze- yes
Thao- yes
Wardlow- yes
12-7 in favor of the bill. I was off by three people: Paymar, Samuelson, and Cornish. Once again Paymar "passed" when his first chance to vote came up, saw that the bill would be approved, and then voted no. Seems like a case of "lack of backbone" to me. Samuelson has truthfully blown me away and Cornish ... well, even though he is from Mankato he still found a lot he didn't like with this bill.
I will update the Voter's Guide accordingly. On to the Taxes committee where we will surely see some real fireworks and delay tactics. I can just hear Krinkie licking his chops right now. See you soon.
Posted by snackeru at 5:59 PM | Comments (1) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
May 16, 2005
Local Government Committee: update
This committee is going to be a whole lot closer than I ever thought. First of all, there is no way they are going to finish tonight. They have 29 more amendments to deal with (most of them written by Lenczewski), and it is already 10:30. However, they just finished the biggest amendment of all: whether or not to include a referendum. Here is how the vote went (yes=for referendum, no=no referendum):
Olson: yes
Lanning: no
Hilstrom: no
Anderson: yes
Charron: yes
Cornish: yes
Garofalo: no
Holberg: yes
Hornstein: yes
Hosch: no
Lenczewski: yes
Marquart: no
Paymar: yes
Peterson: no
Poppe: yes
Samuelson: no
Scalze: no
Thao: no
Wardlow: no
So, the referendum amendment (submitted by Horstein) was defeated 10-9. It was a little nerve racking as the votes came in. Paymar "passed" on the first go around, waited until he could see that their would be enough "no" votes to defeat the referendum, and then he voted "yes." Of course, I'm not sure about his true intent with "passing" but it sure seems like a sneaky way to both support and not support this stadium bill.
Anyway, a 10-9 vote ... I'm not sure this bill is going to get out of Taxes without a referendum. We'll have to take a closer look at that tomorrow or later this week.
Now, the committee is debating whether or not to adjourn for the evening. Stadium supporters seem to be indirectly accusing Olson of trying to adjourn the meeting and by doing so delaying a vote to get the bill out of committee. Unfortunately, there is just no way they are going to finish tonight. It seems the vote will be delayed no matter what, and of course, this will delay its chances to get to the floor of the House.
UPDATE 1: Paymar is submitting an amendment that requires the Twins pay 50% of the ballpark rather than the roughly 30% they are paying now. That amendment was defeated 11-6. The Twins have said that a referendum is a "deal killer." I wonder if they would also consider paying more to be a deal killer. I suspect so.
UPDATE 2: Paymar is now submitting an amendment to use the stadium naming rights to help pay for the ballpark. The Twins say 1) it really isn't that much and 2) they gave up so much during negotiations that they fought to keep the naming rights. The amendment was defeated.
Posted by snackeru at 10:48 PM | Comments (1) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
Why I love the Dome
One of the truest things I have read during this never-ending stadium debate is that if the Metrodome is ever replaced, sooner or later we will miss it and long for the days when the Twins called it home. I know, it is hard to believe, but it is just human nature. We will all forget about it's negative qualities as we remember the good times and the things that made the Metrodome unique, and yes, even special.
So, as you already know, my son and I went to the game last Friday night. Since the game went into extra innings (thank goodness I brought my son's Gameboy) it gave me an opportunity to reflect on some of the things that make the stadium unique. Here is a list, in no particular order, of some of the things I know I will remember fondly of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome:
- The blast of air that pushes you out of the stadium after games. I just had to get that out of the way right off the bat as it is the most obvious.
- The urinal troughs. I don't care how bad I have to go, the minute I see 15 guys lined up at the trough I suddenly don't have to go as bad. In fact, I could stand there for an hour and never get out a drop. When they tear down the Dome I am actually considering trying to get a hold of a trough and setting it up in my basement bathroom just to freak people out who come over. You can't put a price on that kind of entertainment.
- The Baggie. Really, there should be no need to explain it, but that baggie is, for better or worse, the signature aspect of our baseball field. Minute Maid Park has the hill in CF, we have the Baggie. Bank One Ballpark has the hot tubs, we have the Baggie. It is truly disgusting, but I know we will look back on this and laugh.
- The Field Fare concession stands. I can imagine this conversation took place during the planning for the Dome. Planner One: "I know! Let's make really narrow concourses, far too few concession stands, and then let's staff those stands with volunteers who have never worked there before!!" Planner Two: "We shall dub these stands "Field Fare" and people will love them (even though they will stand in line for an hour just to get a hot dog)."
- The cup-holders built into the seats. Have you ever noticed that the rows at the Metrodome have 2 fewer cup-holders than is necessary if everyone has a drink? My son and I got two drinks while at the game Friday night. We were sitting in seats 1 and 2 in our row, and someone was already sitting in seat 3 when we got there. He was already using the cup-holder in front of him. My son put his cup in the holder in front of him. This, of course, left me with no cup-holder. Who is the genius that came up with this strategy?
- The speakers. Have you ever looked up at the speakers over the field? They are enormous. I can't believe that the teflon dome can hold these monsters up. Scary when you think about it.
- The curtain. What other stadium needs a huge curtain to cover up the mass of unused seats every game? How long before we need a curtain at the new stadium? Five years? Never? Hopefully we'll get a chance to find out.
- The sight lines. This is my view of the game from the third base line if I look straight ahead. Like I said on this picture, absolutely pathetic. I make it a point to never sit on the 3rd base line because of how sick I get of turning my head to the right. After nine innings it literally gets painful.
- The roof. I know I've already said that "I don't need no stinking roof" but it was cold Friday night. I was happy to have a roof over my head and a comfortable temperature of 72 degrees to enjoy the game in. I guarantee there won't be a person alive in Minnesota that won't miss that roof at some point.
- The football press box area. Also known as the Cambria Sky Box. I think it is hilarious that parties are held in this press area every game. I wonder if the Vikings get the money for selling out this area too.
- The Astroturf. This is something I already miss and look back on with nostalgia. That old field was horrible. I think Keith Millard once said it was like playing a game out on 494. Do you remember how during the last season on this surface they painted it with faint, white stripes to give it that "just mowed" appearance? Wow. How ridiculous.
- The noise. A new stadium for either the Twins or the Vikings will never be able to duplicate the ear splitting noise I have experienced in the Dome. Noise so loud it disorients you for two days after the game. That is what I call home field advantage.
- Lastly, I'll always remember the first time I walked into the majestic Metrodome and how, as a child, I was just stunned by the enormity of it all. It blew me away how big the place was, and how it was all enclosed in a single "room." I fell in love with the place immediately. I'm sure most of you had a similar reaction.
So, there you have it. I'm sure all of you could add your own. Of course, feel free to do so.
In closing, just let me say that you will note that some of the items above are good qualities and some of the items are bad qualities. Regardless, all of them together will provide Minnesotans with countless memories of what it was like to watch baseball indoors for almost 30 years. And while I hope our time in the Metrodome is coming to a close, I will look back on all of these memories of the building fondly.
Posted by snackeru at 12:23 PM | Comments (13) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
May 13, 2005
Friday notes
• Well, I should have checked into this a little closer, but it looks like the Twins stadium bill moving to Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration is just part and parcel of the legislative process. Since the bill missed all three committee deadlines it has to be sent to this Rules committee so they can bless it to move on or whatever. I still wouldn't be surprised if Sviggum tries to circumvent the House Taxes committee, but I realize it is unlikely. Check out this Committee Deadlines page for more information.
10 days, people. That's all we have left to get this bill passed. Yep, that is a tall order, especially considering this bill has two more committees to go through.
• Speaking of stadium bills in state legislatures, I don't know if you saw this, but the Florida legislature did not approve the Marlins proposal for a new stadium in Miami. You remember that bill, don't you? $192 million from the team, $60 million from the state in the form of a sales tax rebate, and the rest from Miami Dade County. The Florida Senate refused to agree to the $60 million from the state. Actually, the Senate President refused to even hear the bill on the Senate floor saying the bill didn't have the support to pass.
Team officials are not commenting until they "review their options." You can be rest assured they are watching Minnesota right now. If we can get something passed, I'm sure the Marlins will try something similar and take the state out of the equation. However, if we also fail then I think both the Marlins and the Twins have some interesting options. I think you know what I mean.
• Well, I'll be going to the Twins game tonight with my son. As you know, tonight is the Hrbek fishing lure night, and I have the complete set of Twins fishing lures. So, I don't even have a choice. I have to go to this game. It should be fun and my son is very excited about it. Knowing him, though, his excitement will last about 1 inning before he is bored out of his skull. I'm going to have him bring his Gameboy just in case.
Posted by snackeru at 8:39 AM | Comments (4) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
May 12, 2005
Holy Cow
UPDATE: Shoot. As David points out in a comment below, this is probably nothing. Oh well, didn't hurt to dream a little.
Oh boy, people. I think Sviggum is trying to pull a fast one. If you haven't heard, the Twins stadium bill was moved to the House Committee on Rules and Legislative Administration. According to a web site I have found:
In the House, the Calendar for the Day is a list of bills the House Rules and Legislative Administration Committee has designated for the full House to vote on.
I think Sviggum is trying to move this bill to the floor for a vote. Someone tell me I'm wrong. Does anyone else have any other idea?
Posted by snackeru at 8:58 PM | Comments (2) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
Local Government Committee: CANCELLED
The Local Government Committee meeting was cancelled today. Anyone know why? I also can't find if they have rescheduled it. Is this bill heading straight for Taxes? I wonder ...
If you were wondering where my post was today, I wrote something over at Twins Territory called Return on Investment. Not my best work, but it got my point across. Of course, my buddy David Wintheiser has already ripped it to shreds. It sure is nice to have someone I can count on!
See you tomorrow.
Posted by snackeru at 4:27 PM | Comments (4) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
May 11, 2005
Local Government Committee: A Prediction
First of all, check out the Voter's Guide. Based on the outcome of the Governmental Operations committee, there are now 2 fewer anti-stadium legislators and 7 more pro-stadium legislators for a grand total of 63 known pro-stadium representatives in the House. Slowly but surely we are creeping up to the needed 68 votes. That is if my Voter's Guide is at all accurate.
Speaking of which, I will now attempt to use the Voter's Guide to predict the outcome of the Local Government committee:
Local Government Committee
| Chair: Mark Olson (R) | rep.mark.olson@house.mn | No |
| Vice Chair: Morrie Lanning (R) | rep.morrie.lanning@house.mn | Yes |
| Lead-DFL: Debra Hilstrom (DFL) | rep.debra.hilstrom@house.mn | Yes |
| Bruce Anderson (R) | rep.bruce.anderson@house.mn | No |
| Mike Charron (R) | rep.mike.charron@house.mn | ? |
| Tony Cornish (R) | rep.tony.cornish@house.mn | ? |
| Pat Garofalo (R) | rep.pat.garofalo@house.mn | Yes |
| Mary Liz Holberg (R) | rep.maryliz.holberg@house.mn | No |
| Frank Hornstein (DFL) | rep.frank.hornstein@house.mn | No |
| Larry Hosch (DFL) | rep.larry.hosch@house.mn | Yes |
| Ann Lenczewski (DFL) | rep.ann.lenczewski@house.mn | No |
| Paul Marquart (DFL) | rep.paul.marquart@house.mn | Yes |
| Michael Paymar (DFL) | rep.michael.paymar@house.mn | Yes |
| Neil W. Peterson (R) | rep.neil.peterson@house.mn | Yes |
| Jeanne Poppe (DFL) | rep.jeanne.poppe@house.mn | ? |
| Char Samuelson (R) | rep.char.samuelson@house.mn | ? |
| Bev Scalze (DFL) | rep.bev.scalze@house.mn | Yes |
| Cy Thao (DFL) | rep.cy.thao@house.mn | ? |
| Lynn Wardlow (R) | rep.lynn.wardlow@house.mn | Yes |
So far, I can identify 9 yes votes, 5 no votes, and 5 unknown votes. Of those 5 unknowns, here is my prediction based on where they are from:
Charron -- Woodbury: YesCornish -- Mankato area: Yes
Poppe -- Austin: Yes
Samuelson -- New Hope: No (duh)
Thao -- St. Paul: Yes (my gut feeling)
So, based on my research, the districts the "unknowns" come from, and my gut, and accounting for probable errors in my computations I predict that the Twins/Hennepin County ballpark plan will escape the Local Government Committee with a 13-6 vote.
Could be more, could be less, but in the end I think this bill will pass through the committee. Agree? Disagree? Please let me know, but whatever the case, for the love of all that is holy write these legislators and tell them to support this plan!!!
I've already written all of them. And in my email (and I probably shouldn't have done this) I used the "legislative you" in a line that said, "Please put your hatred of a 90 year old man on the back burner, and start thinking about what is good for the state of Minnesota, the people of Hennepin County, and my family." I got an email back from Bruce Anderson that said, "I do not hate Carl Pohlad." That's it. Thanks for the info there, chief!
UPDATE: Thanks to Kevin for the great news that Bev Scalze has come out in favor of the Hennepin County ballpark proposal and will likely vote "Yes" on the bill during the Local Government committee hearing!!! Fantastic!
Posted by snackeru at 12:13 PM | Comments (4) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
On to the next committee
I am a sick person. I can admit that. Rather than watch a thrilling victory by the Twins last night, I huddled in front of my computer to watch a 3 inch display of the Governmental Operations committee. Sorry for the lack of updates, but I wanted to watch more to just get a sense of the support (or lack of support) for the bill in the legislature. I came away feeling pretty good.
As you probably know by now, the bill passed through the committee on an overwhelming 17-5 vote. Obviously, this was pro-stadium committee. In fact, the chair of the committee, Kathy Tingelstad from Andover, opened the meeting by saying she was not only in favor of the Twins stadium, but also the Vikings stadium which would be built in her district's county if Anoka County ever gets a chance at the legislature. After I heard that, I was pretty confident this bill would get a fair hearing.
After that, the Twins, Hennepin County, and Finstad made their pitch for the plan. Then the committee heard a couple of hours of public testimony both for and against the plan. I was, of course, unimpressed with the testimony against the plan, and not for the obvious reasons. Mainly I was unimpressed because it seemed a lot of the opposition were only against this plan because they thought they had a better plan. What a humongous waste of time. Of the people that signed up to speak, 15 were for the plan, and only 8 were against.
Concerning the actual committee vote, of the 5 people that voted against the bill two were from Minneapolis, DFLers Phyllis Kahn and Diane Loeffler, and one was Mark Olson from Big Lake. More about him in a minute. However, Neil Peterson, a representative from Bloomington and the former mayor of Bloomington voted in favor of the bill. This was surprising and highly welcome. As you know, Bloomington is the home of the Mall of America and from what I have heard Bloomington representatives have been very critical of this plan calling it an attempt to grab money from the MOA.
Peterson's yes vote came at an interesting price, though. During the Hennepin County Commissioners meeting of last week, an amendment was successfully attached to use any excess money from the general sales tax to fund other county projects, such as keeping libraries open longer. Peterson's amendment successfully removed that commissioners meeting amendment. According to him, the tax should only be used to pay off the stadium so that the debt can be paid off quickly and his constituency won't be taxed on unknown projects that may be outside of his district. Fair enough. Peterson's amendment passed and I don't think the Hennepin County Commissioners will have a problem with it.
There was a lot of discussion of referendums, but Tingelstad successfully fought them off claiming that this kind of discussion is probably out of the purview of the Governmental Operations committee. Mark Olson tried his best to attach one, but it was defeated 13-9. That is the good news. Now, the bad news is Mark Olson is the chair of the Local Government committee where the bill is headed for next. In his capacity as chair of this committee, Olson will almost assuredly entertain every attempt to discuss a referendum for this proposal. In other words, this is where it is going to start getting tough.
And if this bill can get through Local Government unscathed, it will head for the ultra-nasty Taxes committee where Phil Krinkie will again do his darndest to attach a referendum to the proposal. Ouch ouch ouch. I have a glimmer of hope still, but only a glimmer. This is going to be tough.
During the next couple of days I hope to look at the membership of the Local Government committee and try to predict where the opposition will come from. And whether or not I think this bill can make it through the committee. Until next time...
Posted by snackeru at 8:48 AM | Comments (4) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
May 10, 2005
Quick note
UPDATE: The Governmental Operations Committee has PASSED the Twins ballpark bill! The vote was an overwhelming 17-5. The 2nd hurdle has been cleared. On to the Local Government Committee!
I'll talk about this more tomorrow. 17-5 ... that is impressive.
You know, you can watch the proceedings of the Governmental Operations committee yourself!
Right now they are getting into the amendments. Enjoy!
UPDATE 10:42 PM: They are still yapping. Argh! Get to the vote already! Phyllis Kahn ... I am seriously beginning to dislike her. So many stupid amendments. Mark Olson tried to slide a referendum requirement in and it was defeated 13 to 9. Phew!
UPDATE II 10:50 PM: Diane Loeffler is proposing an amendment that requires 80% fan occupancy for the life of the stadium. She admits that she knows nothing about what a reasonable occupancy rate would be. She hopes that this gives the Twins incentive to keep putting a winning team on the field regardless of owner. She says the county is making a huge investment, the Twins should also. Wow. The amendment was defeated.
Posted by snackeru at 8:58 PM | Comments (3) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
Big day today
I couldn't sleep last night due to the fact that I read this article in the Strib before I went to bed. According to the article:
The plan for financing a new Twins ballpark faces significant opposition in the House of Representatives, according to a Star Tribune survey of legislators.With more than three-fourths of House members responding, 42 said they favored a deal that would raise the sales tax in Hennepin County. Thirty-six opposed it, and 27 members said they were undecided. The proposal needs 68 votes to pass the 134-member House.
Ugh. That is disheartening. Let's try to look at it another way, though. There are 134 members in the House. 42 have come out in favor of the plan, 36 are opposed, and 27 are undecided. OK. That leaves 29 legislators unaccounted for. Add that 29 to the 27 that are undecided, and you get 56 legislators that we still don't know about. The bill needs 68 votes to pass which means we need 26 more "yes" votes, or roughly half of the 56 legislators that still are up in the air. Is that possible? Can Finstad (the chief author of the bill) muster up 26 more votes out of 56? I certainly hope so. In fact, I still think he can.
And, unless you live under a rock, you probably know that the stadium bill will be heard today by the Governmental Operations and Veterans Affairs Committee beginning at 4:30 this afternoon. This is the second step for this bill, and our first indications of whether or not 1) it has even a small modicum of support and 2) if it can make it out of committees without a referendum.
I am guessing that two big things will happen with this bill during committee meetings. The first is every committee that hears it will try to attach a referendum to the bill. I have no doubt of that. I also expect some legislators will try to attach another tax onto the .15% general sales tax, or even increase the tax to be something like 6 cents on every $20 purchase in order to fund education, or police, or health care also. I can't say how I feel about that. I personally hope that the bill makes it through this committee unscathed and "as is" but I would be surprised if something doesn't happen to it. We'll just have to keep our fingers crossed.
I'll be watching and taping the proceedings so I should have a good sense of what kinds of hurdles the bill will have to overcome next (if it even makes it through Governmental Operations!). What a nerve racking day!
Finally, and I think this is just hilarious, Rep. Anne Lenczewski has submitted a bill to rename the Minnesota Twins to the Hennepin County Twins. Sigh. Can we just solve this problem and move on?
Posted by snackeru at 12:43 PM | Comments (5) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
Endorsed by Linda Koblick
I got an email from Linda Koblick this morning. If you'll recall, Linda Koblick is the Hennepin County Comissioner most opposed to building a new Twins stadium in Minneapolis. Well, she would say she is opposed with the way this proposal is being "railroaded" through, and that she'd like more public input, but I'll say more about that in a bit. Here is what she said in her email to me:
Thank you for providing a very easily-accessible forum for information on the stadium/Twins, and easy directions on legislator and stadium bill information/contacts. My goal? Providing opportunities for input, from public hearings to emails like the many received from your site. Thank you! (and be nice to my staff - they came thru) I must admit, I like your site - it provided me with the stadium bill! Now that's service...
Did you catch that? Linda Koblick likes the Greet Machine! Even stadium opponents can't deny the juggernaut of wisdom that is this web site! Special thanks to Ms. Koblick for taking the time to answer my email. She certainly didn't have to do that. Now if I could only change her mind...
If we take her comments at face value, that she is only trying to give the public more opportunity to weigh in on this issue, and learn more about the proposal, then I would say her cause is noble. However, the public has been dealing with this issue for 10 years now. I dare say most of the public has already chosen a side regardless of what the particulars of this specific proposal are. In fact, the people cheering for Koblick at the meeting where this proposal was approved weren't cheering because Koblick was fighting for more time for the public to weigh in, they were cheering because they want to see this proposal defeated.
The proposal is simple. $125 million from the Twins, and the rest from Hennepin County in the form of a .15 general sales tax on everything but clothing, medical supplies, and food. That tax will generate $28 million a year. The stadium will not be owned by the Twins, but a Ballpark Commission, and the operating costs (upwards of $10 million a year) will be paid by the Twins.
The Twins will receive all game day revenue and the revenue from the stadium naming rights. The people of Hennepin County will receive a beautiful new stadium, a revitalized Warehouse District, hundreds of construction jobs, a family friendly and affordable entertainment option, beautiful evenings watching a Minnesota tradtion, out-state and out of state tourists visiting by the millions and all spending money in the county, and the pride of knowing that we finally solved this problem so we can all move on with our lives.
I'm ready. How about you?
I know that today is a big day in terms of the stadium bill. I'll be discussing that more later.
Posted by snackeru at 8:54 AM | Comments (3) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
May 9, 2005
The roof
I don't remember much of the old Met. I went to a bunch of games there, and the little snippets of games I do remember I remember fondly. However, when I listen to people talk about the old Met today, I am led to believe that it was always cold, rainy, or snowy, and when they finally did get a chance to play it was usually a double-header (or triple header!) due to all the cancelled games.
Besides the complaint of "No subsidies for billionaires!" the complaint I hear the most concerning the new Twins ballpark is the complaint that, for now, it will not be built with a roof. It won't even be built "roof ready." As the plan sits right now, it will be an open air stadium now and forever. And as much as I would like a roof, I honestly don't understand what all the complaining is about. Baseball was meant to be played outdoors, plain and simple. If the new ballpark is built without a roof, I won't be upset at all.
The big reasons to build a roof on the new ballpark are because it is cold and rainy (possibly snowy) in April, and it is cold in October. How can the Twins 1) draw enough fans, especially out-state fans, when there is no guarantee the game(s) will be played, and 2) how can the Twins compete when no big name free agents are going to want to play in such a cold place? I want to know, are these legitimate concerns?
To get to the answers of these questions I decided to look at the weather of 4 major league cities with climates comparable to the Twin Cities: Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland, and Boston. You'll note that every one of these cities has an open air ballpark. How do they survive? Is the weather in these four cities that much better than the weather in the Twin Cities? By focusing on the average temperatures in April and October in these cities, the average precipitation over the years in April and October in these cities, and the average yearly rainfall in these cities, I think I get to the answer:
| Apr. Hi/Lo | Oct. Hi/Lo | Apr. precip | Oct. precip | Ave. year rain | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | 56/40 | 63/47 | 4 in. | 3 in. | 42 in. |
| Chicago | 59/39 | 63/42 | 4 in. | 2 in. | 35 in. |
| Cleveland | 58/37 | 62/44 | 3 in. | 3 in. | 36 in. |
| Detroit | 58/37 | 62/41 | 3 in. | 2 in. | 34 in. |
| Minneapolis | 56/36 | 59/39 | 2 in. (+ 2 in. snow) | 2 in. | 29 in. |
According to this data, Minneapolis is definitely colder, both in April and October, but really, not by very much. In addition, this data definitely shows that Minneapolis has about the same amout of precipitation as these cities in April and October. However, Minneapolis has a relatively small amount of participation per year compared to these other cities. As you can see, on average Minneapolis gets about 29 inches of rain per year. Boston gets 42 inches of rain per year. What are we so worried about rain for?
Since all of these cities get more rain than Minneapolis, you would think that they must have to postpone a lot of baseball games due to inclement weather. Actually, no:
| 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | |
| Boston | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Chicago | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Cleveland | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Detroit | 3 | 2 | 1 |
People, I don't know how to break it to you, but that is it. On average these cities have to cancel about 2-3 games per year. I don't know about you, but I'm not really concerned about that. In fact, I think I might enjoy a couple of double-headers a year. Am I missing something? Why are we so insistent on a roof? Again, I wouldn't mind one, but is it really that necessary?
Finally, I thought, maybe I am missing something. Maybe I should look at the weather on specific days in a particular city and then compare the weather in Minneapolis on those same days. Since we heard so much about Detroit having to cancel games due to snow this year, I decided to look at Detroit's home schedule in April last year. Then I looked at the weather in Minneapolis on those same days:
| Date | Detroit Hi/Lo | Minneapolis Hi/Lo |
| April 8, 2004 | 53/37 | 54/37 |
| April 10, 2004 | 53/36 | 43/30 |
| April 11, 2004 | 46/35 | 44/25 |
| April 13, 2004 | 46/35 | 59/29 |
| April 14, 2004 | 59/36 | 70/41 |
| April 15, 2004 | 59/39 | 74/47 |
| April 23, 2004 | 63/42 | 63/43 |
| April 24, 2004 | 54/44 | 57/39 |
| April 25, 2004 | 73/44 | 63/41 |
| April 27, 2004 | 46/34 | 60/33 |
| April 28, 2004 | 69/32 | 91/49 |
| April 29, 2004 | 80/60 | 77/44 |
Again, what are we so worried about? The more I look at this data, but more I wonder why we are so concerned about a roofless stadium. According to the table above, the high in Minneapolis was colder than Detroit on only 4 days, and on one of those days it was 77 in Minneapolis! You know what? I think I can handle this.
In conclusion, don't get me wrong, I would love a roof on the new stadium. It would definitely make that handful of games per year a little more comfortable. But I certainly don't think it is a make or break deal. In fact, I think we should all stop whining like a bunch of [insert derogatory put-down here], recognize we live in Minnesota, and start figuring out how we can use our not-so-unique weather to our advantage.
Posted by snackeru at 8:16 PM | Comments (9) | Stadiums
Category "Life"
Category "Stadiums"
May 8, 2005
Superstition
I'm not usually a superstitious person. I don't knock on wood. I don't throw salt over my shoulder. I don't care about walking under ladders, breaking mirrors, or black cats crossing my path. Having said all that, though, there is one piece of superstition that I can never ignore, and I'm ashamed to admit that it fascinates me more than it should. What is this piece of superstition you ask? It is the superstition of "whatever song comes on next." Never heard of it? Allow me to elaborate.
Whenever I listen to the radio, or my iPod, I like to say, "Whatever song comes on next will determine how the rest of my day goes." Or I like to be more specific sometimes by saying something like, "Whatever song comes on the radio next will dictate whether I go to Home Depot or Menards to buy some window caulk." As you might imagine, deciphering the meaning of some of these songs can be quite a challenge. Does the fact that the next song is "Black Dog" by Led Zeppelin mean I should get a haircut today or not? Or does hearing the song "Clocks" by Coldplay mean I will finally beat Cheesehead Craig at a bet? Like I said, the message these songs are trying to send can sometimes be almost impossible to figure out, but that doesn't stop me from seeking the truth within.
Over the course of my life "whatever song comes on next" has had some surprising results. For example, in my sophomore year in college my roommate (Curt in Grand Forks) was in a serious relationship when I said, "Whatever song comes on next will determine your relationship with Emily." The next song to come on was "Evil Woman" by ELO and they broke up a few weeks later. I know, spooky!
Another example was when I asked my wife our on our very first date. We were both working at a local department store during the summer. I was a stock boy, and she was a cashier, and I had pretty much been stalking her for a couple of months. I would position myself in places I knew she would be so I could talk to her, but I would always chicken out when she came walking by. So, one day I said to my stock boy colleagues, "Whatever song comes on next will determine whether or not I ask Molly out on a date." They all said, "Yeah, yeah" because they knew that I had been wanting to ask her out for weeks but I could never muster the courage to do so. Anyway, the next song that came on was "Rag Doll" by Aerosmith. I know, you're probably thinking that I'm a sicko, but the lyric that struck me as I was listening was "Don't mind, come on up and see me." I was on the first level of the store, and Molly was on the second. I turned white as a ghost and said, "This is it." I literally ran up to the second floor (because I knew if I didn't run I would turn around) and I made it to her counter. I was a little winded from running and while I was panting I blurted out, "Do you want to go out on a date?" She was a little perplexed by me since I was so winded, but she still said, "Sure. When do you want to go out?" I said, "Tonight." Awestruck by my suave demeanor she agreed and the rest, as they say, is history. I owe 11 years of marriage and 3 kids to the song "Rag Doll" by Aerosmith. Amazing, wouldn't you say?
A more touching example occured when my first son was being born. A radio was playing in the operating room (it was a c-section) and I snuck in a "Whatever song comes on next will ..." Well, I didn't know what, but I knew it would be meaningful. Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe" came on as they put him into my arms for the first time. I thought that was appropriate.
So, why am I telling you all of this? For one thing, it is a fun game to play and the results can sometimes be surprising, but I have something more important to tell you. I played "whatever song comes on next" last Thursday as I was walking home from the bus stop. I had my iPod on shuffle so I said, "Whatever song comes on next will determine whether or not the Hennepin County proposal will result in a new Twins stadium." I waited patiently, the song that I was listening to ended, and the next song slowly started to play. At first I couldn't make it out, but then it dawned on me what song I was hearing.
It was "Scarlet" by U2. And if you know the lyrics of this song, you know that this is indeed a very good sign! I know I shouldn't give it too much credence, but based on my previous results with this little piece of superstition I can't help but be hopeful!
If you feel up to it, give "whatever song comes on next" a try. If something interesting comes on, or even happens, please feel free to share! Until next time...
Posted by snackeru at 10:37 PM | Comments (5) | Life | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
May 6, 2005
Guest blogger: SBG
Good news! Today you won't hear any stadum ramblings from me. I know, you were probably thinking, "When is this guy going to shut up about stadiums?" Well, today is that day. However, its not because I don't have anything else to say, it is because someone else has offered to say it for me!
Today's Greet Machine entry is written by the world famous Stick and Ball Guy. Stick and Ball Guy writes some amazing entries about the Twins and T-Wolves over at his web site and I encourage everyone to check it out daily. SBG is also getting married in about a week. How he found the time to write this I will never know, but I greatly appreciate it.
I have never met SBG. I probably wouldn't even recognize him if we passed each other on the street. Nonetheless, SBG is a good friend of mine. Thanks for this great entry, SBG!
Hello, Greet Machine readers, I am the Stick and Ball Guy. I have my own little website where I provide semi-serious coverage of Minnesota Sports. During the time that I have written my site, I have enjoyed reading Shane’s Greet Machine, and have really respected his dedication to stadium projects in Minnesota. I have also greatly appreciated his contributions to my site, so I wanted to give something back to him. Thus, I am writing on his site about stadia.
About fifteen or so years ago, I was living in Fargo, ND and there was a proposal to build a domed stadium in Fargo. The stadium was ostensibly for NDSU football, but also would be for various events such as concerts, boat shows, basketball games, and so forth. The city of Fargo had a referendum on the domed stadium, and as a citizen of the city of Fargo, I voted “NO.” I thought it was a stupid idea and I was outraged at the half cent sales tax that would be levied within the city to pay for the project. I derisively referred to the project as the “half-cent dome.” I argued why not fix the streets! This money could be used for much better purposes!
And then, the Fargodome opened. While it is arguably not been all that great for NDSU Football (another column topic), there is no question that the Fargodome has been an enormous success for the city of Fargo. Before the Fargodome, the city had no viable venue for concerts. After the Fargodome, I saw the Rolling Stones in North Dakota. I saw basketball games (including KG's first exhibition game -- he was a star even then), concerts, football and yes, a boat show. I realized that the Fargodome was a fantastic idea and I was quite wrong to have voted against it.
I see the proposed Twins stadium in much the same light. No, it won’t have quite the same impact on Minneapolis as the Fargodome had on Fargo. (Of course, the tax is not the same, either,) But, it is undeniable that having baseball games played outdoors is a positive contribution to the quality of life. Some people might say that baseball isn’t important and not worthy of public money. I say you are wrong. Just as seeing the Stones in Fargo in the middle of a cold and dreary winter made life in North Dakota just a little more tolerable, enjoying a world class sporting event outdoors in the most beautiful time of the year in Minnesota boosts the quality of life in this great city. Sometimes, you have to spend money for the common good. And this is one of those times.
I think about how great the light rail has been for the city. Before it was finished, those who would rather see Minneapolis be a cold Omaha cried and moaned about what a boondoggle it was. As I drove along Hiawatha Avenue prior to the completion, I saw opponents of the light rail decry the project as “social engineering” on billboards. Then a funny thing happened. The light rail opened and people started riding it. A lot. And the criticism stopped. Thursday night as I rode the train from downtown Minneapolis to Fort Snelling, I had to stand up the whole way – because it was packed. At 7:00 PM. People love it. Just like people will love a new Twins stadium.
I read a beautiful quote about Phil Krinkie, state legislator and opponent of progress in Minnesota. Someone, and I forget who, when asked about Krinkie’s opposition to the light rail said, “if it were up to him, we wouldn’t have paved roads.” I laughed because it reminded me of my youth. I grew up in a small town without paved streets. Every time it rained, the street in front of our house turned into a marsh. When it didn't rain, the streets were dry and dusty -- until they oiled the streets down. That's right they actually applied oil to the streets. (Great for the drinking water, I'm sure.) Yet, people in the city stubbornly refused to build paved streets. The mayor, a reactionary if there ever was one said, we don’t need paved streets because the city has “natural drainage.” Friends, the marsh in front of my Dad’s street belied that comment. Eventually, the reactionaries were defeated and we got paved streets. I’ll never forget how the first time it rained after the streets were paved – the water ran into the storm sewer and the street wasn’t a marsh but rather quite drivable. And I thought, why did anyone ever think this was a bad idea? Just like the Fargodome and the light rail, the loud-mouthed critics were silenced.
This is what this stadium debate is about. Do you want to invest in the city? Do you want to have facilities and infrastructure to make this a major league city? Or do you want to be a reactionary? If the stadium is not built, no more money will go to education, no more money will go to (fill in the blank). Those arguments are stale and beside the point. What we need in this state are leaders, who will make the Twins stadium a reality. Who will expand the light rail. Who will spend on education. As someone who pays a lot of income tax – more than most people – I say if you need a little more from me, I’ll give it. Why? Because I want to live in a place that I can be proud of. I want to live where I can get around and where I can enjoy life doing things like going to baseball games outdoors. I don’t want to live where the proverbial paved street is deemed unnecessary.
Posted by snackeru at 8:32 AM | Comments (11) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
May 5, 2005
I think this has a real shot
You know what I can't wait for? I can't wait for when I can actually watch a Twins game without thinking about this stupid stadium business. I watch games now thinking only about stadiums and the Twins chances in a new stadium, how the Twins might play in a new stadium, how the hot dogs will taste in a new stadium ... It is driving me nuts. I can't wait until I can actually write about what is happening on the field. Right now my on-field analysis is limited to, "Boy that Justin Morneau sure can hit," and "Cuddyer seems to be playing a little better now," and "I like Nick Punto at second base." That's it. I hope you enjoyed it. The rest of my thought processes are taken up by dreams of a new Twins ballpark.
I've been following the stadium issue for 9 years now. My first job out of grad school was at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale during 97-98. I remember literally clicking the reload button on my Netscape 4 browser every 10 seconds waiting to see if the state legislature accepted Pohlad's offer of a $100 million donation. Of course, that turned out to be a $100 million loan, the legislature turned him down (and that is an understatement), and we've been tortured year after year ever since. Every January I get my hopes up, and for 9 years come May my spirits are squashed like a bug. Will this year be different?
Yes. I know I shouldn't get my hopes up but holy-fricken cow I think we might be heading to third on this. In the end there will certainly be a play at the plate, but I like our chances! I've been preparing to write a "stadium chances" entry on this fine blog since the Hennepin County vote two days ago. I was going to look at where the legislature is concerning health care, education, and budget bills, but then I read this article in the StarTribune. An audible gasp escaped my lips when my eyes hit these passages:
"Two-thirds of the Senate should be in favor," said Minority Leader Dick Day, R-Owatonna. "I'm sure going to vote for it."...
Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson, DFL-Willmar, another supporter, said the plan has "a better chance of passage than in the past."
House Speaker Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon, also predicted success for the proposal, adding: "I will do whatever I can to enhance passage of the Twins stadium bill."
...
Gov. Tim Pawlenty has pronounced the plan "reasonable," and a House vote could be held as early as next week, Sviggum said.
BLINK BLINK ... did I just read that correctly? 2/3 of the Senate will vote in favor? Steve Sviggum is going to bat for the plan and will practically do whatever it takes? Sviggum also suggests a House vote could be held as early as next week? I don't know about you, but when I read that statement I seriously get a tear in my eye. I am misting up here!! If the thought of a Twins stadium bill (a workable stadium bill!) passing makes me so happy, I am fearful for my state of mind if a bill actually does pass. I will be worthless for about a week. I will practically be in a state of catatonic happy-shock which will leave me slack-jawed and drooling all over my favorite Twins T-shirt. I will be so stunned my wife will have to feed me pudding out of a straw because the TWINS WILL FINALLY HAVE A NEW BALLPARK!!!
In addition, I watched WCCO TV news last night and they showed a good example of just how far Sviggum may go to make sure this bill passes. Dan Dorman, a Republican member of the House from Albert Lea, got a toungue lashing from Steve Sviggum yesterday when Dorman suggested that he would not vote for the stadium bill if the legislature doesn't also agree to allow other communities to levy sales tax increases without legislative approval. WCCO showed Sviggum practically berating Dorman over this. Dorman had the same look on his face as my children do when my wife and I scold them. Nice work Sviggum. Way to keep your underlings in line!
OK. While I am very optimistic, there is still a long way to go. Let's not get ahead of ourselves (I know, too late!). The Senate is a done deal. I have no doubt. But 1/4 of the House is comprised of Hennepin County legislators. Add to that the number of non-Hennepin County legislators that do not favor the plan and you've got a very close vote. According to the Pioneer Press:
The Pioneer Press contacted 29 of the 53 legislators whose districts are composed totally or partially of Hennepin County communities. Most of those legislators represent districts that are entirely within the county. Of the 29, 16 were against the bill, eight were undecided and five were for it.
Truthfully, those 5 legislators that are for the bill may be all it needs for passage. What does an out-state legislator, or even a legislator from Ramsey County, have to lose by voting for this bill? Nothing!! They are lining up in favor of it. And I really don't understand why Hennepin County legislators are so against it. Sure, Hennepin County will be paying for most of it, but it is in Hennepin County! It will be owned by Hennepin County! People from all over the 5 state area will be coming to this ballpark and spending their hard-earned dollars in Hennepin County! The benefits to Hennepin County will be enormous.
Now for the tough part: can this bill make it out of committee without a referendum attached? Rep. Lyndon Carlson, DFL-Crystal doesn't seem to think so:
"The Legislature will be very hard pressed to turn down a referendum at this point, and that automatically kicks it (a decision) to 2006," said Rep. Lyndon Carlson, DFL-Crystal. While it would be possible to hold a vote this coming November, Carlson said it would make more sense for it to coincide with the 2006 general election.
That would be a deal breaker. I can't believe these short sighted legislators! Show some backbone! I don't care what any of them say about the burden on Hennepin County being too much or their insistence that a referendum be attached, the only reason they wouldn't support this bill is because they think they will lose their jobs if they vote yes. What a bunch of pansies. Keeping the Twins in Minnesota will not cost you your job, Rep. Carlson. Losing the Twins will. Once stadium construction starts people will forget all about their precious 3 pennies. It happened with the Metrodome and it happened with the X. People forget very quickly. But I know for a fact that no one will forget losing the Twins.
What now? The bill is headed for the Local Government Committee next and the chair of that committee already predicts that it will pass. Next I would think it will be head for the Krinkie's Taxes committee, but I wouldn't be surprised if Sviggum tries to circumvent this somehow. Unlikely, but it can be done. For right now I am going to 1) write my representative again and urge him to make the right decision, 2) I will also write the members of the Local Government Committee and as a Hennepin County resident forcefully express to them how much I want them to pass this bill as is. Finally, I think it is time for all of us to write the Star Tribune (opinion@startribune.com) and the Pioneer Press (letters@pioneerpress.com) to let them know how much we all favor this plan.
Let me close by saying I know this is still a long shot. I know that. But this is the best shot we have. Now is not the time for pessimism. Now is the time for action. We have a unique opportunity right now to blitz the legislature and the media with our thoughts and views on the merits of this plan. We need to do everything we can to get this bill passed and to put this all behind us! Man! Do we ever need to put this behind us! So please, WRITE YOUR LEGISLATOR! WRITE MY LEGISLATOR! WRITE PAWLENTY, SVIGGUM, AND JOHNSON AND URGE THEM TO PASS THIS BILL! And every time you get pessimistic just think about outdoor baseball. Got it? Good! Let's get to work!
Posted by snackeru at 7:22 AM | Comments (9) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
May 4, 2005
Great article
I've got a great article for all of you to read:
Questions and answers on the latest Twins stadium plan for the Warehouse District
Truly, I wish I could have written this. It does a fantastic job of laying out all the issues of the Hennepin County plan. I soaked it up like a sponge. I'll comment on it later, but for now I gotta go.
Posted by snackeru at 8:45 AM | Comments (7) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
May 3, 2005
Ballpark vote: update
I am watching the Hennepin County hearings right now. They still have not voted on the proposal. And remarkably the Comissioners are still being pretty cordial with each other. They are right now voting on amendments. The amendment to study the feasibility of using the garbage burner's excess energy to heat the stadium just passed.
It appears to me that Koblick, Steele, and Dorfman are all resigned to the inevitability that the ballpark proposal will pass.
I'll keep you updated. Hopefully the final vote will be happening soon.
UPDATE: Scratch that, Koblick is totally grandstanding. She is fighting every amendment seemingly just to be difficult. She just voted no on an amendment that would require the Twins to pay $250,000 a year on youth activities and sports in Hennepin County. Jerry Bell even got up and agreed to the amendment, since it would be handled throught the Twins Foundation, and she still voted no because their weren't enough "details." Sheesh!
UPDATE II: McLaughlin just put in an amendment to use any excess funds/revenues to help keep libraries open longer both in the Hennepin County system and the Minneapolis systems. Way to go McLaughlin! Koblick and Steele of course voted no because, I guess, tying libraries to stadiums is not "transparent." So, here we have possibly some extra money to fund libraries, and Koblick seems to think this is evil. Of course, it is more complex than I am making it, but libraries are horribly underfunded in Hennepin County. I'm sure they will be thrilled with this amendment.
UPDATE III: Koblick now wants to strike the statement "Twins fans deserve a new ballpark with good site lines" from the Principles of Agreement. It is a nice statement, but I guess we don't deserve one.
UPDATE IV: It is obvious Koblick wants to delay this vote. She has mentioned that she is prepared to talk for another 4 hours. Ugh. I am amazed, and slightly impressed. I'll admit it. But in the end her efforts will be proven futile.
UPDATE V: Steele wants an amendment to have at least 7 public hearings in each of the Hennepin County disctricts on this proposal. Koblick voted yes. All others voted no including my own Commissioner Gail Dorfman. My respect for her is increasing. She just might do the right thing. The amendment didn't pass.
UPDATE VI: They are working on the details of another amendment, but it has been stated that this proposal is expected to raise $1.1 billion and the tax will last until December 2036. Wow. That is impressive.
UPDATE VII: Amendments seem to be over. I think they are about to vote.
Posted by snackeru at 7:00 PM | Comments (7) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
May 2, 2005
Write the Commissioners
Enough discussion about the Hennepin County proposal. Enough debate over whether or not the ballpark should have a roof. Enough of the broken record analysis done by your's truly. From now until late this afternoon, it all comes down to one thing:
Convincing the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners to pass their own Twins ballpark proposal.
If you haven't done so already, and I would be shocked if you haven't, write the Hennepin County Board right now and tell them that you support this plan. You can write them separately:
Mike Opat -- One of the few politicians in Minnesota to have a pair.
Randy Johnson -- Another strong supporter and Chair of the Commission.
Mark Stenglein -- Helped put the pressure on Rybak to support this important plan.
Peter McLaughlin -- The swing vote. With Rybak coming out in favor of the plan I think McLaughlin will come out strongly in favor tomorrow (given that McLaughlin is running for mayor of Minneapolis).
Linda Koblick -- The strongest opposition. Would rather the county loses the Twins than support a plan that will bring in millions of dollars and hundreds of jobs into the county. Go figure.
Penny Steele -- Koblick's lackey. Get this, Steele complained that she has had little time to look at the proposal, but she still admitted that she would vote against it. Way to give it a fair shake, Commissioner Steele.
Gail Dorfman -- Sigh. My own commissioner. Why must I be cursed with these wishy washy politicians lording over me? Let's see if she has the guts to do the right thing tomorrow.
Or, you can write them all together. Just click on this link. Be sure to label your subject line something like "Twins stadium YES!" so that they can readily see where you stand on the issue. I've heard a rumor that they are literally going to count up the yes and no responses they have been receiving over the past week.
So, it all comes down to this. Please do your part. Write the comissioners NOW. And if you already have, write them again. As a Twins fan this should be your number one priority: making sure the Twins remain a part of the fabric of life in Minnesota.
Posted by snackeru at 6:52 PM | Comments (6) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
Few want to pay for anything
Yesterday's Star Tribune article concerning the Minnesota Poll was entitled, "Few want to pay for ballpark." I think a more accurate title would be "Few want to pay for anything." You ask the average Minnesotan any question regarding paying for something costing upwards of $500 million and they are going to say no. Take the LRT, for example. As I said below, if the LRT would have been subject to a referendum we would have been inundated with negativity towards the project and most likely your average Minnesotan would have coupled that negativity with the price tag and voted no. People would have said, "Why should we build a single rail line when we are cutting school budgets!" or some nonsense like that. However, now, thanks to the foresight of some of our legislators, we have a thriving, successful light rail line that will only keep on expanding.
So, the Minnesota Poll shows that your average Minnesotan opposes the Hennepin County plan. 54% to be exact with 42% approving. Hmmmm ... I've seen numbers similar to these before. A few years back the Minnesota Poll also conducted a survey like this regarding the "conceal and carry" law. Again, according to the Star Tribune, 55% of Minnesotans were against this law passing and felt that "conceal and carry" would make our state more dangerous. Now, I'm not here to debate the merits or problems of "conceal and carry" but the outcome is not in dispute. Regardless of the strong opposition to this bill, it still passed.
Sid Hartman today does a better job than I ever could in arguing against taking the results of this recent Minnesota Poll too seriously:
Well, I am not a professional pollster, but I would have added a couple of questions that I think are important.The first question I would ask is: Would you rather have a Hennepin County-wide sales tax of 0.15 percent to build the stadium, or allow the Twins to leave here and lose baseball?
Believe me, if this stadium plans falls through, the Twins are done fighting for a stadium and the owners will either cut the payroll to $25 million from the present $56 million or sell the team to somebody who might move it.
Second, I would ask if the people polled knew the state income tax paid by the Twins and visiting players, combined with the additional sales tax earned, could run up to an estimated $11 million a year in a new stadium. The sales tax from building materials also would provide a lot of money to the state.
Third, I would have asked if the people polled understood the number of jobs a stadium costing $478 million would provide.
Fourth, I would ask if there should be a referendum on the stadium, when there wasn't one when the Minneapolis City Council spent $4.7 million moving the Shubert Theater and gave $35 million to the Guthrie Theater and other government-sponsored projects.
Then I would ask if the people polled had any idea of the extent of the crime problems downtown and what 81 home games would do to improve that situation. Those games would attract more business downtown.
And last but not least, I would have made sure I polled some of the nursing homes and some shut-ins and get their reaction on how different their lives would be if they didn't have 162 Twins games to listen to on radio and watch on television.
I cannot argue with the results of this poll. The majority of Minnesotans are against the Hennepin County plan to build a new Twins stadium. However, the majority of Minnesotans are ill informed, selfish dunderheads who don't understand the ramifications of not supporting this plan. Again, I'll trust the Speaker of the House, the Senate Majority Leader, the Governor of Minnesota, and the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners to do what is best for me and my family. For the love of all that is holy, do not give this decision to the average Minnesotan.
Posted by snackeru at 12:26 PM | Comments (5) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
Before you do anything
Before you do anything today, please take a moment to write the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners and let them know how you feel about keeping the Twins in Minnesota. The Hennepin County Board votes tomorrow at 1:30 on whether or not they will go forward with their plan, and while it looks like they have enough votes to pass a few more emails from the plan's supporters can't hurt. Even if you don't live in Hennepin County, even if you don't live in Minnesota, please take a moment to write these people. It does make a difference.
Also, again, if you are writing your legislators and you get an interesting response please feel free to share that response with all of us here. Please submit a comment below or send me an email at snackeru@umn.edu.
And speaking of interesting responses, I got this response from the other SLP Representative Steve Simon:
Thanks a lot for your e-mail message. I really apprciate your input. As for the latest Twins proposal, I'm impressed with what I have seen and heard so far. The Twins clearly need a new stadium. The virtue of this latest plan is that it does not require state general fund money, and it imposes a very small tax. Still, I will carefully review the numbers. I want to make sure that taxpayers are getting a fair deal. As always, please feel free to contact me about any issue, idea, or concern.
That sounds great. Steve Simon replaced the anti-stadium Jim Rhodes so to have a pro-stadium rep now filling that seat is wonderful!
Finally, my own Hennepin County Commissioner is a liar. Check out this quote in the Pioneer Press:
Meanwhile, Hennepin Board members said Friday that the Twins e-mail campaign was reaching its targets."For the first two days, it was 100 percent against,'' board member Gail Dorfman said of citizen reaction after the board discussed the stadium deal last Tuesday. "Today, it's almost all in favor of the Twins. If I go away from my e-mail list for 10 minutes and come back, there's another 50. Many of them say, 'The Twins told me to call you.' "
100% against? I think not. I wrote her the day after the plan came out telling her I was in favor of the plan. Shame on you Gail Dorfman! However, I am thrilled that the emails she is receiving now are overwhelmingly in favor. Let's keep that up people!
Posted by snackeru at 8:42 AM | Comments (3) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
May 1, 2005
Roll call
I have a little bone to pick. And while I've written about this before, I've got a few more things to say about referendums. First of all, let's take a look at who, so far, is in favor of the Hennepin County plan to build a new Twins stadium:
- Steve Sviggum - R, Speaker of the House
- Dean Johnson - DFL, Senate Majority Leader
- Tim Pawlenty - R, Governor of Minnesota
- Mike Opat, Randy Johnson, Mark Stenglein, and Peter McLaughlin; 4 of the 7 Hennepin County Commissioners
- R.T. Rybak - DFL, Mayor of Minneapolis (and his DFL competitor Peter McLaughlin)
- Randy Kelly - DFL, Mayor of St. Paul
So, given how many of our political leaders have come out in favor of this plan, and given how much they have studied, discussed, and argued about this issue over the years, forgive me if I feel less than comfortable turning this issue over to the voters of Hennepin County.
The typical resident of Hennepin County is an idiot when it comes to this issue. I'm sorry if I offend, but I include myself in this. We know what we read in newspapers, and we can spit back the sound-bites we hear on the local news. However, there is no way any typical resident of Hennepin County is as informed and educated on this issue as the legislators who we have elected to represent us concerning matters of fiscal and cultural importance such as this.
Let's look at some facts. The Mall of America ... did not have a referendum. The Hiawatha LRT ... did not have a referendum. The Metrodome ... did not have a referendum. The Xcel Energy Center ... did not have a referendum. The Guthrie ... did not have a referendum. How many of these projects would have been built if referendums had been held to let the "informed" public decide whether or not these projects were worthy of their tax dollars? I would wager none. However, given the choice now, and given how successful all these projects have been, how many people would decide to turn back the clock and not let these projects even begin? Again, I would wager none!
Referendums are the enemy of progress and an excellent way for our legislators to get out of the jobs we elected them to do. Oh, and by the way, referendums on school funding are also a huge mistake. Who wants to bet that the same people that right now are using the "education first" card against stadiums are the same people that voted down over half of the public school referendums in our state during the last elections? Education first my butt.
Lori Sturdevant said it best today in an editorial in the Strib in which she challenged those who would argue that "direct democracy" is the right way to go in situations like these.
That's what's wrong with direct democracy. It's susceptible to enormous influence by whatever side of a given issue can spend the most. That's because most people don't have time to bone up on the complexities that government must address. They go with what they hear, and they hear those with the biggest advertising budget.I know, I know. The 21st century is being called the Century of the Individual. What people don't know about government, they make up for with their mastery of consumerism. They demand choices in other realms, and the market provides them. Why not in the making of laws too?
To those who make that argument, I have a proposition: You support a big improvement in citizenship education in grades K-12. You support several days of paid time off work in the month before an election, for the purpose of studying ballot questions. You support funding of public libraries adequate to open them seven days a week for purposes of public education on ballot questions. You support an extension of the public campaign financing system to campaigns for and against ballot questions, so both sides might be heard.
That is just beautiful. Let's all ponder that for a while. More tomorrow, including my take on the always informative Minnesota Poll, and my take on the chances of the legislature actually passing a state budget on time (not good!).
Posted by snackeru at 8:14 PM | Comments (2) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
April 29, 2005
Friday roundup
• Well, it has been a busy week concerning my favorite topic, but before we delve into that again, I invite you to leave the Greet Machine (that's right, go away!) and visit Stick and Ball Guy for a "marital advice" edition of Pepper! Today, I am a participant in Pepper! along with Cheesehead Craig of the Oracle of Cheese and Mr. Cheer or Die of the Viking Underground. SBG has some questions for us regarding his upcoming wedding. I guarantee a fun time for all!
• Now back to business. I don't know how many of you have been keeping track of Pawlenty's plan for a metro-area casino, but it appears that his scheme will not be happening, at least not this year. I'm a little torn by this one. On the one hand I am not in favor of expanding gambling, especially in the metro-area. I think it works great for the Native American tribes and I like the fact that gambling is limited to their governance. On the other hand, either we have gambling in this state or we don't. And we definitely have gambling. It is a very lucrative business and the state could certainly make some money from getting involved. Not to mention Pawlenty's "Community Assets Account."
The "Community Assets Account" is Pawlenty's plan to set aside some of the state's gambling proceeds for public works projects like zoos, or planetariums, or, of course, stadiums. In fact, I would guess that the only reason this Account is being created is to take care of the state's contribution for potential stadiums that may be built.
How much are we talking about though? According to a StarTrib article from last week, the most recent casino plan (with two casinos being built at Canterbury Park) would bring in $164 million, at least, to the state. And according to the House version of this casino bill:
Sec. 3. [297A.941] [GAMING FACILITY PROCEEDS FUND.]
33.28 A gaming facility proceeds fund is established in the state
33.29 treasury, consisting of money deposited in the fund under
33.30 section 297A.94, paragraph (g), and any other money credited to
33.31 the fund by law. Money in the fund is appropriated as follows:
33.32 (1) ten percent of the receipts is annually appropriated to
33.33 the community assets account; and
33.34 (2) the remaining 90 percent of the receipts shall be
33.35 transferred to the general fund.
33.36 Sec. 4. [297A.942] [COMMUNITY ASSETS ACCOUNT.]
34.1 A community assets account is established in the state
34.2 treasury, consisting of money deposited in the account under
34.3 section 297A.941 and interest earned thereon. Money in the
34.4 account may be spent, as appropriated by law, to help finance
34.5 capital projects that provide for facilities which provide a
34.6 public benefit to the state and local communities. Projects
34.7 that may be financed through an appropriation from this account
34.8 include, but are not limited to, the following: stadiums and
34.9 other athletic facilities for professional, college, and amateur
34.10 sports; museums, theaters, and other facilities for the arts;
34.11 recreational facilities; planetariums; and zoos.
So, 10% of $164 million would be $16.4 million. I don't expect that all of that would go towards stadium construction, but I do expect that most of it would.
Why am I bringing this up? Because I am of the opinion that this may be the only way the state will contribute to a new Vikings stadium. The Twins have tried for years and years to get the state to contribute to their stadium, and I think we have all seen that it just can't be done. I'm sure that the Vikings are praying that the Twins stadium deal goes through not only because it means the legislature can finally just focus on the Vikes, but also because with the Twins out of the picture the Vikings would get the full stadium share of this Community Assets Account. Again, it may be the only way that the state contributes to a Vikings stadium project.
So, I will keep a close eye on casino/racino developments. It may not happen this year, but I think Pawlenty is determined to see it happen. And if it does and the Twins are out of the picture due to approval of the Hennepin County plan (or contraction) Vikings fans everywhere should see this as a good sign.
• And speaking of contraction, I'm sure you all know that the current MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to expire this December. One of the agreements of this CBA was that the player's union can't interfere with MLB concerning contraction attempts after 2005. Given the difficulty the Twins have had (and are going to have, make no mistake) with their stadium efforts, and the difficulties the Florida Marlins have had, I personally think contraction will be a real threat again if a new Twins or Marlins stadium isn't approved this legislative session.
In a recent interview with Jerry Bell on the Twins website, Bell himself suggests that this plan may be the Twins last gasp:
MLB.com: Nobody wants to make threats, but Jim Pohlad did say that if this proposal isn't accepted, he can't imagine what would be. Is it fair to say that this is the team's last chance to get a new ballpark built?JB: I agree with Jim. If we can't do this, then I can't imagine what it would be.
And I don't like to make threats either, but I can't help but think this is it. I know we've heard this all before, but contraction was real back in 2002. If not for Judge Harry Crump (God bless him!) we would not even be having this discussion right now. If the Hennepin County deal doesn't go through, don't expect the Twins to sign another lease at the Dome for next season. And without that, and without resistance from the player's union, there will be nothing to stop MLB from carrying through on its 2002 contraction plan.
Seriously, write your representatives and senators today! You can make a difference! Let me close by sending a shout out to Bob! Thanks for the email last night! I have updated the Voter's Guide!
Posted by snackeru at 7:06 AM | Comments (5) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
April 27, 2005
Voter's Guide: Assistance needed
I've made some more changes to the Voter's Guide, but unfortunately the number of Pro-American (pro-stadium) legislators has stayed the same: 54. The number of Anti-American (anti-stadium) legislators now sits at 50, and the "unknown" sits at 30. So, as if you didn't know this already, it looks like it is going to be close.
The Voter's Guide is based on literally years of information I've gleaned from newspaper articles, Google searches, and letters I've received from the legislators themselves. You'll also note that the guide focuses on the Minnesota House only. The House is full of the biggest bunch of do-nothings this state has ever seen. Any bill that passes through the House is an epic achievement whether it is a bill to build a bike shed or a bill to pass the state budget. The Senate is another story. The stadium bill will be a tough sell there too, but I think it will have an easier time there than in the House.
Anyway, please take a moment to look over the Voter's Guide and let me know if I need to make any other corrections. I plan on writing some more legislators tonight, but it would be much better if letters and emails came from their own constituents. Thanks.
Recently I received a letter from my state Senator (the esteemed Steve Kelley of Hopkins) and an email from my representative (Ron Latz of SLP). Steve Kelley is on board. I have little doubt of that. And although he wrote his letter before the Hennepin County plan was revealed, he had this to say about a stadium bill's chances:
I believe that workable stadium legislation passing this session has about a 20% chance of doing so. If legislation does not pass this year, we will keep working in future years to make sure the Twins have a home in Minnesota.
I plan on writing him again to ask him if he thinks the chances have improved. I'll let you know what he says.
Then, I got an email from Ron Latz. I can't figure this guy out and it pains me to say that I just don't know which way he would vote. He wrote me this response:
I believe most people, myself included, would like to see the Twins and Vikings remain in Minnesota. They have given a lot to our community over the years. Minnesota would be changed for the worse if we lost them. However, I want to make sure we address our state's higher priority needs in a responsible way. Consequently, I have set as my standard a stadium bill that does not affect the ability of the state to fund more important priorities, that is made in the context of adequate funding for those more important priorities, that protects the fiscal integrity of the state, that has enough private participation, and that takes care of our public institutional need for a stadium for the University of Minnesota's Gopher football team, too. I am not
philosophically opposed to public investment in public infrastructure, and I consider a stadium, done correctly, to be public infrastructure, just like the Metrodome, Xcel Energy Center, the Minneapolis Convention Center, etc. However, there are many higher priorities for state investment than athletic stadiums, which the Governor and House Majority have so far failed to adequately fund.I want to assure you that I will carefully scrutinize all stadium proposals that may come before me for a vote to ensure that they are fiscally prudent and are consistent with our state's basic values, which recognize both the importance of professional sports and also the need to meet Minnesota's more critical problems. I will evaluate the Hennepin Country Twins proposal with these criteria.
I can't help it, but I take this as a "No." And have you ever seen a better example of policitian-speak? It really is a thing of beauty. He attempts to allay my fears by saying he is not "philosophically opposed" to stadium financing, but at the same time he suggests that he just might not support a stadium bill based on some nebulous criteria he has set up for himself. Of course, I wrote him back saying:
As you probably know, the Twins and Hennepin County are not asking for any state funding, so I would think that the state's ability to fund higher priorities is unchanged and the fiscal integrity of the state is protected. Again, the state has been taken out of the equation.
I'll let you know if he responds.
See how fun writing your legislators can be? Give it a try today and let me know what they say!
Posted by snackeru at 12:57 PM | Comments (7) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
Why does it cost more than others?
I got an interesting email yesterday from a transplanted Twins fan living in Pittsburgh. Bryce writes:
I have a question about Stadiums, I was wondering if you could answer it on your blog. I'm a transplanted twins fan, living in Pittsburgh. I absolutely love PNC park here, and have long wished that it could be moved to the twin cities. I was looking at the cost of PNC park (242mil. for 39k seat park) and the cost of the proposed warehouse district park (360mil for 44k). I'm not sure the details of the national's park, but its cost will be 262mil. These prices are from the startribune and do not include the cost of land or infrastructure, just stadium alone. My question is this, why the deviation in stadium prices? If the Pirates and the Nationals can build stadiums for under 300mil, why can't we? I'm sure there'd always be griping about public funding for a stadium, but cutting 100mil in cost could decrease the gripping considerably.
Bryce is referring to the chart in the Strib that listed a number of stadium deals of the past and how much they cost, including PNC, Citizens, Comerica, etc. Personally, I found this chart to be highly misleading expressly because it listed only what the price of the actual stadium was minus all the infrastructure and "hidden" costs.
For example, the Twins are listing their new stadium alone as costing $360 million, however, they are also readily making available the true cost of $478 million. That is the number we should be focusing on. When you look at that number and compare it to other ballpark plans it makes a little more sense. According to initial reports the total cost of the Washington Nationals ballpark will be $440 million. Furthermore, reports coming out of Florida concerning their proposed stadium have the total price at $420 million.
Now, that still brings up the question of why the Twins ballpark is priced $40-$60 million more than either of these plans. Truthfully, I don't have a good answer. It could be inflation. It could be that the cost of our infrastructure improvements are that much more. It could also be that the Marlins and the Nationals are both hiding something and that the real costs will come out soon enough. Or it could be that the Twins want to build a really nice ballpark and they are being as trutful as possible about the costs. We all know that the Metrodome was built by cutting every corner possible. Did you know that at one point the Metrodome was going to have bleacher seating ala Lambeau? Then, at the last moment some extra money was found to put in those blue seats we all love. Truthfully, now I wish they had put in the bleacher seating. We would have probably already moved out.
Anyway, when you look at the true stadium prices of different plans around the country I think the plan the Twins are promoting is pretty comparable. However, if anyone has any information on why the Twins' plan is still slightly more expensive, please feel free to share.
Posted by snackeru at 8:56 AM | Comments (1) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
April 26, 2005
Same old arguments
Well, the naysayers have come out in full force with the same old tired arguments against building a new Twins stadium. Allow me to expound on some of them and bring up some of my own tired arguments:
The old "subsidizing billionaires" argument
This argument was featured in a column by Doug Grow today entitled, Mulling Twins ballpark plan no easy matter. Well, it's easy if you are a stadium freak like me. Anyway, Grow begins his column by stating basically that he is having trouble with this plan because Carl Pohlad will make money. Citing useful statistics on the values of other franchises after new stadiums were built and the values of new stadium naming rights, Grow comes up with this statement, "That means that the Pohlads, conservatively, would receive $130 million for this $125 million investment."
What?!? You mean someone is actually going to make money off of this deal? Oh the humanity! (gnashing of teeth, rending of garments) When will this evil stop! Next you'll tell me that people make money everyday! Why do we let this "money making" happen in our world? Why?
Please. I'm so sick and tired of focusing on Pohlad I could puke. Let's focus on ourselves for once. What do we get out of this deal? A beautiful stadium? Check. A revitalized Warehouse District? Check. An affordable family activity? Check. Outdoor baseball? Check. Continued good times and memories from an important Minnesota institution? Check check. Continued national, daily exposure for our city and state? Check.
But no. Let's focus on one old man. What is wrong with everyone? The Twins leave and Pohlad will still have his billions. But millions of Twins fans will be left with nothing. Sticking it to Pohlad won't accomplish anything but taking away something important from ourselves.
What about health care and education and the myriad of other needs our state has?
First of all, this is no longer a state issue. This is a Hennepin County issue. So complain to your state representatives about the other needs our state has but leave the Twins stadium out of it. This plan is for a Twins stadium. That's it. Either we want one or we don't.
Secondly, in the nine years this debate has been raging how much extra money has any of these issues received as a result of our not building a new Twins stadium? That's right. Nothing. Nada. Zip. In other words, for nine years our illustrious state legislators have used this argument against building a new Twins stadium. At the same time they have never actually said, "Well, now that we aren't building a stadium let's use that money for education!" Bzzzz! This has never happened! To put it another way, our legislators talk and talk, and argue and argue, but they never actually do anything to fix either problem! So, time's up! Get off the swing set, it is our turn to take it for a ride.
I'll never use a new Twins stadium. Why should I have to pay for it?
I'll probably never use the street you live on, why should I have to pay for it? I have never used the Target in downtown Minneapolis. Why did I have to subsidize it? I never use the LRT. Why are my taxes going towards that? I don't really frequent the Guthrie that much, can I have my tax money back? I have never visited the Jeffers Petroglyphs out in western Minnesota. That must mean it is unimportant!
Gah! The concept is called "community" people. We spend a lot of tax dollars on the idea that while we may never actually see or use the benefits of that money, a lot of other people will. Why a new Twins stadium is outside the realm of "community" is beyond me.
So, the next time you think about a Twins stadium and the fact that you may not ever use it, think about me. That's right: ME. I will be very happy if a new Twins stadium will be built. In fact, I will be happy with you for helping me out! I will be so happy, I will erect a giant statue of you in my front yard! We'll both be happy, and Minnesota will be a better place because of it.
That's all I got for right now. More incoherent and emotion filled ramblings coming up.
Posted by snackeru at 12:30 PM | Comments (12) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
April 25, 2005
Twins press conference
So, I snuck out of work to attend the Twins Press Conference this afternoon. I just had to go. I've tried really hard this time, but unfortunately hope is now firmly entrenched in my heart. The more I read about this plan, the more I think about this plan, the more I listen to other people talk about this plan, the more hopeful I become. It is just the way it is. Could I be heading for a hard fall? Sure, but why should this year be any different than the past 9 years? I'll survive.
Anyway, about the Twins press conference ... it was quite an experience. I was thrilled to be there, of course, but it was kind of cold. In fact, Pohlad quipped that it was so cold they should consider asking for a roof. Everyone politely laughed. It is obvious the stadium needs a roof and everybody knows it. I'll talk about this more in the days to come.
While I was at the press conference I got to rub elbows with a lot of famous sports and political personalities including Joe Schmit, Bob Sansavere, Sid Hartman, Roy Terwilliger, Mike Opat, Roy Smalley, Kent Hrbek, and Paul Molitor. Patrick Reusse walked right in front of me mumbling how he wouldn't even be writing about this stadium plan and that he had stopped writing about Twins stadiums in 1999. I wanted to kick him.
Pohlad got up and made some incoherent statements (how old is he now?), and then his son Jim got to the microphone and said, "If a stadium can't be built with this plan it will never be built." This sent a chill down my spine since there is a distinct possibility that this plan will not result in a stadium. I wonder if Jim was alluding to the fact that this may be his family's last attempt. Who knows ...
Then Jerry Bell got up there and started talking like this was already a done deal. You know, "When this stadium opens in 2009 fans will just love it..." I was in heaven! HEAVEN! This is my bread and butter people and I eat it up like nobody's business! He talked about the heated concourses, the new sun screen over the outfield, the fact that this stadium has 12,000 seats between first and third (as opposed to only 6,000 at the Dome), and only 12,000 seats in the entire upper deck. "That is unheard of!" Bell jublilantly proclaimed. Bell praised Mike Opat and Mike Opat praised Jerry Bell. It was obvious they were very happy with their work and the resulting plan.
After that, the press conference was over. I tried to weasel my way into some of the side interviews taking place, but I couldn't hear anything anyone was saying. So, I walked back to the U. All in all it was a great press conference and it furthered my climb into the heights of hopefulness.
Anyway, that was my afternoon. Stay tuned for more tomorrow.
Posted by snackeru at 8:00 PM | Comments (5) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
Apathetic Twins fans
What is wrong with everyone? Is it the weather? Or is this just another example of the apathy of Twins fans striking once again? Here we have fantastic news of the possibility of a new Twins stadium and all I am seeing on other Twins blogs are comments like, "I'll believe it when I see it," and ""[T]here's no plan of yet for a retractable roof. That's freakin' brilliant.". That's it? That's all you've got? The Twins need our support to hammer this through and all we can muster is an extra dose of cynicism and apathy? TwinsTerritory? Silent. Silent!!! That site has like 200 potential authors and not one of them has written a sentence about this issue. Seth Speaks? And I quote, "I hate even writing about the stadium on this site because it just frustrates me to no end that this situation was not resolved long ago." Gah! These sites have hundreds if not thousands of readers. Where is the passion? Where is the anger? Where is the support? As Twins fans all of us can make a HUGE difference! Especially Twins bloggers! Let's all get our heads out of the sand and start making some noise!
At least Ryan Maus of TwinsChatter took some time to even think about this issue today. I can't argue with his "cautious optimism" and I can't argue with his pessimism either. Thanks, Ryan, for the link and thanks for writing about what should be the most important issue for any Twins fan: getting a stadium built.
This would never happen in St. Louis. Or Denver. Or a myriad of other cities whose fans are actually rabidly supportive of their baseball team. Minnesota? We are apathetic at best and indifferent at worst. Well, we may get what we deserve.
I don't care how many times you've seen a stadium plan crash and burn. I don't care how many times you have gotten your hopes up only to have them squashed like a bug. It is time to get this deal done! This is a good plan and it deserves our time and support!
Posted by snackeru at 12:26 PM | Comments (14) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
The hand we've been dealt
Long time readers of the Greet Machine know the basic parameters of any Twins stadium financing plan that I think would work. Basically, for months I've been harping on the fact that the Twins first need to pick a site, and then increase their rumored upfront contribution. Well, I guess one out of two ain't bad.
For years the Twins have been playing our fair Twin Cities off of each other hoping for the best deal possible from either. Finally, we have confirmation that the Twins and Hennepin County have struck a deal to get the job done at the Rapid Park site of Minneapolis. That, of course, is wonderful news. However, Pohlad has agreed to only increase his upfront contribution by $5 million dollars. Technically it is an increase, but it wasn't nearly what I wanted it to be. So, what does that leave us with?
Surprisingly this is a pretty good plan. Now, usually I am very pessimistic towards these kinds of things, and while there are still a lot of reasons to be pessimistic there is also reason for optimism. While Pohlad is still sticking with his approx. $120 million upfront contribution, the Twins and Hennepin County have made up for that by taking the state out of the equation. Brilliant!
Regardless of how much Pohlad contributed there would always need to be a community money and involvement. For nine years we've also thought there would need to be state money and involvement too. Wrong! The Twins and Hennepin County have decided to foot the entire bill themselves with $125 million from the Twins and a 0.15% general sales tax in Hennepin County.
Here is what is great about that plan. Any tax in Hennepin County to build a Twins stadium would be controversial. A hotel tax, a restaurant tax, a hospitality tax it didn't matter, it would always be controversial. So, why not put together a plan that can raise a boatload of money in the broadest way possible? No more numerous funding sources, no more state funding necessary, this plan has only two funding sources and such a broad tax that it will be both unoticeable to the average taxpayer (3 cents on every $20 spent) but also predictable in its potential revenue (unlike TIF or user fees or other stadium district financing methods). In fact, a 0.15% tax is more than just predictable, it also has the likely potential of paying off the debt relatively quickly. In other words, I seriously doubt it will take 30 years to pay for the ballpark.
Who could be against such a simple plan? Well, a lot of people actually, but let's focus on who is in favor so far. According to the Star Tribune:
Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson, DFL-Willmar, and House Speaker Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon, both said on Saturday that they would support the proposal."This is a very workable plan because it does not require any state general fund money," Johnson said. "Three cents on $20 falls out of most people's pockets before breakfast."
Sviggum called it a "reasonable" plan. "Obviously, it's a significant commitment of the Twins owner," he said.
So, we've got the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader saying they will back this proposal. Looking at it another way, we have the leader of the Republican House and the leader of the DFL Senate both in favor of this plan. It is hard to believe, I know, but it looks like we could have bipartisan support for this plan. Dean Johnson was actually on The Sports Huddle with Sid and Dave this morning on WCCO Radio and he was practically gushing about this plan. He seemed very optimistic about the plan's chances in the legislature. But he hesitated when discussing the chances of Pawlenty signing the corresponding bill into law.
You see, Pawlenty has pledged no new taxes during his reign as governor of Minnesota. Would Pawlenty consider this as a new tax, even though it is really just a tax hike on an existing tax? Will he look favorably on the fact that only Hennepin County will be levied this tax hike? Will he be swayed by the fact that it is only 3 cents on every $20 spent, or $30 for every $20,000 spent? Sid Hartman seems to think so.
This is why I listen to Sid on Sunday mornings. He is so connected. As Johnson was suggesting that the legislature would do it's part and that it is all really up to Pawlenty to make this happen, Sid said (and I'm paraphrasing here), "I just had lunch with Pawlenty last Tuesday at Vescio's and he said he would support this plan." Needless to say, this made my heart skip a beat. Could it be true? Later on in the afternoon WCCO also quoted Mike Opat (the Hennepin County Commissioner we all have to thank for this) as saying Pawlenty was on board with the plan. Speaker of the House? Check. Senate Majority Leader? Check. Governor of Minnesota? Check? Sorry, I'm still pessimistic about this one. I want to hear Pawlenty say it himself.
Who else can we count on to support this plan ... well, I would think out-state legislators for one. They literally have nothing to lose. When they go to vote on this plan they aren't voting on any state money. They aren't voting to tax their own constituents. They have nothing to lose and nothing to fear. Will they be enough? Can they overcome the anti-stadium backlash that is sure to come from metropolitan legislators? Hopefully we'll get a chance to see.
Finally, in terms of support, I was surprised that while listening to the radio this afternoon almost everyone that called in supported this plan. There were a few nay-sayers, but the vast majority of the people who called in basically said the same thing: it is time to put this behind us.
Man! What a day. Lots of stuff to be positive about. Now let's look at the negative. Let's look at what chances this bill really has to get passed.
First of all, stadium opponents have time on their side. According to the StarTrib, both Johnson and Sviggum have both said that the legislature will "not consider a stadium proposal until after the budget bills for health care, education and transportation were done." That is a tall order. I can just hear Phil Krinkie cackaling. All stadium opponents have to do is wait. All they have to do is argue the state budget until the bitter end, and this proposal is dead. And don't think they won't do it. Don't think Phil isn't so bitterly against stadium financing that he won't do anything he can to thwart this effort. Remember, he jeopardized the passage of the state bonding bill because he thought a part of it could possibly be used to help fund a new Vikings stadium. The man is insane when it comes to being anti-stadium.
Secondly, the Twins have already stated the deal is dead if a referendum is attached. They don't want a referendum for two reasons: 1) it increases costs to wait for a referendum to pass and 2) a referendum would never pass in Hennepin County (or anywhere in Minnesota for that matter). The Twins aren't stupid. And neither is Phil Krinkie. Why do I keep coming back to him? Because he is the chair of the House Taxes Committee. If he even agrees to hear the bill (and it is in his power not to) he will fight to attach a referendum at the bare minimum. If I could suggest something, we should all write the rest of the members of the House Taxes committee and tell them to support this bill as is. There is a chance that this bill could get out of the House Taxes committee without a referendum but the rest of the members will have to overcome Mr. Krinkie.
That is if there is even time for the plan to get out of committee in the first place.
Finally, stadium opponents have the most powerful argument of all. Why should we fund a Twins stadium when we are struggling to fund police, when we are cutting funding to health care, when we can't adequately fund education? Well (broken record time), given the choice of inadequately funding, say, education, and building a new stadium, or just inadequately funding education, I will take the former every time. Not funding a stadium is no gurantee that education will receive extra funding. Why do we constantly tie them together? Steve Thompson, WCCO radio host, also had some interesting things to say about this problem. Essentially, he said, this is the way the game is played. We can argue about whether or not publicly funding stadiums is good or bad until we are blue in the face, but the fact of the matter is this is the way stadiums are built. Do we want major league baseball in our state or not? Is the expense of a new stadium worth it to have this unique entertainment option for the people of the Upper Midwest? Because this is how stadiums are built. Well, it looks like we are going to find out if we think it is worth it real quick.
May 23rd is the last day of the legislative session. Write your legislator now. Beg. Plead. This may be Pohlad's last try. Let's put this behind us and back a plan that not only has a fantastic shot of building a Twins stadium but also of paying off the debt in half the time.
Well, I've got to wrap this up. I know I'll talk more about this in the coming week. Before I close let me just say that I've been typing this while watching The Sports Show with Sid, Patrick Reusse, Mike Max, and Dark Star. Dark Star and Patrick Reusse have both basically said they don't have a lot of faith that this deal will go through. Reusse gave time as a reason for his pessimism and Dark Star just said "Krinkie" as his reason. Sid was the only one that came out and said he thinks this is finally the plan that will result in a new Twins stadium. You can take that for whatever it is worth.
Me? I'm sitting at 50/50 right now. I am excited about this plan. I am happy that it seems to have bipartisan support from our legislative leaders. I am thrilled that public reaction that I've heard so far has been positive. But we may simply run out of time.
Posted by snackeru at 7:52 AM | Comments (3) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
April 24, 2005
Holy Guacamole
OK. I know why you are here. You are dying to read my in depth analysis of the Vikings draft picks and the debacle that was the Timberwolves season. So, let's start talking about the Timberwolves. Kevin Garnett was his normal stellar self, but the rest of the team...
Sorry about that, I couldn't resist. Obviously we had some exciting news come out today regarding a new Twins stadium in downtown Minneapolis. When I saw the news this morning I soaked it up like a sponge. I snuck out of church to listen to the Sports Huddle with Sid and Dave. I listened to the radio most of the afternoon. I've thought about this issue all day long. It is indeed very exciting.
However, I'm not ready to delve into this just yet. I've got some other things to check into first concerning the plan and people's reactions to it. So, expect something later tonight. Much later, actually.
So, sorry about that. I just wanted to let you know that I am working on it.
Posted by snackeru at 7:29 PM | Comments (0) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
April 21, 2005
More legislators jumping aboard?
• In case you haven't noticed, a new Twins stadium bill has been submitted before the Minnesota House. The short description is Stadium development process provided for use of the Minnesota Twins baseball team, metropolitan stadium authority established, Metropolitan Council authorized to issue bonds, and powers of the host communities provided. What I found most interesting about this bill, though, was the list of bill authors. Many, if not most of the authors of the bill were "unknown" to me, meaning I didn't know if they were pro-stadium or not. There are even a couple of bill authors that I had marked as anti-stadium. So, based on this author list I have made some changes to my Voter's Guide. Now the anti-stadium vs. pro-stadium breakdown looks like this:
Pro-American (Pro-stadium) legislators: 54
Anti-American (Anti-stadium) legislators: 49
Unknown: 31
Personally, I see this as a very good thing, as you might imagine. This is the first time since I began tracking legislator viewpoints on stadium issues that the pro-stadium legislators have out-numbered the anti-stadium legislators. Could the atmosphere at the state capitol be changing? Could we be seeing a shift to a more stadium friendly attitude amongst our esteemed legislators? Maybe ...
• Sid Hartman also reports some old news today that while it is old, it is still good to hear:
Look for Hennepin County and the Twins to make an announcement soon that they have agreed to work together to construct a stadium in the area in back of Target Center.
Again, the Twins picking a site and focusing legislative efforts toward that site is essential for a stadium bill actually passing in my lifetime. Quite honestly, I don't really care if it is in St. Paul or Minneapolis, I just want it to get done. I am happy that a stadium in Minneapolis will be closer to my house, but I would not mind a St. Paul ballpark in the least. Anyway, speaking of St. Paul, the Pioneer Press editorial board had some interesting things to say about the possibility of a Hennepin County ballpark deal a few days ago:
While the economics of a Hennepin County plan are compelling to the Twins, we suspect the ingrained image of St. Paul as the little brother to its bigger sibling to the west is at work here, as well. The notion of second-class status for St. Paul is as Minnesotan as Babe the Blue Ox and walleye. That's too bad, because as we've long argued, the economics of the St. Paul proposal should be compelling to taxpayers and lawmakers alike, regardless of whether or not fans will be looking out on a Minneapolis incinerator or the St. Paul skyline.While the Hennepin County plan seems to be building momentum — this week — we hope cooler heads will prevail at the Capitol. Any plan — whether it's in Hennepin County, St. Paul or Duluth — shouldn't sock it to the taxpayers and be a multimillion-dollar windfall for a recalcitrant Carl Pohlad. Indeed, the man who's No. 272 on the Forbes list with a net worth of $2.3 billion shouldn't expect to get something for nothing.
So, besides the typical St. Paul inferiority complex, or the perceived inferiority complex, it appears that the PiPress editorial board is suggesting the Twins are going with Hennepin County mainly because the county will not require a large upfront contribution from the team. I certainly hope that is not the case. The Twins and Hennepin County can make deals all day long if they want, but if either party wants the legislature to actually approve a deal it had better include a hefty check from the Twins.
If Hennepin County balks and gives in to the Twins demands for a smaller contribution, then I would have to agree with St. Paul on this one.
Unfortunately what all of this demonstrates still is that we have a long, long way to go. Bummer. I'm kind of sick of this. How about you?
Posted by snackeru at 12:01 PM | Comments (9) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
April 15, 2005
A step in the right direction
Well, well, well ... finally we have some positive news regarding a new Twins stadium (unless you were hoping for a stadium in St. Paul. Jim?). Today the Pioneer Press is reporting that the Twins are cutting a deal with Hennepin County to build a stadium in Minneapolis at the Rapid Park site. Wonderful, wonderful news, but as my brother-in-law has already stated, this is but the first step in a bazillion step process. Let's focus on the positive first, though.
The deal would depart from a nine-year stadium strategy of trying to pass a no-site bill and would kick-start a rejuvenated ballpark pitch by giving lawmakers something to visualize as well as specifics on construction and financing.
Let's see ... let's say I try something and it doesn't work. I may try it again, and maybe again for a third time. But after the third time I would be a complete dunderhead to try something I know won't work. Finally, after 9 freaking years the Twins have removed their collective heads from their collective butts and decided to focus on a single site. Hallelujah!
And is anyone surprised with this development? After the Twins broke of talks with St. Paul in 2002 it seemed like to me that they just didn't want to do a deal in St. Paul. Now I think we have verification of that.
Minneapolis and its financial benefactor, Hennepin County, have battled St. Paul in recent years to be the location of a new stadium. That's one reason the Twins stadium bills in the past did not specify a site, on the theory that votes would come from legislators from both cities, giving the contentious bill the slim majority it would need.
I don't believe that. I think the Twins have always been looking for the best deal and by pitting the two communities against each other they felt they could minimize their contribution. Again, after nine years I'm glad to see they have finally decided to abandon this strategy.
Although the politics of stadium legislation are always difficult, House Speaker Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon, and Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson, DFL-Willmar, said passage of a Twins bill would be possible this session if legislators first agree on ways of solving state budget, education and health-care funding problems.
OK, now that is a little bit of a reality check. Solving the state budget, education, and health-care funding problems will be close to impossible. I'm sorry to be so pessimistic again, but we still live in Minnesota, and we still have the biggest bunch of stiffs and nit-pickers sitting in the Capitol this state has ever seen. Do I think this means that a Twins bill won't be argued in the hallowed halls of the legislature this year? No. I think we will see a bill and I think it will get through some committees. However, I am of the opinion that the legislature may run out of time. Keep May 23rd marked on your calendar. That is doomsday for Twins fans.
Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat of Robbinsdale confirmed intensified talks with the Twins but would say merely, "The only way Hennepin County will get involved in a Twins stadium again is with the Twins as a partner for a site-specific bill.''Bell demurred on describing the intricacies of the negotiations. However, three people close to the negotiations — who spoke on the condition of anonymity — said a major sticking point is how much money the Twins would contribute to the ballpark, which might have a retractable roof and cost up to $500 million.
Mike Opat ... man I love that guy. Robbinsdale is one lucky community. I'm going to write him again this morning and see if he would give me any specifics. I'm especially interested in specifics on the Twins upfront contribution. And I'm not even really concerned with an exact number. My question is, will the Twins finally offer more than $120 million? Since the negotiations for the upfront contribution were "a major sticking point" I think it is safe to assume Hennepin County wanted more. It sounds like we may find out next week.
So, step 1) pick a site, step 2) raise the upfront contribution ... I am just thrilled that the Twins are finally changing their strategy. But what are the other steps? In a quote above, the article states that this new bill will give "lawmakers something to visualize as well as specifics on construction and financing." Step 3 is to unveil those specifics and start selling them hard. I'm pretty sure the specifics will include TIF financing and some kind of Hennepin County wide sales tax, the latter of which will be a really tough sell in the legislature. I mean, really, really tough.
Step 4 will be to try to convince the legislature to pass the bill without a referendum attached, and that will be another really, really tough sell. Step 5, in my mind, is to focus lobbying efforts on out-state representatives. I truly believe that if this bill is to pass the Twins and Hennepin County need to convince out-state representatives that 1) their constituents want this to happen (which they do) and 2) they have nothing to lose by voting for this bill. Which they don't. Out-state won't be taxed so I would think they could vote for the bill without reservation. Step 6 is to lobby Hennepin County legislators. It is a sad fact that some of the biggest opposition to this bill will come from the county that will benefit the most from it. If the Twins and Hennepin County can get half of the legislators from the county on board then I think it will be a done deal. Step 7 will be to create a media blitz to convince Hennepin County residents to approve the referendum that is sure to be attached. If by the grace of God the referendum is somehow approved, then and only then will I breath a sigh of relief. Because that will mean a ballpark will be built.
The article ended with this paragraph:
If a bill were passed this session, it likely would speed up construction by a year, making Opening Day possible in 2008 or 2009. The last game outdoors was played against the Kansas City Royals at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington in the fall of 1981, after which the team began playing at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.
The thought of a new stadium for opening day 2008 is almost too overwhelming. That thought will keep me going the rest of the day.
And what about the Vikings stadium? The StarTribune reports some really good news on that front today:
According to those at the Blaine meeting Thursday morning, Wilf said that he and partners David Mandelbaum and Alan Landis are investigating buying some of the land on which the proposed Vikings stadium would sit, near 109th Av. NE., just west of Interstate Hwy. 35W.
This is fantastic news because it shows Fowler's group (or is it Wilf's group now?) are committed to Minnesota, they are fousing on the Anoka County site, and they may even take a leap of faith and buy the land before any financing plan is in place. This also suggests, at least to me, that Wilf is concerned that the land could be earmarked for some other development and that he is buying the land to assure that it is used for a Vikings stadium. Good, good news. The plan for a new Vikings stadium in Anoka County is alive and well.
The article also suggests though that the Vikings have almost no shot of getting anything done in the legislature this year:
Sviggum told his visitors that a Vikings stadium is not on his agenda this session. He noted that the team's lease at the Metrodome runs through 2011 and, he said, he told the men: "You'd better work out the ownership. You better work out a [stadium] finance plan."
Indeed. If the Twins are successful this year (please oh please) I'm sure it will inform what kind of shape next year's Viking bill will take. However, I was a little upset to read this statement from Dean Johnson:
Johnson said they seemed amenable to contributing at least one-third of the cost of any Vikings stadium.
Oh really? Wow, that is big of them. Just like the Twins, though, if Fowler's group wants to get anything done they had better be prepared to bump up their contribution. The fact of the matter is, 1/3 from the team and 1/3 from the host community simply won't work in this case because there just isn't 1/3 from the state to top it off. There simply is no money that the state can contribute. TIF will work great for the Twins, in my opinion, but it has already been shown that the TIF value of a new Vikings stadium will be minimal. Anybody who buys the Vikings had better be ready to come up with more than 1/3. That is just the way it is.
That's all I got time for. As always, I welcome your comments and opinions on both of these matters. Exciting news, but we still have a long way to go.
Posted by snackeru at 8:34 AM | Comments (6) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
April 14, 2005
Randomness
Not much to say today, but I'll give you what I got.
• Charley Walters ... man I love that guy. Yesterday and today he wrote some great stuff regarding the sale of the Vikings and the possibility of a new Twins stadium. Glen Taylor, of course, is still in the running the buy the Vikes, but today Walters writes regarding a Twins stadium:
There's talk that Hennepin County next week could announce Eden Prairie as a potential site for a Twins ballpark.
I don't even know what to think about this news. What excites me the most is that there may be a proposal next week, but Eden Prairie? Well, I guess I've said before that I'll take a stadium in Bemidji, just build the stupid thing. So, I guess Eden Prairie would be fine. It may even be closer to my house than a Minneapolis ballpark.
• And of course, Walters reported yesterday that "[t]he Twins are guardedly optimistic about finally getting approval for a new ballpark this legislative session. St. Paul remains in the hunt." I seriously don't know how the Twins can remain optimistic, but I'm glad they are. They've got a lot of obstacles to overcome, though, including the fact that the Gopher's stadium bill hasn't even reached the floor of the House yet, Krinkie is the chair of the House Taxes committee, the Florida Marlins stadium bill is languishing even with a $192 million contribution from the team, and unless someone comes up with a phenomenal and as yet unheard of funding source, taxes in the host community will be a big part of the plan. So, even if a bill is passed their will be a referendum. Even if a stadium bill is passed, that is only half of the battle!
I'm such a pessimist. Why do you even come here to read this?
• And speaking of a Vikings stadium, one argument for community financing that I am surprised we don't hear more is the fact that the Vikings will pay for 1/3 of a stadium that they will only use 10 days out of the year. The rest of the time the stadium can be used for all sorts of community events. Check out the schedule for the Metrodome for November 2004 and December 2004. Almost everyday the Dome is being used for something. So, for the Vikings to pay even 1/3 of the bill is quite a deal when you look at what the host community gets in return. The $75 million investment Minnesota made to pay for the Dome was one of the best investments the state has ever made. The place has payed for itself many, many times over. I am positive that in 20 years we would be saying the same thing about a stadium in Anoka county, or wherever the Vikings end up (I'm with you Vince. The Vikings ain't going anywhere.)
• And speaking of the Dome, I was walking past the Dome after getting off my bus in downtown Minneapolis this morning when I remembered a popular Bible verse that could help us all in our plight. In Matthew 17:19-20 Jesus says:
Jesus told them. "I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible."
Taking this to heart, as I was walking past the Metrodome I mustered up all the faith I had, I thrust out my hand, and I said, "Metrodome, I cast thee into Lake Minnetonka! Be gone from my midst and torment me no more!"
Sigh. Since you have probably noticed that the Metrodome is still firmly entrenched in Minneapolis, it is obvious that my effort to "move a mountain" was a failure. My lack of faith is simply stunning.
Posted by snackeru at 8:49 AM | Comments (3) | Stadiums
Category "Stadiums"
April 13, 2005
Marlins stadium on life support
Yesterday afternoon, as I was helping Will of Will Young's Twins Page put together a Twins stadium proposal for a class project (why didn't I have any class projects like that?), I stumbled upon some news concerning the stadium situation in Florida. Let's start with a short recap, though. The Florida Marlins plan included a $192 million contribution from the team, and the plan only asked for $30 million from the state in the form of a tax rebate. (But because that debt would be paid off with interest at $2 million a year over 30 years, the total state sales tax rebate would be $60 million.) Well, it seems their plan is on life support:
"Let it have a fair hearing," Bush said upon learning that State Rep. Fred Brummer, R-Apopka, who chairs the House Finance and Tax Committee, is refusing to hear the request for a $60 million state sales tax rebate. "I think their proposal is better than previous years. Is it better than the other funding proposals of the state, I don't know. That's what hearings and the committee process is all about."
I see so many similarities with the plight of the Twins it is uncanny. It seems the chair of the Florida House Finance and Tax Committee won't even agree to hear the bill! Do any of you remember who the chair of the Minnesota House Taxes committee is? That's right, stadium opponent numero uno: Phil Krinkie R-Shoreview. And if you don't think he isn't paying attention to this development, think again. The man is so anti-stadium he actually jeopardized the passage of the state bonding bill because he thought a part of it could potentially help fund a new Vikings stadium. From the StarTrib:
"On Wednesday, influential House Republicans objected to a 17-line paragraph put into the 56-page bill at the 11th hour, authorizing the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission to lease up to 17 acres of its golf course and athletic fields in Blaine for unspecified purposes.
Johnson and Rep. Andy Westerberg, R-Blaine, said the provision was needed to keep the commission solvent in the face of deep state budget cuts.
But the provision wasn't previously introduced in either house and wasn't part of the original bonding bills. That violated joint legislative rules, critics said, while shutting out any opportunity for public input.
GOP Reps. Phil Krinkie of Shoreview and Mark Olson of Big Lake suggested that the paragraph could somehow slip a new Vikings stadium into law, a contention vigorously denied by Westerberg."
This is almost comical if it wasn't so sad. How much money could the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission make by leasing 17 acres of a golf course? Surely not anywhere close to $500 million, but that didn't stop Krinkie from wasting my time and your's by arguing and slowing the passage of an already delayed and hugely important bonding bill. Is anyone else stunned by this like I am?
When I read about stuff like this, and then I hear what is happening (or isn't happening) in Florida my opinions about the chances of a new Twins stadium become very pessimistic. Again, the Marlins were contributing $192 million ... they had picked a site ... compared to the Twins requests they were asking for a relatively small amount from the state ... and yet they are still being denied.
The Sun-Sentinel article above ends with this statement:
"The Marlins declined comment Monday, but have indicated they will explore moving from Florida if they cannot secure the state piece of the financing plan. "
The same old song and dance, this time played out in Florida. I wonder how serious the Marlins are with this threat. Regardless, I was hoping the Florida legislature could demonstrate to us how to get a deal done. There is still hope, but unfortunately it is rapidly diminishing.
Posted by snackeru at 12:58 PM | Comments (0) |