UPDATE: It seems at this point that Mike was misquoted according to my sources. But we will still see what the video says. I’m watching the video now, and will give you an update. If you Fast Forward to 50:00 min, you can hear the EC discussion. No where does Huether mention we voted on the 2001 proposal. He talks about the proposal, but that’s it.
Either that, or the Argue Endorser had another one of their classic mis-quotes (not like that ever happens 🙂
“Somebody give me the right time to build an events center,” the mayor said. He noted that in 2001, voters turned down a $60 million proposal to build an events center and a recreation center.
Was I living in some other town? Because I don’t remember that. From the Mar. 20 edition of the AL in the Voices section, titled “Timelines for events centers in Sioux Falls, Lincoln, Neb.”:
•2001: Forward Sioux Falls hires Minneapolis consultant to study options for replacing Arena. The consultant suggests building a 12,000-seat arena and a recreation complex for hockey, tennis and swimming. Cost estimates at up to $60 million.
•2003: Former Mayor Dave Munson says he wants a 12,000-seat events center to open along Phillips Avenue near Falls Park by 2008 to tie into a riverfront redevelopment plan.
•2004: Munson names task force to study feasibility of events center and recreation center. The task force recommends a 12,000-seat arena downtown, renovation of Arena and a new recreation center at Nelson Park.
•2005: Voters reject recreation center proposal. In light of public sentiment against that project, the Arena proposal is not pursued.
Voters have never voted on an events center. But like I said above, it is still a mystery who flubbed. The video is not yet up on the city-link’s website and I did not attend, so I can only trust what Harriman said.