Sometimes you read a Gargoyle Leader ED board editorial and you go, “Really? Nothing like stating the freaking obvious.”
But that is precisely what could happen if the Sioux Falls Sports Authority – and whoever else is behind the idea of building a $33 million stadium – persists in championing this ridiculously utopian version of a sports facility.
Ridiculous? More like completely irresponsible that any tax dollars were wasted on even exploring it.
Another thing: Anyone who thinks Sioux Falls residents would embrace the cost of such a monumental endeavor knows little about our nature.
Exactly. Voters have repeatedly, in recent years, turned down extravagant projects, especially when it involves raising taxes, that includes the Event Center proposal. But the AL is under the impression that we are all on board;
While most residents have made it clear that they think the time has come to build an events center that will serve our future needs,
And where did you pull that poll from? Your asses? I would think that it’s more like 50/50 and when you factor in taxing food more to build it I think those numbers would change even more. If you think a $33 million dollar Howard Wood or the airport saying it is a safety hazard is a deal breaker, you are nuts. A bad location, a piss-poor funding idea, and the lack of public involvement is dooming the new Events Center.
I have to be honest with you, I know I am a cynic, but I would like to see a new EC built, but I believe we can do it differently and we can do it by a taxing fairly (corporate entertainment, advertising and BBB taxes). It just shows how out of touch our supposed city and business leaders are with the rest of the general public.
Here’s what I posted under that piece:
Moving HWF is unneccesary and unpopular. Most people who’ve weighed in think so.
20,000 seats is too big. Most people (including paid consultants) who’ve weighed in think so.
$150 million or more is too expensive. Most people who’ve weighed in think so.
Funding it with a sales tax increase in this climate is moronic. Most of our legislature and many outspoken citizens think so.
Tell me again how this statement is remotely accurate:
“To their credit, events center task force co-chairmen Jim Woster and Terry Baloun have spent the past year listening to people of all walks of life as they assembled a plan that everyone could support. “
The line that makes me laff is “Most People support an EC.”
Who are these ‘Most’ you speak of?
I think they are right L3wis, most people do support an EC. especially if is it done correctly the way you and I advocate.
Probably 90% of the local populace is tuned out to the issue and will be until it comes to the ballot. Then, many of them will simply fall into the “just build it already” column, unless there’s enough vocal opposition…which I think is slowly building.
Unlike the Rec. Center/Indoor pool vote..this one will come during the mid-terms and you will see huge turnout. I think what, 10% turned out for the RC/IP vote? Had it been 50% or more like we will see next November, I think you’d have seen a different outcome.
You should write a letter to the editor about it. They need pressure now. It is still not too late to save the project, they just have switch gears on funding.
BTW, are you going Thursday night to the Forum with the AL and KSFY at the Elmen? I suspect there might be 100 or less so it would be a good opportunity to speak up. I’m working on my laundry list as we speak.
Call me before you go. We could have an impromtu South Dacola fest.
BEFORE AND AFTER
I think I can make that work.
KSFY you say? Isn’t our future mayor and top DT supporter still employed there?