Hypocrisy of establishment Republicans glaringly obvious in stadium subsidies

[Toro]

ManU is so yesterday.

It'll be another 25 years before you win your next title!

 

[KGB]

It cant be said enough that the establishment Republicans in Cobb county supported this idiotic 450 million subsidy of the braves.

this idiocy isn't limited to one party. In Pittsburgh, our democratic leadership utilized over $800 million of public funds to build stadiums for the Steelers & Pirates even though a tax increase was shot down heavily by the voting public. I think it is ridiculous that multi-billion dollar enterprises such as the NFL can extort cities for new playgrounds.

 

[dcraelin]

It cant be said enough that the establishment Republicans in Cobb county supported this idiotic 450 million subsidy of the braves.

this idiocy isn't limited to one party. In Pittsburgh, our democratic leadership utilized over $800 million of public funds to build stadiums for the Steelers & Pirates even though a tax increase was shot down heavily by the voting public. I think it is ridiculous that multi-billion dollar enterprises such as the NFL can extort cities for new playgrounds.

no, I agree, its not limited to one party. But the Hypocrisy is higher for the Republican party cause they all claim to want to run government more efficiently. Somewhere out there there is probably a Democrat who pushed one of these idiocies through that actually ran saying he would do just that. But I would hope any Republican opposing would actually offer an alternative and question the idiotic figures and "economic development" lies that the teams put out.

 

[TooTall]

It cant be said enough that the establishment Republicans in Cobb county supported this idiotic 450 million subsidy of the braves.

this idiocy isn't limited to one party. In Pittsburgh, our democratic leadership utilized over $800 million of public funds to build stadiums for the Steelers & Pirates even though a tax increase was shot down heavily by the voting public. I think it is ridiculous that multi-billion dollar enterprises such as the NFL can extort cities for new playgrounds.

no, I agree, its not limited to one party. But the Hypocrisy is higher for the Republican party cause they all claim to want to run government more efficiently. Somewhere out there there is probably a Democrat who pushed one of these idiocies through that actually ran saying he would do just that. But I would hope any Republican opposing would actually offer an alternative and question the idiotic figures and "economic development" lies that the teams put out.

This is what I call government efficiency. Requiring the Braves to put up 55% of the cost is called a partnership rather than a totally taxpayer funded enterprise. And, the cost to Cobb county is $300 million, not the $450 million repeatedly claimed by dcraelin.

The memorandum of understanding between the county, the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum Exhibit Hall Authority and the Braves that was voted on by the commission calls for $300 million in upfront taxpayer support for the stadium. The payment would come from existing property taxes that now pay off debt for park projects and from lodging taxes, a rental car tax and levies on business in a special commercial district around the stadium site.

The Braves' initial contribution to the project would be $280 million. The remaining $92 million would come from debt the county assigns to the team, bringing the Braves' share to $372 million, or 55 percent of the total.

 

[TooTall]

It cant be said enough that the establishment Republicans in Cobb county supported this idiotic 450 million subsidy of the braves.

this idiocy isn't limited to one party. In Pittsburgh, our democratic leadership utilized over $800 million of public funds to build stadiums for the Steelers & Pirates even though a tax increase was shot down heavily by the voting public. I think it is ridiculous that multi-billion dollar enterprises such as the NFL can extort cities for new playgrounds.

I pointed out that the sports stadiums in Indianapolis and Cincinnati were also built under Democratic Mayors, but dcraelin insists that the only hypocrites doing this are Republicans.

I vote as an Independent, but have seen the vast majority of these sports complexes built by Democrats. And, usually with 100% taxpayer funding.

 

[dcraelin]

this idiocy isn't limited to one party. In Pittsburgh, our democratic leadership utilized over $800 million of public funds to build stadiums for the Steelers & Pirates even though a tax increase was shot down heavily by the voting public. I think it is ridiculous that multi-billion dollar enterprises such as the NFL can extort cities for new playgrounds.

no, I agree, its not limited to one party. But the Hypocrisy is higher for the Republican party cause they all claim to want to run government more efficiently. Somewhere out there there is probably a Democrat who pushed one of these idiocies through that actually ran saying he would do just that. But I would hope any Republican opposing would actually offer an alternative and question the idiotic figures and "economic development" lies that the teams put out.

This is what I call government efficiency. Requiring the Braves to put up 55% of the cost is called a partnership rather than a totally taxpayer funded enterprise. And, the cost to Cobb county is $300 million, not the $450 million repeatedly claimed by dcraelin.

The memorandum of understanding between the county, the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum Exhibit Hall Authority and the Braves that was voted on by the commission calls for $300 million in upfront taxpayer support for the stadium. The payment would come from existing property taxes that now pay off debt for park projects and from lodging taxes, a rental car tax and levies on business in a special commercial district around the stadium site.

The Braves' initial contribution to the project would be $280 million. The remaining $92 million would come from debt the county assigns to the team, bringing the Braves' share to $372 million, or 55 percent of the total.

early figures were $450 million, PERHAPS its lower now but hidden costs plague these deals. 0 dollars is what should be paid by taxpayers. But even if figure you give there are some qualifiers. "upfront" taxpayer support for example, What does that mean? more money coming on the backside? $92mill "from debt the county assigns to the team" ...What?

plus Ive read the state or county will need to improve roads, also property tax breaks that other businesses would not get out of.

 

[1776]

ManU dominated the last 25 years...

ManU is so yesterday.

It'll be another 25 years before you win your next title!

 

[Wyatt earp]

Atlanta's Turner Field Is Dying -- And American Sanity Is Dying With It | Will Bunch

Hypocrisy of establishment Republicans glaringly obvious in the latest parasitical move by a pro-sport franchise.

You wonder how many of these frauds are getting some sort of kickback.

the Brave's current stadium is less than 20 years old. They couldn't get 200+million in overpriced idiotic "improvements" they wanted from Atlanta so they went to a more submissive group, the Republican controlled commission of Cobb County where they will get 450 million in subsidies. The lone Democrat on the commission was the only one to act halfway responsible and voted to give the decision more time for voters to discover what a rip-off it is.

I have to agree with you on this one I thought to myself why do they want a new one they just built one. 20 years already? Dang time flys when you get old.....

Anyways Fricking Wrigley field is like a 100 years old and we would kill if they ever tore that place down. Its fine for the Cubbies

 

[1776]

The stadium in Atlanta is the worst case example. Most teams these days getting a new stadium are replacing a stadium built in the 80s or earlier. I'm not surprised a scumbag liberal like Ted Turner is holding his hand out for taxpayer money, he is a typical liberal.

Pretty much every other new arena and stadium in the US and Canada can be justified because of the economic impact those places have in drawing in consumers for their cities.

 

[TooTall]

The stadium in Atlanta is the worst case example. Most teams these days getting a new stadium are replacing a stadium built in the 80s or earlier. I'm not surprised a scumbag liberal like Ted Turner is holding his hand out for taxpayer money, he is a typical liberal.

Pretty much every other new arena and stadium in the US and Canada can be justified because of the economic impact those places have in drawing in consumers for their cities.

Here is some background for you:

Turner Field has been the home of the Atlanta Braves since 1997. It was originally built as Centennial Olympic Stadium for the 1996 Summer Olympics, then partially reconstructed as a baseball-only stadium for the 1997 baseball season, eliminating the possibility of other sporting uses such as track and field world championships. The stadium is owned by the Atlanta-Fulton CountyRecreation Authority (AFCRA) and leased to the Braves, who have full control over operations.

According to Braves team president John Schuerholz, Turner Field requires $350 million in renovations — $150 million for structural upkeep and $200 million to improve the fan experience.

Braves executives have also complained about transportation issues that make it difficult for fans to come to games. The stadium is three-quarters of a mile (1.2 km) from the nearest Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) train station (though MARTA ran a bus shuttle service on game days), and many fans were unwilling to brave metro Atlanta's infamous traffic to attend games. The Braves also say parking around the stadium is inadequate.

In addition, team VP for business operations Mike Plant said the site's downtown location "doesn't match up with where the majority of our fans come from." Plant also said that while the Braves operate Turner Field, they have no control over the commercial development around the stadium. Other stadiums built in recent years have been accompanied by shopping and entertainment facilities in the surrounding area.

The Braves were in talks in 2013 with the Recreational Authority over extending the team's original lease, Plant said, but those talks broke down. Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed said the city could not afford to support the kind of renovations the Braves desired, especially while already funding a new stadium for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons.

The new stadium planned for Cobb county is being built next to a large existing hotel and shopping complex. Traffic will not be a problem and MARTA buses can easily be routed to transport Atlantans to the new stadium.

It should be noted that the Mayor of Atlanta is a Democrat and could not fund any improvements for the Atlanta Braves stadium, because he has committed taxpayer funding for a new stadium for the Atlanta Falcons football team.

Does that make him a hypocrite?

 

[DoItMyself]

ITS FOR PRO BUSINESS YOU IDIOTS.

This move is to boost business you morons. The Braves are a multi-million dollar job creator, and will spark business.

You left wingers want all that money to go feeding TAKER mouths, well, the Braves can MAKE jobs for them.

 

[KGB]

ITS FOR PRO BUSINESS YOU IDIOTS.

This move is to boost business you morons. The Braves are a multi-million dollar job creator, and will spark business.

You left wingers want all that money to go feeding TAKER mouths, well, the Braves can MAKE jobs for them.

bullshit. Numerous studies have already been conducted showing no appreciable gain in economic dollars for sports stadia. At best, service industry jobs are created, but not sustainable well paying jobs that cities need. And in truth, money is merely shuffled around, there is no new money created which demonstrates true growth. Don't buy into the fallacy.

Sports, Jobs, & Taxes: Are New Stadiums Worth the Cost? | Brookings Institution
Key Myths About The Stadium
Untitled Document

 

[Toro]

ITS FOR PRO BUSINESS YOU IDIOTS.

This move is to boost business you morons. The Braves are a multi-million dollar job creator, and will spark business.

You left wingers want all that money to go feeding TAKER mouths, well, the Braves can MAKE jobs for them.

^^^^^^^^^
Sports socialist.

People welfare --> "Bad"
Corporate welfare --> "Good"

The Atlanta Braves are planning to move their stadium to the suburbs. The Braves blackmailed, threatened, and coerced the backboneless polititicians in Cobb County, Ga., to pay for the stadium. You might think that Cobb County is run by conservative small government leaders who disdain picking winners and losers in the marketplace. It turns out that Cobb County is actually run by leaders who practice the most corrupt form of crony capitalism. Public money is being used to enrich a private enterprise. It is a great system if you are the private enterprise. By the way, the Cobb County schools are facing a $80 million deficit. So it might seem odd that the county would give really rich folks $370 million so they can build a new stadium. How rich are the owners of the Braves? The team is owned by a company called Liberty Media Corp, which is in turn essentially owned by a guy named John Malone. Malone is worth $7 billion. He is also the largest landowner in America — owning 2.1 million acres. Liberty Media Corp., has $26 billion in assets. I admire Malone and his ability to acquire wealth. I just don’t think he should be getting public money.

And neither does the Georgia Tea Party. As far as I can tell, the only organization to have put up any fight against this insane corporate welfare is the Atlanta Tea Party. The Atlanta Tea Party Patriots have have voiced strong opposition to the deal and have filed a suit to stop the stadium financing plan. But where is everybody else? Other than the Braves, who can support such a travesty? If the Braves want to move to the suburbs, that is terrific. If they want a new stadium, they should pay for it themselves.

The Atlanta Braves And Insane Corporate Welfare - Forbes

John Malone is a conservative Republican.

The memorandum of understanding between the county, the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum Exhibit Hall Authority and the Braves that was voted on by the commission calls for $300 million in upfront taxpayer support for the stadium. The payment would come from existing property taxes that now pay off debt for park projects and from lodging taxes, a rental car tax and levies on business in a special commercial district around the stadium site.

The Braves' initial contribution to the project would be $280 million. The remaining $92 million would come from debt that the county assigns to the team, bringing the Braves' share to $372 million, or 55 percent of the total.

The Braves have promised to cover construction cost overruns. But the team also reserves the right to reduce the total cost of the project by $50 million, absorbing all the savings without reducing the public contribution.

Georgia commissioners approve plan for Atlanta Braves' new stadium - ESPN

 

[dcraelin]

The new stadium planned for Cobb county is being built next to a large existing hotel and shopping complex. Traffic will not be a problem and MARTA buses can easily be routed to transport Atlantans to the new stadium.
It should be noted that the Mayor of Atlanta is a Democrat and could not fund any improvements for the Atlanta Braves stadium, because he has committed taxpayer funding for a new stadium for the Atlanta Falcons football team.
Does that make him a hypocrite?

If the Mayor ran on an "efficiency of government" platform it sure would, but for all I know he ran saying he would fund this idiotic football stadium.

Look, all these stadium deals are rip-offs, but it is particularly appalling when Republicans fall for the stupidity. I am sure that the hypocrite "Republican" county commissioners in Cobb county didn't run on wasting $200+ million for baseball welfare queens

 

[dcraelin]

in fairness let me post a story of a Democrat that refuses to take more from a team despite arena being reduced to junk bond status

Louisville mayor insists arena is doing just fine despite junk-bond status | Field of Schemes

http://www.courier-journal.com/arti...pite-junk-bond-rating?gcheck=1&nclick_check=1

first story also talks about a TIF district involved which exposes the stupidity of these finanacial gimmicks.

 

[dcraelin]

Detroit is bankrupt but the states' Republican leadership is still wasting the towns tax dollars on subsidizing the RedWings.....and a new deal apparently takes away even the small amount the team was paying the town from revenues.

Mike Illitch should change his last name to Leech.

 

[dcraelin]

more links for what should be criminal behavior of Michigan's "republican" governor and his city "manager" wsating a bankrupt towns finances on a parasite Billionaire's stadium

Despite Bankruptcy, Detroit Subsidizing New Red Wings Stadium

On Vultures and Red Wings: Billionaire Gets New Sports Arena in Bankrupt Detroit | Blog, Perspectives | BillMoyers.com

 

[dcraelin]

good article I just ran across about the NFL fleecing taxpayers


How the NFL Fleeces Taxpayers - Gregg Easterbrook - The Atlantic

 

[dcraelin]

Here is a link to an article about a new book which talks about all the subsidies to stadiums, and how it is having a negative impact on city finances.

New book by Harvard prof details 10b in hidden stadium and arena subsidies Field of Schemes

There was also an article in today's WSJ asking if college is worth it. It refers to another book and the authors say college value has plummeted due to exclusive building of student centers and stadiums.