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I suspect that the Arizona Diamondbacks attempt to shift the operation of the taxpayer owned Chase Field stadium they play in from Maricopa County to the city of Phoenix is just another attempt to screw the taxpayers of Phoenix out of millions of dollars in corporate welfare.
The only reason Maricopa County built the stadium was because the voters of Phoenix passed a law requiring voter approval of any corporate welfare the city of Phoenix gives professional sports teams. The Phoenix voters were tired of shoveling corporate welfare to Jerry Colangelo and his Phoenix Suns. And that caused Jerry Colangelo and his gang of millionaire owners of professional sports team owners that prey on the taxpayers for government welfare to shake down Maricopa County instead of Phoenix.
Does Phoenix want ownership of Chase Field? Dustin Gardiner, The Republic | azcentral.com 5:01 a.m. MST April 15, 2016 Soundoff: Phoenix city leaders give their views on taking over ownership of Chase Field Every week, The Republic asks Phoenix City Council members and the mayor to respond to a question about an issue affecting city government. We asked: Should the city consider taking over ownership of Chase Field? Background: Arizona Diamondbacks Chief Executive Derrick Hall has said that the franchise wants the city of Phoenix to replace Maricopa County as Chase Field's landlord, a move he said would ensure the Major League Baseball team's long-term future in downtown. The baseball team is at odds with the county over stadium renovations. A stadium ownership swap could give the Diamondbacks an opportunity to have the ballpark renovated or to get a new facility by taking advantage of the city's municipal bonding authority. Here are the answers of city leaders who responded to the question: Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio. "If done correctly, this could be a win for all parties protecting the taxpayers from the $187 million deferred maintenance expense and holding taxpayers harmless for future expenses. There are two scenarios. First, a transfer of the stadium to the city of Phoenix. Second, turning over stadium management to the city. The agreement would set the rent, cover teardown expense if the stadium becomes obsolete and allow the Diamondbacks to pursue marketing ideas that generate additional revenue. This is similar to private sector landlord-tenant agreements. Government should not be involved in business operations that create problems for taxpayers." — Sal DiCiccio,District 6, Ahwatukee and east Phoenix Councilwoman Kate Gallego. "I am happy to represent the home district for the Diamondbacks and Chase Field. Though we have no new funding or resources available for Chase Field, I would welcome any opportunity to talk with the team and county on ways to ensure the Diamondbacks call downtown home for years to come." — Kate Gallego, vice mayor (District 8), southeast Phoenix and parts of downtown Phoenix City Coucilwoman Thelda Williams. "No." — Phoenix City Councilman Michael Nowakowski. "Is Chase Field a need or a want? I’ve attended numerous budget hearings and the main concerns of our residents are the lack of police officers and restoring city employees’ concessions. With the budget finally being stable enough, the city needs to hire more police officers and keep the promise we made to our employees and restore the remaining 4.2 percent concessions. We have many wants, but the needs of our residents are the priority over the wants. Many of us want Chase Field, many of us want the Coyotes hockey team and a Major League Soccer team, but as stewards of our city we must ask if this is financially beneficial for the taxpayers and the city. These are the answers we need before we move forward." — Michael Nowakowski, District 7, southwest Phoenix and parts of downtown Republic reporter Craig Harris contributed to this article. Got a question we should ask the mayor and City Council? Send it to me at dustin.gardiner@arizonarepublic.com or via Twitter @dustingardiner. |