Lack Of Leadership Re: Stadium Issue

My previous post came out before I knew Governor Dayton was holding a PRESS CONFERENCE (will never say presser, not a metrosexual douche) about the stadium issue. The core of that post remains unchanged, however I do want to make a few clarifying points, which mainly have to do with leadership or a lack thereof from all parties involved. I still feel strongly about the 3 sites I mentioned being the strongest which I will revisit at the end of this post. The main point being no matter which site is ultimately selected the funding mechanisms WILL be changed by MNLEG unless previously worked out and site selection is purely political, not tied to the funding AT ALL!

Leadership on this issue is lacking from almost all parties involved with few exceptions. First with regards to the main player involved, the Vikings and Lester Bagley in particular are taking too much of a hands off or arms length approach, at least publicly. They need to be more proactive and let people know they are working with legislators. They have been noticeably absent from all other proposals with the exception of making statements saying they are talking to Minneapolis officials. I know behind the scenes they are working with these parties on these questions and more, however they are keeping the public in the dark and doing NOTHING to sway public opinion, leaving that to their fans with no recognition of that contribution.

Some people involved on the Vikings side are doing more damage than they are good. They are putting people down for being unemployed during one of the most difficult stretches this state and country have ever faced economically. They are being verbally abusive and even turning on some of their own supporters if their personal situation changes and have to scale back their support for personal reasons. They are verbally abusing the opposition rather than having constructive dialogue. It is one thing if that person acts in a derogatory manner and you respond to their actions but not attacking someone on a personal level simply because they oppose the issue when you are attempting to garner support for a cause.

The Governor while publicly stating his support for a new stadium and being very active behind the scenes, has at times sent a confusing and conflicting message. He needs to be clear about expectations and goals. He needs to get behind a proposal 100% and lead all parties towards a mutually beneficial resolution. The public needs to be brought on board and be educated about what is being considered and shown how it does not impact other budget issues or their pocketbook unless they choose to actively get involved. Communities need to have a clear understanding of how to get to the end game through clear not muddy water. The Vikings need to be told they need to be open with the public about their financial commitment and potential gains. Minnesota deserves transparency on this issue.

The legislature while active behind closed doors needs to present, hear & vote on a bill. A decade of this stadium issue is excessive and unacceptable. All excuses have been completely exhausted. Speaker Zellers, you accepted a leadership role, act like a leader and hold a vote. This needs to end one way or another, and everyone needs to be accountable to their constituents and the people of Minnesota. This does impact our state and the Vikings are an asset that would be very difficult if not impossible to replace. Your personal feelings are not more important than the state of Minnesota. You are an elected official and this issue is important and needs to be heard with a decision handed down.

Ramsey County while active and a committed partner of the Vikings with regards to the TCAAP site in Arden Hills, needs to listen and hear what they are being told by MNLEG and the Governor. No new general taxes does not mean changing the nature of the tax. Be creative and put together a funding package tied to the stadium and the stadium district not the average taxpayer, only those who will benefit. They are killing their own proposal and not ready to handle what is thrown at them.

Mayor Tabke and the City of Shakopee while coming to the table late in the game seem to be prepared for what is being thrown their way and are adapting on the fly. They are working on additional funding sources in addition to the proposed Racino funding which was in their original plan. Only time will tell if they have enough time to come up with a solution this late in the game or if they were already prepared before coming to the table.

As I mentioned in my previous post there were 3 proposals I felt were the strongest and I stand by them even though they differ from the Governor at his press conference. The Governor without committing, again leadership is needed here, stated he was leaning toward the Linden Av. Site in Minneapolis with the Metrodome site as his fall back. He all but said that the Arden Hills proposal was dead and did not really say one way or another where the Shakopee plan or the Farmers Market Plan stood. He did say all proposals had a long way to go as far as funding.

There are 3 aspects to any funding proposal, the first being the Vikings, the second is the state share, and the 3rd part is the local contribution. One issue with any proposal is the Vikings share as they have been negotiating solely with Ramsey County and have not committed to a contribution amount for any other plan. Second the state share has yet to be determined as far as amount or source and will be determined by MNLEG although the Governor has said he wants to limit it to $300 mil. It appears the local share behind the scenes is being manipulated to give Minneapolis the strongest chance of success. Assessment of local taxes is being taken away from potential partners as well as using not yet approved funding sources, which is being discounted by the Governor. Minneapolis has an existing tax from the Convention Center they are proposing transferring to a new facility as their local share even though prohibited by their ciy charter.

Bottom line is if the Vikings want to get a deal done they will work with legislators on any of the above proposals to make it work and adjust their contribution accordingly regardless of location. Their threshold will not change significantly as long as their goals are obtained and the final package protects their long term interests in Minny. The state contribution should be the same funding mechanism for any proposal and is being worked on behind closed doors as I write this post.

The intangible/wild card in all of this is the local contribution and what the legislature will accept. One key factor is the lack of an appetite for any new general taxes impacting the average taxpayer. There are options however which could or should pass muster on this issue. They are in no particular order:

- Rental car/hotel tax which GENERALLY would not impact the average Minnesotan but would be paid by visitors to the state. This option has been used by other communities.
- Stadium/venue and/or stadium district tax which would only be paid by those individuals using and businesses benefiting from a new stadium.
- Sports memorabilia tax. Kind of self explanatory if you don't support sports then don't buy sports memorabilia and you won't pay!
- Tax assessed on players salaries and the Vikings and/or capturing all Vikings related revenue and dedicating to stadium funding. If Vikings leave Minny doesn't have this revenue anyway so put it to use! The risk of a players tax is it could make Minny a less attractive place to play when other communities don't have a tax!
- Vikings lottery Scratch offs.
- Vikings license plates.
- Personal Seat Licenses although income would be limited.
- Electronic pulltabs.
- Racino!!!!
- Block E Casino
- Ticket & Parking tax for all events.
- Media tax. Tax local & national media outlets on their advertising profits gained from sporting events!
- Statewide (Vikings Stadium, Target Field, Xcel Energy Center, Target Center and ALL Convention Centers ticket/parking/sports memorabilia/venue sales tax that funds new Vikings Stadium then when paid off becomes a maintenance/renovation fund for all facilities.

There are other funding options as well, this is only scratching the surface, and they have little to NO impact on average taxpayer not wanting to support this issue. A combination of these options could be used to fund both the state and the local share of the project regardless of the location chosen. One thing the Governor and MNLEG need to consider is that they are not force feeding a bad proposal down everyone's throats like the Metrodome, which would bring this issue back in another 30 years. Let's do it right this time and all we should have to worry about is renovations and modernization with each team having its own facility specific to their needs as requested.

That is why I feel so strongly about the 3 proposals I mentioned, Arden Hills because it is the choice of the Vikings and meets all their needs, Shakopee because of the location and it would be a natural fit tied to Racino as well as having many features similiar to TCAAP, then the Farmers Market again because of location could create a stadium/entertainment district with Target Field and Target Center and it is supported by the Twins and the rest of the business community.

In any event the time is now and this issue needs to be addressed SOONER rather than later. MNLEG time to honor the PROMISE of your 2006 predecessors and hear this bill. Vote yes, vote no, but vote and be accountable. Let the chips fall where they may!!

Contact your legislators and urge their IMMEDIATE support!!

#skolvikes