I heard this on the radio (I listen to John Fredericks almost every AM on my way to work) and I realized:  Taxpayers watch out!

Gov. McAuliffe makes pitch to keep the Flying Squirrels in Richmond

Here is the WRIC report and the summary is:  Some sort of new stadium deal is in the works AGAIN!

“We need a new ballpark,” he [Governor McAuliffe] said. “We’re Richmond. We cannot lose the Squirrels. How do you lose a ball team? Is that a good message?”

Well, the leaders of the Commonwealth won’t ask me to attend but let me say:  I hope we can keep the Squirrels, too.  But at what cost to the taxpayers?  It sounds like the bike race nonsense all over again.  I would rather lose the Squirrels than end up with a bad deal for the next 30 years or so.

If the Squirrels are serious about staying in town and want a new stadium – newsflash:  Let THEM finance the stadium!  Now there can be some help from others who might use the stadium – concerts, VCU and UR baseball, special events.  Maybe even a special tax on the tickets.  BUT none of the bike race stuff – do not let the taxpayers finance the stadium (we’ll pay double what it is worth) and make the Squirrels put some skin in the game – or nuts if you prefer – because we could build the stadium and we could still lose the Squirrels.

But no taxpayer-funded stadium in Richmond!  That’s my final answer…and it should be yours, too.  Tell your local leaders and make it count.

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Article written by: Elwood "Sandy" Sanders