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.
Article written by: Elwood "Sandy" Sanders