Arena
Greetings:
As I have noted repeatedly, I do not think that administration and council have done a good job in working with residents and business throughout Allentown about the arena project. I am pushing for improvement on that matter.
Some of that has to do with deadlines, and some with what I believe is the fact that this is something very, very new.
There is a lot of work going on to get the facts together to be able to communicate details and the possible scenarios that properly outline risks and benefits associated with something of this magnitude. At the same time, I stress the need for public discussion in order to react to the various scenarios. I need more information, as does everyone. I am working on that.
However, I am not going to throw a roadblock prematurely into something that can provide great benefits only because of fear of risks. Each step is an option to see the next step. Each step has to be measured. Each steps needs the guts to turn on a dime or proceed forward. However, each step needs good information.
Would I say “stop” if something comes to convince me that is necessary? Absolutely. Do I believe that we are beyond the point of no-return? Not at all. Do I feel that all the risks and benefits need to be examined as best they can be before continuing at each stage? Yes.
Most of all, do I believe that any analysis must include all the good things that any reasonable citizen and ethical professional should consider? Yes, Yes, Yes.
So, let’s do this together. Let’s ask ourselves — what would an investment like this do for the city: good or bad? What do we lose if it is abandoned? What are the opportunity costs involved? Let’s be creative.
This is why I have tried to be a good government official — to do the job right based on training, experience, and the ability to listen to competing interests.
Best regards,
Michael
Comments are closed.
Mr Donavan,
I finally got a copy of the minutes from May 18 meeting. No thanks to the city’s website. And after reading it, I find it appalling that you are a teacher of ethics. You who voted for eminent domain for the merchants of Hamilton Street also sits on the board of Allentown Economic Corporation and is involved with the project the most (your words)…WHAT SAY YOU? “The eminent domain card will ENCOURAGE the merchants to settle amicably….”
Being the one threatened with the card, i find that statement very repulsive.
To stay neutral and fair, you should have abstained from voting on the matter of eminent domain because you are too close to the project. It is a conflict of interest.
Mr Donovan, you say you must consider the 118,000 of the residents over the 33 property owners. I guess if you look at it from that standpoint, you can sleep at night. But whether it is for one or 10,000 if it is wrong, it is wrong. You, a teacher of ethics, should know this.
I am not saying the project is wrong for the city. I don’t know enough about the project to make a call like that…no information was given to us merchants except an arena complex will come in and benefit the city–so I am not talking about the project.
What I am talking about is the process in which the City of Allentown is conducting their business in the name of “public good” –that is crooked and shameful.
The city cries out “just compensation” like that is the magic salve that will make all this OKAY for the merchants who are being displaced and torn apart from their livelihood….
I ask again “WHAT IS JUST COMPENSATION?” Is it JUST if you lose your business but get paid for your property?
I want it on record…as of today…New York Fashion has not been able to find another property to locate to. It is not because we are not looking. We have spent countless hours since April…talking/working/asking help from the city…working with a realtor of our own….because we want to continue doing business so that we can make a living for our families….but the city’s help is no help at all!
There is a building the city owns on 6th & Hamilton Street. THEY showed it to us. But then a week later after we said we would take it, they came back to us and said “Sorry, we have plans for it ourselves…”
Excuse us? What is this? A game? The city tells us we don’t have much time and they are the ones wasting it???
You want us to play along and settle amicably? We are trying. We have done everything the city asked us to do. And here we are….no where to go staring down the barrel of eminent domain that will not even pay for another building for us to move into…never mind that we can’t find a building to move to….
I guess that is “just compensation” to City of Allentown?
Thank your notes Ms. Hong, and just so people know I have responded to her emails to me.
Michael
Mr Donovan,
Your email responses are appreciated in that you took the time to answer them…but you are not giving me any information that is helpful to us. You mostly defend your actions which makes no bearing on our situation at hand. I wish someone would just be frank with us and not play anymore of these games…we are tired….
It has been mostly discouraging dealing with the City of Allentown. I guess we are a bit slow…wanting to believe the administration at city hall when they say they want NYF to stay in Allentown and continue doing business here….but guess what? We finally realizing get it…the City Hall could really care less if we stay in business in Allentown or not as long as they get their arena and downtown night life.
Fair compensation means just for the property and it’s up to us to continue doing business or not….and if we have to secure loans and spend our own money, that’s what has to happen….
Sorry for you, NYF…but that’s just the way it is. You are going to have to sacrifice for the city. Thank you very much.
Dear Mr. Donovan,
Everyone, especially you, since you are spear-heading the arena project should read this article:
How the Mayor and City Council of Anaheim successfully revitalized this city:
“The Anaheim City Council made an early decision not to use eminent domain in our efforts to revitalize the stadium
neighborhood….”
http://www.castlecoalition.org/pdf/publications/Perspectives-Pringle.pdf
Allentown adminstration needs to learn by the past, modify in the present, and follow through/reflect for the future.
Thank you for taking the time to read the article. It provides a worldly perspective.
Good morning! Mr. Donovan:
I appreciate your prompt feedback to these posts….Thank you!
I have a question regarding the City Council Meeting on June 15, 2011. Will you be “rubber stamping” this resolution as well? Several of my Allentown co-workers and residents would like some insight since you are the only councilman willing to have an open forum.
On your upcoming meeting – Wednesday, July 15, 2011 Agenda:
14. RESOLUTIONS ON FIRST READING:
R37 HRA 812-814 HAMILTON
Authorizes the filing of a proposal for funds with the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The resolution permits the submittal of a Single Application for PA DCED HRA funding to assist in the redevelopment for the upper floors of 812-814 Hamilton Street.
How can the city of Allentown ethically pass this when many merchants and residents are continuing to struggle to find a new home or livelihood because there has been no concrete options that the city is providing?
Wasn’t the process suppose to get better? Weren’t there suppose to be “good faith negotiations”?
Thank you for your honest feedback!
Mr Donovan,
Where are the minutes for month of May? I have been waiting to to read the one from 5/18 meeting. I could not be at the meeting due to my son’s summa cum laude dinner that same night–of which my husband had to miss because he felt he could not miss the meeting and not have his say to “save” our store. Yes, our first born is going to college this fall. We cannot lose our business and risk not sending our child to college. He got into Wharton, btw. How do we tell him, “sorry son, we can’t afford to send you there…we know you worked hard…but City of Allentown wants our store location and we are going to be out of business soon because we can’t find another place to relocate to….”
I heard each council member had an explanation on why they voted the way they did. I would like to read them for myself. I am still in the dark as to why the city officials believe the downtown is the best location for this arena and why other locations around the city cannot be viable.
Do you have any updates on the arena project? The city has not been very helpful in finding us an alternate location. The consultant they hired to work with us after the may 18 meeting met with us twice and it has led us to nowhere. At this rate, we may very well end up in the streets when the eminent domain is used–because we have no where to relocate to as of now or anytime soon….
Don’t we–the merchants that are asked to relocate–deserve some answers? Why are there no news forthcoming?
P.s. The City Council meeting for the 3rd week in June is not posted on the calendar either. Just a friendly FY….
Dear Resident:
I will check into why it was not posted, but it was not to hide anything. The council meetings have been the 1st and 3rd Wed every month since i was elected.
There were people at the meeting and questions about the project did surface during courtesy of the floor.
I will check on the second meeting.
Sincerely,
Michael Donovan
Hello again.
I just checked. The online calendars are not updated until the official agenda is ready, which is why you do not yet see the second June meeting on the calendar. We do not know why this past Wed’s notice was not up, but according to the city clerk, information was sent and calendars were updated according to the normal schedule.
However, as a result of your question, we are going to set up the council and city online calendars with a “recurring date” structure. The item will say “agenda forthcoming,” but at least the date and time is showing. Occasionally council has cancelled the 1st meeting around the 4th of July so a notification would have to be made if that occurs this year.
Thank you for raising the question. I hope I have been able to answer your question.
Michael Donovan
Dear Mr. Donovan-
Really?!?
It is very preculiar that I am on the mailing list for notification for email alert AND was not notified….
Why would the meeting for City Council only appear few hours before it takes place when it is a public meeting?
Yes, there was a holiday but other public meetings are (were) already on the monthly schedule. They were last month…by May 18th to be exact.
Was it to avoid any discussions on the past meeting on eminent domain?
Thank you for your honest feedback, Mr. Donovan.
Dear Mr. Donovan:
Why are there no city council meetings scheduled for June 2011 when there have been meetings every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month since January 2011?
Why are there no minutes posted on the website since April 8, 2011?
http://www.allentownpa.gov/Government/CityCouncil/tabid/59/Default.aspx
Hi.
We are scheduled for this evening and two weeks from now.
Because of the holiday perhaps you did not receive notice?
http://www.phillyfuture.org/node/943
This article was written almost 6 years ago and continues to ring true today–now the name of the city is not Ardmore but City of Allentown.
Greetings, Kelly.
Again, you will disagree with me, and I cannot change that. However,
“No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.”
Note the last phrase. By including it, there was a reference to the need for public use that would exist in the country. Your article ignores that concept. Further, it ignores the edict by the founders that just compensation was necessary, as I have said all along.
One article does make an argument. The city of Allentown has not had major investment for almost 3 decades. As a result, meaningful, well-paying jobs have not been available for most in that time frame. Indeed, they have close to disappeared for so many people.
I doubt if I can drive this point home, but in a city incomes, jobs, and success, are a function of a broad-based approach that focuses on the entire community and not just a few. When a few are affected by a public purpose project, then compassion (and compensation as indicated in the Constitution) must exist. But to not carry out beneficial projects negatively affect far more people.
The overall strategy of this project is to benefit the city as a whole. I stand by that until proven otherwise.
Just and fair compensation will be the key. I urge everyone involved to focus on that goal.
Best regards,
Michael Donovan
It’s amazing how we both read that quote you put up and walk away with different understanding. For me, I see that our forefathers saw right of property as equal to life and liberty–very very important. and if one must be deprived of it for PUBLIC USE then they must not be deprived of it without due process of law and without just compensation….
I believe eminent domain was meant as the last resort…and to be used for roads, hospitals and schools…can we put ice hockey arena in that same category? okay, fine. Interpretation is key and we will probably disagree here as well.
Like I said before, I hope this arena will do all that you say it will do. I will agree with you that this city needs something…and the city is banking on the arena. I get it. But I wonder if that’s what the forefather’s had in mind when they wrote about one’s right to own property be taken away…so that it would be given to someone else who would use the land “better”–to generate more money…more jobs…more taxes than the person who owned it first.
If that is one of the criteria now for taking away private property then heaven help us. It is just matter of time until someone with more money and more power can swallow up as much land as he wants…and toot his horn as it’s for the “public good” as you are saying about Allentown. Well, then one can argue that a mall could do the same, no?
I understand what you are saying about City of Allentown being in a depressed state for so many years. I understand the city’s desire to provide more jobs and bring in more outside investors into the city to make the city more vibrant….
But use eminent domain for it?
What happened to free capitalism? Or are we going to let the government take control of that too? Are we advocating socialism?
i really hope the lawmakers of this land will wake up and stop this runaway train of eminent domain abuse….
Good morning Kelly,
And thank you for writing.
I also hear you on the interpretation of what was written in 1787. What to do?
My own perspective (and it is a perspective that I have challenged hard) is that within an urban environment the common good requires more than just a road or a bridge. This is more than an arena project. There are potential linkages to other investment (most of it private) that will bootstrap investment, encourage sales for all businesses, and produce jobs.
Is there a risk of failure? I suppose all projects have risks, and as I have said eminent domain has not yet been invoked. Nevertheless, risks must be taken.
I would hope that existing businesses would find good, new locations that can exploit the additional economic activity that can result over the next 10 years from a community project of this magnitude. I would hope that all parties are satisfied in the end.
There is a risk if this project does not get off the ground — Continued deterioration in city infrastructure because of a lack of both private and public investment. Lack of public investment because there is no tax revenue growth because of no private investment. A lack of private investment because those with investment dollars refuse to come into Allentown. Why? Because growth is not perceived, a commitment to the city’s future disappears, and poverty deepens.
I suspect that we will continue to disagree over our perspectives. Please remember that I live in the Allentown, also. That my employment is in Allentown, and that my own future is in Allentown. If you knew my own life’s history perhaps you would understand that I do not take my decisions lightly. You would also see that I am willing to buck majority opinion. I do so by being patient, trying to get good information as it becomes available, and turning on a dime when necessary.
You are kind to answer me in a civil manner, and I thank you for that.
Feel free to email me privately at the email associated with this account or at my city’s address donovan@allentowncity.org to express any ideas, opinions, or feelings privately.
All I ask is to consider how much has happened since 1787 and what would have happened to all of us if the 5th Amendment had not been used to allow critical strategic moves. I think the wisdom of the Jefferson was to acknowledge that change and investment might be necessary, but it had to come in a fair and just manner.
Thank you and best regards,
Michael Donovan
Councilman,
Thank you so much for taking the time to present your opinion on the arena. I really appreciate it.
You wrote, “And yes, the project must be examined until evidence says no.” I would agree that the project should be “examined.” However, what I really don’t understand is why eminent domain was voted upon so early in this examiniation. I mean, I only heard about this arena moving to Hamilton for sure a month or two ago. Before that, it was just speculation based on rumor. Pawlowski even DENIED the plan. Same with the owners of those affected buildings and businesses – they literally first learned about this project at the same time the subject of eminent domain came up. I suppose the two are inseperable, but what I don’t get is this: why didn’t the city council vote on the merits of a plna to put in a hockey arena FIRST and THEN make a decision on eminent domain. Why didn’t council discuss this plan at a meeting, or two, or three, before they voted on eminent domain itself?
I admit, I don’t understand the intricacies of city politics and the process around these decisions. But, I do understand business. And, if I were reviewing a business plan, I would start by evaluating the PLAN first. THEN I would make decisions about how to acquire the necessary resources to implement the plan, if I thought the plan had potential. And, I have learned to not rush the process – big mistakes are generally made when decisions are too hasty.
The thing is, I might be convinced that this entire “Entertainment District” is a great idea for Allentown. The only problem is, I have no idea what the grander plan is. Obviously, an arena is part of the District the mayor envisions. What else is part of that plan?
And, when do we (citizens) get to discuss the entire plan with decision makers?
Again, I appreciate your civil and thorough comments. I do not confuse policy for personality, and I totally respect your right to have your own opinion on this matter. I really respect you for entering into this discussion, especially with anonymous folks like myself. Thanks for all that you do.
Dear Monkey Mama:
Having written, implemented, and analyzed many, many business plans over the years, I am resigned to know that none are perfect, and they must be adjusted as new information arrives.
They are a start.
My judgment is that we must proceed step by step. Again, no properties have been taken. Lots of information is due in soon that I will have the opportunity to analyze. That which is public information under Commonwealth law will also be made available.
Sincerely,
Michael Donovan
“If every investment (public or private) was questioned like this one so early in the game…”
Michael -
You’re too personally invested in this and you’re not seeing things clearly.
Council just made the irreversible decision to authorize eminent domain proceedings. You seem to think that council retained some leverage because of the need for street vacations or the like, which is ludicrous. Do you really think that once buildings are acquired and/or some are demolished that council would have the nerve to reverse course?
The fact is that there is no way eminent domain proceedings should happen first. There should be public meetings with real public input to evaluate the project in general, particularly the arena portion and its location.
You keep saying that you are doing what is best for the entire city, yet you have no idea where the “entire city” stands on the project. You say you’ll proceed unless someone can show you a better way, yet you and your colleagues are making sure that no one in the public gets enough information to be able to do that.
You seem to believe that the collective wisdom of the city is held in City Hall. That is wrong. Our system of government is not set up so that our politicians can make deals and decisions in secret. It is set up to allow for public scrutiny and participation in decision making.
I think you’re ego has gotten involved and you are looking to build a monument to yourself. You want to try to justify it by saying that it will benefit the city, and that those opposed just don’t know (or can’t understand) how these projects are done. How elitist!
In reality your actions here are far worse than “the rich white guys” that you like to rail against. You should know better.
Amen, Patrick Henry!
“However, I am not going to throw a roadblock prematurely into something that can provide great benefits only because of fear of risks.”
I am one of the merchants and I find this comment offensive. It is not because of “fear of risks” that we the merchants were crying out for help from the very people elected to protect and serve the people of the city. We were asking you to stop this run away train so that we (all of us–the city and the people) to get a better handle on this.
Are you a businessman? No, wait…let me rephrase that. I wonder if the shoe was on the other foot (in other words if you were in our shoes) you would be able to make a life altering decision for you and your family with the little information you were given in the time frame you were given and with the little amount you were given…? And all the while the city is throwing around the phrase “fair compensation.”
Fair to whom, Mr Donovan?
What is fair when these merchants, including me, were not in the market to sell. We do not want to move. We do not want to take risks to our livelihood in this economy. We have families to take care of. This is our livelihood.
I wish you and others would see that this is not a property sale transaction.
So please stop trying to make this into one.
I have had a lot worse, and yes I a businessman who had to face multiple decisions and face lots of attacks. I understand the dilemma.
And, of course I see the issue concerning what you face. However, again, all parties must be considered, and that includes the entire city of Allentown. The key, as I said, is fairness as best can be achieved.
If the world operated in any other way, then nothing, ever would be accomplished, including the fact that anyone’s business exists in the first place.
So, do not accuse me that I do not understand your situation. I do. I just do not make decisions based on one party’s costs or benefits.
If you do not accept that this is the job of a legislator, then we will never agree.
I don’t think I was accusing you of not understanding our situation. I believe you do but that is irrelevant to you.
I hope this city will benefit from the arena. i truly do. I would hate to see that our sacrifice was for nothing.
I believe like so many this could have been handled so much better. With more heart. With more decency…because you are dealing with people’s lives.
I believe that is what the problem is with this arena project. There is no heart. One touches upon and alter people’s lives everyday…and we can choose to do that with kindness or not. I believe City of Allentown did it without…
Even if one does not go to church, I believe most people are familiar with the saying “Do unto others as you would have them do to you…” it’s taken from the Bible Matthew 7:12…it’s not exactly like that in the Bible but I believe most people know it as I mentioned…
It is my prayer that all politicians (not just you) will govern with that in mind because you do have the power to alter people’s lives.
If this project was handled with a heart and care from the beginning, the city could have won the merchants and residents support. There won’t be a outcry like you saw on the night of the public hearing.
I’ve heard of a similar project (redevelopment) happening in another state, and that was accomplished without ever having to use the word eminent domain. the developers met with the merchants all individually and helped them see the good of the project and relocate them all where there was 100% satisfaction on both parties. So, it is doable. That’s all I’m saying. (I can give you the name of the person who handled this project personally, if you like.)
Maybe in City of Allentown it’s not possible, you may argue. I don’t know that and now we will never know because this project was handled so poorly from the start….
Dear Kelly:
I will not win in a debate where the costs are concentrated and benefits are broad-based. Those who may have costs must be justly compensated.
This is the challenge the nation has faced since its beginning. I am one who has to make a decision like this.
Sincerely,
Michael Donovan
It sounds to me like you’re advocating approval of the project UNLESS some evidence comes to light that shows it’s a bad idea.
This is backwards. A project should move forward when evidence is shown that it’s a good idea. Until that time, approvals should be withheld.
Hi Monkey Momma,
Actually, 100% of all business/policy decisions always have some uncertainty. In most cases the uncertainty is the greatest at the beginning and then subsides as more information comes in.
At each checkpoint, the facts have to be weighed. I believe that while there are costs to some that can be mitigated, this project has tremendous merit for many, if not most residents of Allentown.
And yes, the project must be examined until evidence says no. And how people interpret the evidence is vital. Some will agree. Some will not.
I can assure you that most of use would not have jobs unless that was the approach in this country and most of the world. If one is not willing to put the toe, then foot, then leg, etc into the water then nothing (only because oh, oh it is cold), absolutely nothing would be done.
No one has “approved” this project permanently, and eminent domain has not yet occurred. This going stage by stage, as it should be.
I do not make my decisions in any other way. Step by step.
Sorry, if you want legislators who will run at the moment one person disagrees with a possible strategic choice, then you might as well kiss this nation good bye.
That is what I believe, and I will not change, UNLESS someone can convince me that there is a better way.
And to be consistent, last year 1 person started a process that culminated at the ball park to tone down the fireworks. I did not call for the elimination of fireworks. No. I heard from numerous persons afterward, some who agreed, and some who did not. But, note, fireworks still occur, but they have been toned down to minimize disruption to sleeping children, adults, and their pets. People still get to see fireworks.
It is time for this city to work together on complicated situations that require good, solid negotiation. I said loudly last week, the city had not done a good job in carrying out these steps, but I was not going to stop the project. Instead, we had much to learn, and much to do to insure that as many people as possible are satisfied with arrangements.
Thank you for your comments, but I conclude that we must disagree.
Michael
Mike,
I find your answer disappointing. I think you should as well.
Scott Armstrong
No Scott…you attacked this as a Democratic party project.
I take my role very seriously, not as a Democrat.
So maybe your comment was disappointing.
Michael
Not sure how I feel about this project and I am sure I have not followed it as closely as others have. I do wonder about two things.
Will there actually be an economic benefit? Most of the economic studies on stadiums I have heard about show that at the end of the day, there is little to no economic benefit. If there are additional aspects to the plan that make this one different, I am not sure these have been explained as part of the public discourse.
Is there an overwhelming and compelling need for this project to go on that block? While Kelo v. City of New London upheld that Government can take private property for economic development, is this really the best course for our city and if so why? Again, I have not been as involved in looking at the project, and I know the vote is over, but I would agree that this has not been explained well publicly.
If there are future points in the project that would need to be voted on for it to proceed, I would suggest opening it up a bit more so that the general public can look at the project.
On a different note, why is it that we as a city approach projects like this in a “stealth” mode? It is obvious that this had been in the planning stages for some time, but only hit the papers when info about the straw buyer came out. A more successful model would have been to iron all these things out with public input prior to implementation so we all work together instead of against each other. Other cities seem to be able to pull this off, why can’t we seem to get to that point here in Allentown?
Bill,
This is not only an arena/hockey project. This is a hinge to lots more that goes beyond simply a hockey project. There are phases, each of which potentially builds off of the other to produce tremendous employment/economic opportunities for the city.
City’s are complex with many moving parts. No one project produces success. Instead, it is synergy of several things happening, which often can only occur in an urban area. Arenas have failed for not recognizing this fact, and for not structuring the financing correctly.
Because of the speculative impact on costs, I have never known a private or public project to be announcing each step .
I hope that the public will eventually agree that the overall benefits of this project outweigh the costs, and that the costs are reduced through fair and just arrangements.
Best regards,
Michael
Mike,
It seems the time for analysis is over since you as a member of city council have approved the confiscation of private property by the local government for a private sports franchise to build an arena in an area that most people believe is unsuitable for the purpose. Oh well. Perhaps this will teach those “white guys” a thing or two. Or perhaps, and more likely it will just be another in a long line of costly mistakes the Democrats have imposed on the city.
Scott Armstrong
No property has yet to be confiscated.
Complicated projects are like this.
Lots of Republicans push projects like this around the country.
Your comment suggests that you do not have experience with major development efforts and the challenges that accompany them.
We all saw how you voted Councilman…
…actions speak louder than your lame, meaningless words here, pal.
You desereve every bit of scorn and ridicule that comes your way, dude.
Deal with it.
When is the first ice hockey game at the Pawlowski Palace of Sport?
Will YOU be dropping the ceremonial first puck?
“Explain It To Me! Why Are We Financing Stadiums”
April 22, 2009
Christina Gostomski
“You’d be hard pressed to show…it’s worth the investment. The numbers don’t add up.” — Christopher Borick, associate political science professor, Muhlenberg College
Can you elaborate on the ways in which your philosophy, which you have clearly signaled with your vote, differ with respect to stadium financing differ from that of your academic colleague over at Muhlenberg?
We all saw how you voted Councilman…
…actions speak louder than your lame, meaningless words here, pal. (ummmmm….so I voted against you….on only a step in the process, which has not yet culminated in a taking, and can be solved by a mutually agreeable arrangement, to produce a result that benefits lots of people. I think my action math my words, but anyone who has the icon that you do, probably would not understand that)
You desereve every bit of scorn and ridicule that comes your way, dude. (hey, it’s life….if you were listening at the meeting, I have been through worse, much, much worse.)
Deal with it. ( I do)
When is the first ice hockey game at the Pawlowski Palace of Sport? (this thing is bigger than hockey, but I do not think you understand that)
Will YOU be dropping the ceremonial first puck? (no)
“Explain It To Me! Why Are We Financing Stadiums” (your point? Please?)
April 22, 2009
Christina Gostomski
“You’d be hard pressed to show…it’s worth the investment. The numbers don’t add up.” — Christopher Borick, associate political science professor, Muhlenberg College
Can you elaborate on the ways in which your philosophy, which you have clearly signaled with your vote, differ with respect to stadium financing differ from that of your academic colleague over at Muhlenberg? (I do not teach at Muhlenberg. I like Chris. He is a political science professor who specializes in polling. I do not know what numbers he is talking about, but if you see my next post…)
Finally, people have differing opinions and skills. Your opinion differs from mine. I like my skills. Your pointing to the the two quotes suggest that you do not have much experience in projects like this. You simply do not like it, and based on other stuff I have seen in the past from you, I suspect I know why.
Best regards,
Michael Donovan
michael, what i’m afraid that you, council and pawlowski fail to understand is the livelihood of the merchants. should they be looking for a new property? should they buy one now because speculation and time frames will work against them IF the administration proceeds. in all due respect, your post shows no consideration to their dilemma, nor has the city. in short, a poor inconsiderate project which is half baked, and frosted with arrogance.
Michael,
I do recognize that, perhaps better than most, and how many times do I have to tell people that we did a lousy job so far.
However, just because mistakes have been made, I am NOT going to close down an opportunity that is fluid like most major projects.
Like I said, there are reasons that people with certain backgrounds do not pursue public service. They cannot apply their skills where it is necessary. If every investment of any type (public or private) was questioned like this one so early in the game (no pun intended), I do not think I would be born. My parents would not have been born.
Best regards,
Michael