Don’t accept rush deal on stadium
A guest column by Fred Rost
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/news/editorial/16705547.htm
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Post V-Day Guest Column
Posted by scott spaulding at 2/15/2007 10:40:00 AM
Labels: Harrison Square, Matt Kelty, Opinion
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10 comments:
"Other than himself, Kelty’s largest contributors were Fred Rost, who gave $5,200 and Glenna Jehl, who gave $1,500. Jehl is Kelty’s campaign manager."
source
This is an interesting editorial that addresses some relevant public concerns.
If the project goes through as planned, I think the people of Fort Wayne and the surrounding areas can benefit from increased downtown investment.
"I believe we deserve more facts and less marketing."
I agree, this is what we are trying to achieve with our blog. Ether if you agree or disagree with this project, looking into as many facts as possible is important to developing an informed opinion.
"...wouldn’t we want to make sure that whatever project was being built works with downtown is part of more comprehensive plan and achieves our objectives for revitalization?
A proposed ballpark has been a part of the Downtown Blueprint Plus plan, located on the main blog page under "Suggested Reading."
I am interested to learn more about Kelty's alternative plans for downtown revitalization.
Sounds like anonymous might be one of those attorneys with a "financial interest" in the baseball project.
Oh, forgive me. I just attacked the messenger instead of dealing with the message. That is an intellectually dishonest way to approach this issue.
Bud,
It might also be one of the politicians whose legacy will be defined by this project.
Most politicians visiting this Downtown blog have the guts to put their name under their post. I actually called Mr. Rost today and had a very good discussion about several elements of his article, a couple of which I thought were a little unfair and not based in fact. I had never met Mr. Rost before. Nice guy and we plan to meet in the next week or so to further discuss the Harrison Square proposal.
Sam Talarico
Sam,
They wouldn't put their name in the comment if it were intended as a form of negative campaigning against Kelty.
How is it negative Mr. Anonymous if somebody says that Fred Rost gave $5,200 to Matt Kelty? He writes the editorial because he supports Kelty AND he gives $5,200 because he supports Kelty. I dont see the negativity. If this is the best your alleged negative campaigners can come up then they have some work to do.
After talking with Mr. Rost, I think there are a lot of facts about the Harrison Square project that he was not aware of. I look forward to meeting with him.
Sam T.
Please Mr. Talarico, share with us the facts that may be wrong. Why do we have to arrange a private meeting with a City official to get information on this project, then get criticized by the same officials for not "understanding the proposal? Where is the transparency in FW government?
My gosh Bud, do you want to be spoon fed. The Mayor has been talking about this project all over town at open to the public gatherings. Go to one of the events and listen to him. Ask a question or two. Tim Pape and I have been fielding questions and agreeing to one on ones constantly. I am meeting with frequent poster Mark Garvin on Friday to discuss his concerns. Tim and I spent an hour with Mr. Rost on the phone last night.
Short of all of us going door to door, what more do you want us to do?
There were at least three things brought to Mr. Rost attention that appeared to be new to him AND its not because these things have not been in the press repeatedly:
1. The Wizards will be demanding AT LEAST 5 Million to go into the existing stadium
2. Only 12 Million of these tax dollars are general use (meaning they could be freely used for other projects outside of downtown)
3. The track record and resume of Hardball Capital.
Sam T.
Sam,
I think your tone is a little condescending. I've went to the meetings and talked w/ the mayor. Even the mayor admits that the details have not been worked out. There is absolutely no financial data/projections in the public domain.
Frankly, I'm surprised that council members could be for or against the project at this point as there simply isn't enough detail (at least publicly) to make that decision.
Are you basing your support on info that the public isn't privy to or do you just trust those in negotiating positions to work everything out for the best?
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