Is the NFL doing a little comparison shopping?
Why do the NFL executives care?
Well, the Yorks are counting on a loan from the NFL to cover at least part of their proposed contribution to the construction costs, so the NFL executives (unlike the City of Santa Clara, apparently) want to explore their options.
And what did Santa Clara's mayor Patricia Mahan have to say about the comparison shopping?
"This site, we believe, would give the fans a great game-day experience, and that's what it's all about: doing what's best for the 49ers and doing what's best for the fans."
Oh really?
I guess I missed that change to the city's Code of Ethics and Values. The part where they apparently replaced "I convey the City's care for and commitment to its citizens" with "I convey the City's care for and commitment to the San Francisco 49ers and its fans."
That kind of service makes me wish I'd found a way to donate $1,000 to the mayor's campaign.
Certainly the mayors of both cities are treating this like a competition. Gavin Newsom, hardly a non-partisan in this issue, said
"Any city that wants to put $200 million up, I can assure you the worst investment you can make is an NFL stadium."
(I happen to agree with him on this point, but he's not really trying to offer objective advice to a fellow mayor.)
Santa Clara's mayor, in a burst of truthiness, countered Newsom's claim.
"Actually, it's not $200 million, it's $160 million. I would hope that if Mr. Newsom wanted some facts, that he would give me a call."
If he did, Madam Mayor, he apparently would NOT get the facts. The total city contribution requested so far under the current proposal is $180 million in cash for construction and site improvements (moving the electrical substation) PLUS $117 million in land and other property and assets. This does not include debt service payments or additional land for development.
As we've discussed before, $297 million is almost Real Money.
But if Santa Clara's new mission is to serve the 49ers, I guess it's all do-able. No need to wait for the completion of the feasibility studies.
Is this the new Santa Clara Way?
2 comments:
Just another example that actions speak louder than words . . . so maybe now is the time to start recalls !
If even simple "competence" would be a requirement for a councilmember, Buck's comment is spot on!
Look, everyone knew that the 9ers would have to make a deal with Cedar Fair, yet, the City spends $200,000 on consultants, double that in Staff time, with no Cedar Fair agreement. Why? There is no other rational explanation than incompetence.
Whether one is a subsidy supporter or opponent, we can all agree that the Santa Clara City Council has not a clue how to negotiate.
For subsidy supporters, you have to be miffed that your stadium is being held hostage because, instead of wrapping up the Cedar Fair agreement in March, as identified in the 49er timeline, the Council got distracted by gazillions in economic activity promised (but not guaranteed) by the Yorks, and other 49er bs.
For opponents, a collective groan was heard throughout the City when Mayor Mahan declared both the York subsidy request of $160 million and $20-$30 million (to move the electrical substation) "doable." There was, however, a cheer from Cedar Fair! It's called "Bidding against yourself." Ergo, another subsidy request.
Subsidy supporter or opponent, this Council is dumb, dumb, dumb.
Byron Fleck
Founding Member
www.notwithmymoney.org
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