Comments on: Back to the Capital Improvement Drawing Board?

By: Haskell

Haskell — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:53:49 +0000

I still believe that the city and metro area are better off with the Pacers and the Colts than without them. The problem is that there has been no hard negotiations. Those that “negotiate” have been so giddy about talking with pro sports owners that they put themselves in a poor negotiating position.

Not sure that I necessarily blame them but part of the reason that CPA’s and Attorneys get on the CIB is to generate business for their firms. Again they cannot antagonize during the “negotiations”.

Privatizing the CIB buildings, including Lucas Oil Stadium, is tough to do now but is the best solution in the long run.

For now we need to up the alcohol taxes with a 5 year limit on the time that the CIB will get that cash flow. We need to be real and up the alcohol taxes enough to solve the problem. This may mean 5 cents on a beer or cocktail. This may be hard to swallow in the beginning but after the first couple of drinks no one will notice.

By: Melyssa

Melyssa — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:24:35 +0000

Bankruptcy is the only HONEST answer. I would, for once, like something honest from my government.

By: Grover

Grover — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:25:07 +0000

Because, “Wants to Drink on Sunday,” here in the midwest, nothing changes except the direction of the wind.

I’m not really a drinker, but that is one of the most ridiculous laws still in the books.

By: ProspectorBill

ProspectorBill — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:16:47 +0000

An observation.
The good people of Indiana stopped attending Pacers games when public perception was their hard earned money was going to shady characters. Mr. Polian I don’t assume you read this blog, but I’m betting your “people” do. As a former season ticket holder my ROI for LOS has caused me not buy season tickets. I am not alone. It may not be this season that you feel the pain, but it will be next unless you start to find some humility. Hoosiers are quiet folks who will vote with their pocket book and that “gem” of the city will see no one sitting above the 3rd level.
Mr. Lucas, your people might want to look into the bad PR that you are receiving because your name is mentioned with a tax increase. OK if you’re a politician, not when people make a choice to purchase your product.

By: Wants to drink on Sunday

Wants to drink on Sunday — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:13:25 +0000

Why are Sunday alcohol sales off the table? This is a stupid law and would add the revenue they need.

By: Shorebreak

Shorebreak — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:54:11 +0000

So we have a new direction. We won’t hold our breath until we see that it’s the right direction.
.
With regard to Colts and Pacers being more open, let’s start by opening their books going all the way back to the first public finance arrangements. If they want public funding, make the books public. All of them. Period. Once we see how things have gone down in the past we can begin to understand how things are positioned for the future.
.
Until then, keep everything on hold. Show us all of the cards now – past and present – so that the public can decide on the value of supporting these organizations. We’re tired of being poorly represented.

By: Jon G

Jon G — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:40:05 +0000

Right on John!

By: pascal

pascal — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:39:51 +0000

That Mr. Kenley is involved at all is a defeat for taxpayers.

By: John Howard

John Howard — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:02:42 +0000

I guess no one is looking into the bankruptcy angle? If I was deeply in debt, I would not consider robbing a bank to get the money, I’d look into filing for bankruptcy.

That’s what the CIB should do, as has been suggested by at least a couple local lawyers.

The process is not an end, its a new beginning – which is what the CIB needs (not to mention new staffing).

By: Really

Really — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 11:49:24 +0000

STOP CONSTRUCTION ON THE CONVENTION CENTER!!!! That would save $150 million plus. If we can’t pay for what we have now then why keep building more????