Privatized Parts?
It took four months, but somebody got the hint. The City of Indianapolis is seeking proposals from private entities to take over the operational costs of Lucas Oil Stadium, the Convention Center and Conseco Fieldhouse.
Mike Huber, head of Enterprise Development for the city says they’ve received a number of inquiries from private companies interested in taking over the operations of the facilities.
Huber says the city needs to find money to operate the CIB and a private company could be the way to go. Huber says it was unclear whether any deal reached would need approval of the Colts, Pacers or the State; saying it would depend on how the agreement was structured.
The city expects to receive a couple dozen proposals before Thanksgiving.
October 21st, 2009 at 7:30 am
Hmm. I guess I would have to assume that these companies see some kind of profit potential here, else they woouldn't be interested.
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If true, I wonder why the CIB seems to be so ineptly incapable of finding that same profit potential?
October 21st, 2009 at 8:09 am
Perhaps for the same reason that an unconflicted child can pose an obvious question to a room full of adults. It's healthy, it's OK.
The ultimate move would be placing these “assets” up for sale to liberate taxpayers & refocus government on its limited purpose; which is not an “in business” proposition.
October 21st, 2009 at 11:23 am
Remains to be seen if this administration has what it takes to actually pull off a large transaction that would benefit taxpayers more than political insiders.
Just look at what happened with the Veolia Water deal.
Details, details, details…
October 21st, 2009 at 11:42 am
Nick, you are exactly right. You know that any privatization deal will be about making some political insider rich, not what is in the best interests of the taxpayers. And, Varan, you're right. Any deal for a private contractor would have to be heavily subsidized to make it profitable to the private contractor.
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:09 am
If buyers can be found for these public assets, at a decent price (even a loss might be worthwhile), then full speed ahead.
It won't happen unless someone has an inside shot at getting rich via buying access to politicians, i.e. the IBM deal with the State.
Privatization can work, if the greedy insiders let the true market work. Please show me one example in this city of that concept.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:09 am
If buyers can be found for these public assets, at a decent price (even a loss might be worthwhile), then full speed ahead.
It won't happen unless someone has an inside shot at getting rich via buying access to politicians, i.e. the IBM deal with the State.
Privatization can work, if the greedy insiders let the true market work. Please show me one example in this city of that concept.