Arena supporters hit the streets
Lincoln Journal Star
March 28 2010
By Jordan Pascale
More than 40 volunteers from Citizens FOR Jobs and the Lincoln Haymarket Arena hit the streets Sunday.
Their aim: canvassing all Lincoln neighborhoods in support of the proposed arena.
The proposed $168 million arena west of the downtown Haymarket and related infrastructure carries a $344 million pricetag. Voters will be asked May 11 to approve using an estimated $1.5 million in annual sales tax revenue generated by the arena and nearby hotels to make payments on up to $25 million worth of debt.
It's become a controversial topic around town.
Arena supporters met at their headquarters, 317 S. 12th St., Sunday to preview a new TV commercial and learn how to talk to citizens about the arena.
"It's a horse race," Phil Montag, field director for the campaign, told volunteers. "This is how we are going to win it: with voters talking to voters."
People from many different demographics - young, old, men, women, Democrats, Republicans - filled the small headquarters and discussed different misconceptions people might have about the issue.
The goal is to educate the public, Montag said.
He said canvassing brings out 10 percent more voters than a non-canvassed neighborhood.
"Going out and talking to your neighbors and friends has more influence on them than a flier," Montag said. "We need to turn support into votes."
Volunteers have made more than 28,000 phone calls since the beginning of the year, and many voters are expressing support for the arena, according to Matt Prokop, data coordinator for the campaign.
