Don Walton: Party heads join hands for arena
Lincoln Journal Star
May 3, 2010
By Don Walton
Mark Fahleson and Vic Covalt don't agree about much.
But the Republican state chairman and the Democratic state chairman believe their city should build the proposed new sports and entertainment arena and develop the West Haymarket.
Fahleson and Covalt made a bipartisan case for development and progress in their hometown during a joint appearance on Coby Mach's KLIN drive time radio show last Thursday.
"This is a win, win for all of us," Covalt said.
The party leaders focused on a number of arguments mounted by the arena's opponents.
"As a conservative Republican, I am confident this will not result in increased property taxes," Fahleson said.
"There will be no property tax increase," he said.
And provisions for "independent oversight" give him the assurance he needs as a conservative Republican that the project will be fiscally responsible, he said.
Furthermore, he said, he's convinced that supporters have provided "realistic projections" about resulting economic activity and benefits.
Covalt said economic growth in Lincoln is the way to expand the tax base and address property tax concerns.
"Economic development is good for Lincoln," he said.
"And the way to eliminate the tax problem is to grow your revenue.
"This brings jobs and the sparkle it takes to be a capital city," he said.
