Editorial, 5/2: Rare unanimity for arena
Lincoln Journal Star
May 2, 2010
As the May 11 vote on the proposed Haymarket arena nears, it's worth noting that the project has accomplished something remarkable.
It has brought together traditional rivals in support of the project that will appear on the May 11 ballot.
The unanimity among a broad spectrum of community groups is rare. It provides reassurance that the project provides widespread benefit to the community at large.
The most obvious example is the way both Democratic and Republican leaders are working to pass the measure.
Democratic Mayor Chris Beutler and Republican Attorney General Jon Bruning appear together in ads urging people to vote yes.
Perhaps even more impressive to political wonks is witnessing operatives such as Republican State Party Chair Mark Fahleson and his Democratic counterpart, Vic Covalt, put aside partisan cudgels temporarily to urge support of the arena. Both parties are lending expertise and workers to the effort.
The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln unions have called for a yes vote on the arena.
Clint Burge of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers said the creation of 7,800 jobs during construction of the arena and the establishment of 1,200 permanent jobs from operations and surrounding development will help "at a time when we really need it the most."
The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce believes the arena will create a destination that will draw visitors and their money to the Capital City, generating $260 million in annual economic activity, plus a short-term boost of
$800 million during the three years of construction.
When Coby Mach of the Lincoln Independent Business Association and Beatty Brasch of the Center for People in Need are waiting their turn to stride to the podium at a public hearing, it's a pretty safe bet they will be found on opposite sides of the issue.
But on the arena?
Both say vote yes.
LIBA's endorsement should give pause to erstwhile budget hawks. LIBA's leaders spent hours poring over the project, helped shape it and ultimately concluded that the project is financially sound and beneficial to the city. Brasch says it will help Lincoln's needy. "Construction is a key area for many working poor," she said.
Another example of the arena's broad appeal is reflected by endorsements from groups as disparate as the longtime Lincoln Sports Council and the newly formed Lincoln is a Music City, which supports local musicians.
Opponents try to portray the arena project as something a few insiders are trying to foist on the public. The unprecedented support from the community doers who lead local organizations shows that truth is exactly the opposite.
Don't be fooled
No, a vote for the arena does not saddle each Lincoln household with a bill of $8,000 to pay off the loan principal and interest for the project. When arena opponents tossed out that figure last week they failed to mention that the bill will be paid by a tax on hotels, bars, restaurants and car rentals. Perhaps 15 to 20 percent will be paid by visitors to the city. And don't forget there has never been a case in the city's history in which property taxes were raised because of a shortfall in revenue for a general obligation bond.
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