Comments on: provincial politicians being gamed into katz downtown arena funding debate.

By: the katz group proves that all the money in the world can buy some pretty bad political advice. | daveberta.ca - Alberta politics blog

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:14:00 +0000

[...] failure to secure an extra $100 million in public funds, despite pressure on City Council and provincial leaders, is obviously frustrating the Katz Group, which has been burning through its public good will [...]

By: The Charrette » Blog Archive » The Arena Games Must Stop Now

The Charrette » Blog Archive » The Arena Games Must Stop Now — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 20:23:48 +0000

[...] this is a clear sign that the Katz Group has shifted its focus to the provincial level. Given that pretty much every PC leader candidate has shot down the idea of provincial funding for a downtown arena it’s a tough sell, but we can’t blame them for [...]

By: Tutors in Edmonton

Tutors in Edmonton — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 06:34:12 +0000

Even proposing to use tax payer money for this venture is totally wrong! We are not in a position to build arenas during economic recession. Perhaps the money collected by taxes should be used to create permanent jobs or build the city’s infrastructure. If Mr. Katz is going to be collecting all the revenue generated then perhaps he should front the entire bill. If he is a true entrepreneur then he will find a way to somehow make this venture feasible or perhaps conclude it is a risky venture.

By: Martin Levenson

Martin Levenson — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:07:12 +0000

What I think it comes down to is Mandel is misrepresenting Edmonton and Edmontonians. He doesn’t have a mandate to push for this arena plan, and lacked the cojones to make it an election issue last fall…probably because he knew it wouldn’t win.

The bitch of it is that in almost every other area, I think Mandel’s done a good job. Is this a case of a lame-duck politician trying to secure a “legacy”? If so, it’s misplaced…

By: Martin Levenson

Martin Levenson — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 21:02:40 +0000

I REALLY don’t appreciate Mayor Mandel approaching the province for funding as if the matter has already been decided WITHIN the City of Edmonton. It hasn’t. There is NO DEAL with Katz, yet, and Council has yet to approve a deal.

The Arena proposal is NOT “fait accompli”, and while it may be prudent to secure funding from various sources prior to a formal deal being inked, Mandel shouldn’t assume a) that a deal WILL be done and b) that Edmontonians, as a whole, support this initiative and c) that Conservative candidates who DON’T support this initiative will “feel the wrath” of conservative voters…it’s quite likely, even probable, that conservative voters will SUPPORT Conservative candidates that kibosh provincial financing, because, you know, that would be the CONSERVATIVE thing to do!

By: Joe

Joe — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:12:25 +0000

Ted Morton’s idea has been misrepresented – all Ted said was that if Edmontonians wanted to pay for the arena they could hold a referendum on raising a penny tax to pay for it. Surely Ted wouldn’t support it himself.

Danielle Smith’s idea of a lottery is a half-baked Wildrose scheme like the rest of their policies. What’s next Danielle? Maybe you and your husband could bake some shortcake for a bake sale to raise the funds? No wonder the Wildrose is at 16% in the polls.

By: Mattie Mitchell

Mattie Mitchell — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 18:05:04 +0000

So Dr. Morton’s suggestion is that he is proposing a SALES TAX for Albertans?

By: Rocco

Rocco — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:35:39 +0000

Average per seat cost of an NHL arena = $14,000. Per seat cost of our new arena = $25,000

By: ronmac

ronmac — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:26:34 +0000

One of the sports talk radio guys in Toronto thinks the City of Edmonton needs to get a second quote on the price tag. $450 million seems a bit steep.

Another thought: with maybe a half dozen or more NHL franchises said to be floundering and soon to be in dire need of cash infusions, I wonder how long before a significant chunk of Oiler revenue is going to start flowing south in regular monthly installments.