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Several of Columbus's richest families are owners of the Blue Jackets along with the richest corporation in town, Nationwide Insurance and are getting bailed out during a time of joblessness, austerity and soaring water/sewer rate hikes.
The bailout was announced one day and the following day most local politicians lined up in support of it. There seemed to be no need for a community discussion.
City/County politicians approving the bailout heavily rely on the people getting bailed out for campaign contributions. Shouldn't the bailout go directly to the voters to decide? Shouldn't the Dispatch or WOSU do some scientific polling to take a pulse of where the community prioritizes pro hockey?
The NHL over-expanded. It overpays its players. A great city isn't determined by a pro hockey team. If it did we'd all be vacationing in Edmondton and Winnipeg. A great city is determined by livable neighborhoods and good jobs (not dishwasher jobs in restaurants).
And where is the Columbus School Board on this? The bailout makes Nationwide Arena property of Franklin County which makes the arena exempt from property taxes which cheats our schools out of millions of dollars.
Here are some articles for more info:
http://beta.wosu.org/news/2011/10/26/arena-deal-falls-short-of-solving-blue-jackets-financial-woes/
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