Loeffler corrects Hizhonor
- 10 posts by 9 authors
- Last post by Dann Dobson at 6:53pm, Apr 14, 2012
Keywords:
- â
- tax
- revenue
- stadium
- Viking
I do hope people eventually tire of RT Rybak's jive act. He's a liar,
plain and simple. He wants us to believe that the City is going to
"lose our sales tax money" to a DFL governor. Because while it
technically might be true that Repubs may want to take away taxing
authority the city has or some such other nonsense, they don't have
2/3 of both houses of the Legislature. They have a bit more than a
simple majority. So either several DFL legislators would have to join
them on this, or Dayton would need to join them on this.
So when Rybak claims that the taxes will be repealed, leaving Mpls
property taxes to go up with the convention center, or that the city
"needs" to do this to keep any taxes at all, that's rubbish. Dayton
needs a lot of votes from Mpls in 2014, and causing our property taxes
to skyrocket due to him signing such a bill would make him a
guaranteed one-termer.
So that's number one. But number two, the Mayor says he is working
hard to get independence for the city in terms of the sales tax
revenue. Seems to me that Loeffler's bill gives the city a lot more
independence than Rybak's plan, and far quicker, too. Also, her plan
doesn't saddle the City with massive debts on additional facilities
that we can't afford.
And Loeffler is right again when she talks about how the stadium bill
and other local tax laws need to be ratified by the city. Look it up,
they're called "Special Laws," laws that apply only to one
jurisdiction, a city or a county. The city or county has to ratify
them through a county board or city council vote in order for them to
take effect. So, is it honest to be voting in favor of a bill which
will usurp your charter? Particularly when you say you want to protect
and defend our charter (Kevin Reich, you want to take this one)?
At the end of the day, I oppose all corporate welfare, including this.
But I can have honest disagreements with people who support these
things, provided they are willing to be honest with me. Even my
neighbor and county commissioner Mark Stenglein, who I disagree with
vis a vis the stadium, was honest with me when we spoke Wednesday at
the forum. He noted that he was clear that they raised taxes for the
Twins in 2006, and was clear that it was a simpler tax structure. He
also admitted that the Mayor's plan probably tries to fund too many
things with too little money. Hopefully, as he moves to the downtown
council, where he will certainly continue lobbying for a stadium, he
will continue to be clear about ways to fund the stadium I disagree
with in a way that actually would financially add up. Then we can have
an honest debate. With RT Rybak, on the other hand, you can't, because
he doesn't always tell the truth.
Rybak is a good salesman though. He could sell ice to an Eskimo. It's
really too bad that we have fallen prey to a mayor who is better
suited to commercial pitchman than public office. Maybe it's because
stupid people and young people who don't know better think he is
"cool" (in part because of his crowd-surfing ways), and vote for him
on the basis of style over substance, salesmanship over honesty. Of
course, that's also how George W Bush got enough votes to steal two
elections: people voted for the candidate they'd like to "have a beer
with," not the candidate who would do the best job.
I don't think you will ever see Representative Loeffler crowd-surfing,
but you will see her knocking several times a week this year in her NE/
SE Mpls district as she campaigns for a fifth term. You'll also see
her at the Capitol fighting for the people of her district, both on
the House floor and in important committees like Health and Human
Services and Taxes. I'll take the substance of Diane over the
showmanship of Raymond Thomas any day.
The only real difference between me and Diane is that Diane is kind
and considerate all the time. Me, not always. Specifically, if I was
an elected official and my mayor was laying out the type of
misinformation he had on offer two nights ago, I'd have gotten up out
of my seat and said, "Mr. Mayor, Mr. Mayor," and basically forced him
to give me the opportunity to rebut his nonsense. But like I say,
she's a very nice person, and at least when I'm being lied to, I'm not.
Chris David
Columbia Park
612.205.1159
http://www.facebook.com/novikingstax
http://www.novikingstax.com/
On Apr 13, 2012, at 1:10 PM, Emilie Quast <<email obscured>> wrote:
> http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/147335145.html
>
> YES! YES!, YES!
>
> Thank you, Diane!
>
> Emilie Quast
> SE Como, Minneapolis
> About Emilie Quast, SE Como:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/4yQ7l4lqC4SjzU33pObzSa
>
> View full topic, share on Facebook and more:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/63cYaSSeyJpnMom4noi2Vr
>
> Best of E-Democracy on Twitter: http://twitter.com/edemo
> Share E-Democracy on Facebook: http://e-democracy.org/fbshare
>
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> To post: mpls@forums.e-democracy.org or "Reply-to-All" to comment
> publicly.
> To leave: Put "unsubscribe" - or for digest write "digest on" - in
> subject.
>
> Forum Home: http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/mpls
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> Need help? http://e-democracy.org/support Hosting thanks:
http://OnlineGroups.Net
plain and simple. He wants us to believe that the City is going to
"lose our sales tax money" to a DFL governor. Because while it
technically might be true that Repubs may want to take away taxing
authority the city has or some such other nonsense, they don't have
2/3 of both houses of the Legislature. They have a bit more than a
simple majority. So either several DFL legislators would have to join
them on this, or Dayton would need to join them on this.
So when Rybak claims that the taxes will be repealed, leaving Mpls
property taxes to go up with the convention center, or that the city
"needs" to do this to keep any taxes at all, that's rubbish. Dayton
needs a lot of votes from Mpls in 2014, and causing our property taxes
to skyrocket due to him signing such a bill would make him a
guaranteed one-termer.
So that's number one. But number two, the Mayor says he is working
hard to get independence for the city in terms of the sales tax
revenue. Seems to me that Loeffler's bill gives the city a lot more
independence than Rybak's plan, and far quicker, too. Also, her plan
doesn't saddle the City with massive debts on additional facilities
that we can't afford.
And Loeffler is right again when she talks about how the stadium bill
and other local tax laws need to be ratified by the city. Look it up,
they're called "Special Laws," laws that apply only to one
jurisdiction, a city or a county. The city or county has to ratify
them through a county board or city council vote in order for them to
take effect. So, is it honest to be voting in favor of a bill which
will usurp your charter? Particularly when you say you want to protect
and defend our charter (Kevin Reich, you want to take this one)?
At the end of the day, I oppose all corporate welfare, including this.
But I can have honest disagreements with people who support these
things, provided they are willing to be honest with me. Even my
neighbor and county commissioner Mark Stenglein, who I disagree with
vis a vis the stadium, was honest with me when we spoke Wednesday at
the forum. He noted that he was clear that they raised taxes for the
Twins in 2006, and was clear that it was a simpler tax structure. He
also admitted that the Mayor's plan probably tries to fund too many
things with too little money. Hopefully, as he moves to the downtown
council, where he will certainly continue lobbying for a stadium, he
will continue to be clear about ways to fund the stadium I disagree
with in a way that actually would financially add up. Then we can have
an honest debate. With RT Rybak, on the other hand, you can't, because
he doesn't always tell the truth.
Rybak is a good salesman though. He could sell ice to an Eskimo. It's
really too bad that we have fallen prey to a mayor who is better
suited to commercial pitchman than public office. Maybe it's because
stupid people and young people who don't know better think he is
"cool" (in part because of his crowd-surfing ways), and vote for him
on the basis of style over substance, salesmanship over honesty. Of
course, that's also how George W Bush got enough votes to steal two
elections: people voted for the candidate they'd like to "have a beer
with," not the candidate who would do the best job.
I don't think you will ever see Representative Loeffler crowd-surfing,
but you will see her knocking several times a week this year in her NE/
SE Mpls district as she campaigns for a fifth term. You'll also see
her at the Capitol fighting for the people of her district, both on
the House floor and in important committees like Health and Human
Services and Taxes. I'll take the substance of Diane over the
showmanship of Raymond Thomas any day.
The only real difference between me and Diane is that Diane is kind
and considerate all the time. Me, not always. Specifically, if I was
an elected official and my mayor was laying out the type of
misinformation he had on offer two nights ago, I'd have gotten up out
of my seat and said, "Mr. Mayor, Mr. Mayor," and basically forced him
to give me the opportunity to rebut his nonsense. But like I say,
she's a very nice person, and at least when I'm being lied to, I'm not.
Chris David
Columbia Park
612.205.1159
http://www.facebook.com/novikingstax
http://www.novikingstax.com/
On Apr 13, 2012, at 1:10 PM, Emilie Quast <<email obscured>> wrote:
> http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/147335145.html
>
> YES! YES!, YES!
>
> Thank you, Diane!
>
> Emilie Quast
> SE Como, Minneapolis
> About Emilie Quast, SE Como:
http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/4yQ7l4lqC4SjzU33pObzSa
>
> View full topic, share on Facebook and more:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/63cYaSSeyJpnMom4noi2Vr
>
> Best of E-Democracy on Twitter: http://twitter.com/edemo
> Share E-Democracy on Facebook: http://e-democracy.org/fbshare
>
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> To post: mpls@forums.e-democracy.org or "Reply-to-All" to comment
> publicly.
> To leave: Put "unsubscribe" - or for digest write "digest on" - in
> subject.
>
> Forum Home: http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/mpls
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> Need help? http://e-democracy.org/support Hosting thanks:
http://OnlineGroups.Net
>
> 1. Be civil! Please read the rules at http://e-democracy.org/rules.
> If you think a member is in violation, contact the forum manager at
> <email obscured> before continuing it on the list.
>
> 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
> 1. Be civil! Please read the rules at http://e-democracy.org/rules.
> If you think a member is in violation, contact the forum manager at
> <email obscured> before continuing it on the list.
>
> 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
rep. loeffler's e-update sent this afternoon.
(i gotta love the last sentence !-...add the timberwolves to that sentiment)
best wishes,
cheryl luger
nokomis east
(apologize for the formating problems)
(i gotta love the last sentence !-...add the timberwolves to that sentiment)
best wishes,
cheryl luger
nokomis east
(apologize for the formating problems)
From:
<email obscured>
Sent:
Fri 4/13/12 3:37 PM
To:
Announcements from Represenative Diane Loeffler
(<email obscured>)
Week in Review 4-13-2012
The Vikings Stadium
<email obscured>
Sent:
Fri 4/13/12 3:37 PM
To:
Announcements from Represenative Diane Loeffler
(<email obscured>)
Week in Review 4-13-2012
The Vikings Stadium
Thanks for sharing Cheryl.
This is an outstanding overview of the problems with this proposal. I think the
Representative is right on target.
I hope her colleagues (and mine) listen to her.
Cam Gordon
Seward
> Date: Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:13:29 -0700
> From: <email obscured>
> Subject: [Mpls] Loeffler corrects Hizhonor
> To: mpls@forums.e-democracy.org
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> rep. loeffler's e-update sent this afternoon.
>
> (i gotta love the last sentence !-...add the timberwolves to that sentiment)
>
> best wishes,
> cheryl luger
> nokomis east
>
> (apologize for the formating problems)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From:
> <email obscured>
>
> Sent:
> Fri 4/13/12 3:37 PM
>
> To:
>
> Announcements from Represenative Diane Loeffler
(<email obscured>)
>
> Week in Review 4-13-2012
>
> The Vikings Stadium
>
>
>
>
>
> The Vikings Stadium bill FINALLY had its first committee hearing. Its all the
media wants to cover while we deal with more serious but harder to explain
issues that impact the lives of all Minnesotans. An amendment 81 pages long
demonstrates how this proposal has kept changing.
>
>
> Ive sought (with some difficulty) the projections behind the finances. Its
been frustrating; what may be the biggest public building project in state
history is likely to have had the least serious fiscal analysis or public
consideration of alternatives. Im dismayed that misinformation about the
current sales tax and its provisions in law and the impacts of the proposal and
alternatives will have on Minneapolis for the next three decades.
>
>
> While I oppose public financing -- especially if its not for statewide
projects -- I do take seriously my responsibilities to analyze the proposals
before us and try to make them better. As a Minneapolis legislator, it is my
job to seriously analyze and weigh the impact these projects will have on our
city. Im not on the committee that heard the Vikings Stadium proposal last week
but will be ready when it gets to the Tax Committee.
>
>
>
> The state will fund construction of the stadium. Minneapolis will fund
operating, maintenance and improvement costs for 33 years while giving up funds
that could be used in revitalization projects, just as they are currently used
in Duluth, St. Paul, Rochester and other cities.
>
>
> While not highlighted in the press, the proposed bill authorizes the use of
the tax for $184 million in estimated debt for the Target Center so that the
proposal, if fully implemented, will dedicate all local sales tax funds to
three large facilities: the Vikings Stadium, the Convention Center (with an
estimated $350 million in improvements) and the basketball arena.
>
>
> While Ive gotten some vaguely titled spread sheets without footnoted
assumptions, I believe this is the basic package. Its a slippery proposal
without a clear fiscal analysis. This should worry all Minneapolis property
owners. The total revenues being discussed are about $2.5 billion, so any talk
of $5 million a year in reduced property taxes is a mere drop in the bucket
designed to distract the public from the real long-term implications. And I
believe some other consequences of the package will force property taxes up and
leave our city with less budget flexibility than the other regional centers of
Minnesota.
>
>
>
>
> Dianes Top 10 Reasons:
>
>
> ___ Why the current Vikings stadium proposal is not a good deal for
Minneapolis residents and businesses
> 1. It jeopardizes the long-term financial health of our city and takes away
our one major revenue that is growing with the economy.
>
> ... We currently have a declining property tax base, the second highest
property taxes in the metro for a city with more than 10,000 people, pay the
highest sales taxes, and have the highest downtown restaurant taxes in the
nation. A city with aging housing, businesses and infrastructure doesnt have
many revenue options to address these needs. Dedicating for more than three
decades most of our one revenue source that grows with inflation -- the local
option sales tax -- is putting our future on very thin ice. It is also our only
local financial tool for revitalizing our city that doesnt raise property taxes
for other homeowners and businesses.
> Current law dedicates those funds for these purposes and the debt and
operating losses of the Convention Center. It has no end date in current law
but will in this proposal. As times and needs change, Minneapolis will have
fewer financial alternatives to meet our critical needs. I worked as the
revenue financial analyst for the city when our tax base was projected to grow
0 percent at a time of double-digit inflation. I know how tough times can come
fast.
>
>
>
> 2. -___ It puts Minneapolis at a competitive disadvantage to the other large
cities of our state for at least 33 years.
>
> --- Duluth, St. Paul, and Rochester have local sales taxes that contribute to
revitalizing many areas of their city and growing their tax base. Currently our
local sales tax only funds the debt and operating costs of a Convention Center
built to a national convention scale.It fills the hotels of Bloomington, St.
Paul, Roseville and other suburbs during major events. Only 17 percent of the
convention center costs are covered by self-generated revenues. Amazing!As such
it uses all of the sales tax funds. I authored in 2009 the current law which
will free up the sales tax for city redevelopment needs as soon as 2021 (when
the Convention Center bonds are repaid) so Minneapolis can begin to have
capital improvement resources like the other major cities.
> The stadium proposal not only takes those revenues, it creates a loan in the
first years that the city will repay in later years. Any excess revenues above
projections are shared with the stadium.
>
>
> The Minneapolis authority in current law is the same as St. Paul has now. It
uses 60 percent of its sales tax for capital (building) projects every year.
>
>
>
> 3. ___ Minneapolis already has two major regional facilities that are loss
leaders and increase city property taxes either directly or indirectly. More
land will become tax exempt, shifting more tax burdens onto us.
>
> ... The Convention Center operating losses and remaining debt consume the
current local sales tax in Minneapolis.The Target Arena is also unable to cover
its expenses and is supported by a variety of revenues, including property
taxes and entertainment taxes. Entertainment taxes are historically described
as having been passed to cover the public safety costs of being a major city
with lots of non-residents coming for entertainment events and have existed
since 1969, long before these facilities existed. Instead of contributing to
the citys general fund to cover the costs of police and fire (and thus reducing
property taxes), some of these taxes cover operating losses.
>
> The new stadium will further increase property taxes by making the valuable
land it uses tax exempt. These properties now pay $397,000 in taxes and
represent an ongoing loss of revenue to our schools, county and city unless
their taxes are increased onto all the other taxable property. The relatively
new county Medical Examiners Building and Sheriffs Crime Lab will be rendered
unusable by the current site plan and the costs to acquire a new site and
replace them are not in the stadium proposal and likely require property tax
funding.
>
>
>
> 4. ___ Economic research and our citys own experience demonstrate the limited
economic value to the host city.
>
> ... Lookingat a table of the citys total collections of local sales taxes or
the downtown alcohol, restaurant and lodging taxes, it is impossible to
identify the year the Twins stadium opened with its sold out 40-plus
games.Spin-off development? Consider the Metrodome area. Even Target Field and
Target Center combined couldnt keep Block Es restaurants and bars open. Most
fans leave without spending money in our city, especially with transit at the
door. And when more space is available for tailgating, theyll spend even less.
>
>
>
> 5. ___ Even if one accepts the need for a new stadium, the terms of the deal
are out of balance.
>
> W... While the financial obligations of the public for the next 33 years are
spelled out in detail, there are very few guarantees on the part of the Vikings
owners. The city absorbs responsibility for many declining value obligations
(maintenance and improvement of an aging facility, operating subsidies,
foregoing development around a major transit stop, etc., with only two of five
votes on the governing board), while the opportunities for growing revenue
streams are retained exclusively for the Viking owners (naming rights and
advertising, game day revenues, a national soccer franchise with no increase in
rent, seat licenses, other Viking sponsored events, etc.).
>
>
>
> 6.___ Gambling revenues are a terrible way to finance the so-called state
share.
>
> .... ... It is a very regressive tax, produces uneven and unpredictable
revenues, has expensive societal consequences and creates a chance of expensive
lawsuits. Taking profits from charitable gambling that supports volunteer-led
and often underpaid nonprofit jobs to subsidize an industry owned by
billionaires and that employs millionaires is an amazing proposition.
>
> ___ 7. Self-funding is the route to go.
>
> ---... A combination of revenues used in other areas -- naming rights, seat
licenses, contributions by the team owners and benefitting businesses, ticket
taxes, parking revenues, and other stadium generated revenues, many of which
could grow with inflation is a fair idea. The driver in all of this is the NFL
rules on what revenues are shared with other teams. Suites and boxes are not
shared, so the owners want to maximize them. A new stadium will instantly
increase the value of team ownership.
>
> ...
>
> 8. IF there is to be public funding, it should be in the form of a broad
statewide tax on discretionary purchases.
>
> I believe it was St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman who suggested a 2
cents-a-drink tax. Our alcohol taxes havent been increased in more two decades,
and I could support this approach.
>
> ---
>
> 9.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --- We cant afford the full $2 billion deal (after interest and financing
costs are added). Remodel like most homeowners do when the mansion is out of
ones price range.
>
> The Metrodome has a new roof and playing field. For improved fan experience
we need only add on some new food venues and better restrooms. We could have
our culinary schools and restaurants compete in a reality show format for best
game food -- after all, its only eight to 10 games a year. Maybe we could have
innovative sky boxes suspended from the existing super structure with a unique
blimp view and surround screens showing the action on the field. Wheres the
creativity and uniqueness?
>
>
>
> 10. Most Vikings fans watch at home. Want to improve their fan experience?
Fund a winning set of players!
>
>
> I summarized a lot of info. As always your feedback and ideas are always
appreciated. Diane
>
>
>
>
>
> Representative Diane Loeffler
> District 59A - The Thirteen Neighborhoods of Northeast Minneapolis
> (651)296-4219
> 335 State Office Building
> St Paul, MN 55155
> Sign up for my email updates!
> http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/join.asp?id=12270
>
>
>
>
>
> I never wonder to see men wicked, but I often wonder
> to see them not ashamed.
> --- Jonathan Swift
>
>
>
>
>
> ===============================
>
>
> Cheryl Luger
> nokomis east, minneapolis
> About Cheryl Luger: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/lugercheryl
>
> View full topic, share on Facebook and more:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/3YozI2gGbtDyR41vwkU543
>
> Best of E-Democracy on Twitter: http://twitter.com/edemo
> Share E-Democracy on Facebook: http://e-democracy.org/fbshare
>
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> To post: mpls@forums.e-democracy.org or "Reply-to-All" to comment publicly.
> To leave: Put "unsubscribe" - or for digest write "digest on" - in subject.
>
> Forum Home: http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/mpls
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> Need help? http://e-democracy.org/support Hosting thanks:
http://OnlineGroups.Net
This is an outstanding overview of the problems with this proposal. I think the
Representative is right on target.
I hope her colleagues (and mine) listen to her.
Cam Gordon
Seward
> Date: Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:13:29 -0700
> From: <email obscured>
> Subject: [Mpls] Loeffler corrects Hizhonor
> To: mpls@forums.e-democracy.org
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> rep. loeffler's e-update sent this afternoon.
>
> (i gotta love the last sentence !-...add the timberwolves to that sentiment)
>
> best wishes,
> cheryl luger
> nokomis east
>
> (apologize for the formating problems)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> From:
> <email obscured>
>
> Sent:
> Fri 4/13/12 3:37 PM
>
> To:
>
> Announcements from Represenative Diane Loeffler
(<email obscured>)
>
> Week in Review 4-13-2012
>
> The Vikings Stadium
>
>
>
>
>
> The Vikings Stadium bill FINALLY had its first committee hearing. Its all the
media wants to cover while we deal with more serious but harder to explain
issues that impact the lives of all Minnesotans. An amendment 81 pages long
demonstrates how this proposal has kept changing.
>
>
> Ive sought (with some difficulty) the projections behind the finances. Its
been frustrating; what may be the biggest public building project in state
history is likely to have had the least serious fiscal analysis or public
consideration of alternatives. Im dismayed that misinformation about the
current sales tax and its provisions in law and the impacts of the proposal and
alternatives will have on Minneapolis for the next three decades.
>
>
> While I oppose public financing -- especially if its not for statewide
projects -- I do take seriously my responsibilities to analyze the proposals
before us and try to make them better. As a Minneapolis legislator, it is my
job to seriously analyze and weigh the impact these projects will have on our
city. Im not on the committee that heard the Vikings Stadium proposal last week
but will be ready when it gets to the Tax Committee.
>
>
>
> The state will fund construction of the stadium. Minneapolis will fund
operating, maintenance and improvement costs for 33 years while giving up funds
that could be used in revitalization projects, just as they are currently used
in Duluth, St. Paul, Rochester and other cities.
>
>
> While not highlighted in the press, the proposed bill authorizes the use of
the tax for $184 million in estimated debt for the Target Center so that the
proposal, if fully implemented, will dedicate all local sales tax funds to
three large facilities: the Vikings Stadium, the Convention Center (with an
estimated $350 million in improvements) and the basketball arena.
>
>
> While Ive gotten some vaguely titled spread sheets without footnoted
assumptions, I believe this is the basic package. Its a slippery proposal
without a clear fiscal analysis. This should worry all Minneapolis property
owners. The total revenues being discussed are about $2.5 billion, so any talk
of $5 million a year in reduced property taxes is a mere drop in the bucket
designed to distract the public from the real long-term implications. And I
believe some other consequences of the package will force property taxes up and
leave our city with less budget flexibility than the other regional centers of
Minnesota.
>
>
>
>
> Dianes Top 10 Reasons:
>
>
> ___ Why the current Vikings stadium proposal is not a good deal for
Minneapolis residents and businesses
> 1. It jeopardizes the long-term financial health of our city and takes away
our one major revenue that is growing with the economy.
>
> ... We currently have a declining property tax base, the second highest
property taxes in the metro for a city with more than 10,000 people, pay the
highest sales taxes, and have the highest downtown restaurant taxes in the
nation. A city with aging housing, businesses and infrastructure doesnt have
many revenue options to address these needs. Dedicating for more than three
decades most of our one revenue source that grows with inflation -- the local
option sales tax -- is putting our future on very thin ice. It is also our only
local financial tool for revitalizing our city that doesnt raise property taxes
for other homeowners and businesses.
> Current law dedicates those funds for these purposes and the debt and
operating losses of the Convention Center. It has no end date in current law
but will in this proposal. As times and needs change, Minneapolis will have
fewer financial alternatives to meet our critical needs. I worked as the
revenue financial analyst for the city when our tax base was projected to grow
0 percent at a time of double-digit inflation. I know how tough times can come
fast.
>
>
>
> 2. -___ It puts Minneapolis at a competitive disadvantage to the other large
cities of our state for at least 33 years.
>
> --- Duluth, St. Paul, and Rochester have local sales taxes that contribute to
revitalizing many areas of their city and growing their tax base. Currently our
local sales tax only funds the debt and operating costs of a Convention Center
built to a national convention scale.It fills the hotels of Bloomington, St.
Paul, Roseville and other suburbs during major events. Only 17 percent of the
convention center costs are covered by self-generated revenues. Amazing!As such
it uses all of the sales tax funds. I authored in 2009 the current law which
will free up the sales tax for city redevelopment needs as soon as 2021 (when
the Convention Center bonds are repaid) so Minneapolis can begin to have
capital improvement resources like the other major cities.
> The stadium proposal not only takes those revenues, it creates a loan in the
first years that the city will repay in later years. Any excess revenues above
projections are shared with the stadium.
>
>
> The Minneapolis authority in current law is the same as St. Paul has now. It
uses 60 percent of its sales tax for capital (building) projects every year.
>
>
>
> 3. ___ Minneapolis already has two major regional facilities that are loss
leaders and increase city property taxes either directly or indirectly. More
land will become tax exempt, shifting more tax burdens onto us.
>
> ... The Convention Center operating losses and remaining debt consume the
current local sales tax in Minneapolis.The Target Arena is also unable to cover
its expenses and is supported by a variety of revenues, including property
taxes and entertainment taxes. Entertainment taxes are historically described
as having been passed to cover the public safety costs of being a major city
with lots of non-residents coming for entertainment events and have existed
since 1969, long before these facilities existed. Instead of contributing to
the citys general fund to cover the costs of police and fire (and thus reducing
property taxes), some of these taxes cover operating losses.
>
> The new stadium will further increase property taxes by making the valuable
land it uses tax exempt. These properties now pay $397,000 in taxes and
represent an ongoing loss of revenue to our schools, county and city unless
their taxes are increased onto all the other taxable property. The relatively
new county Medical Examiners Building and Sheriffs Crime Lab will be rendered
unusable by the current site plan and the costs to acquire a new site and
replace them are not in the stadium proposal and likely require property tax
funding.
>
>
>
> 4. ___ Economic research and our citys own experience demonstrate the limited
economic value to the host city.
>
> ... Lookingat a table of the citys total collections of local sales taxes or
the downtown alcohol, restaurant and lodging taxes, it is impossible to
identify the year the Twins stadium opened with its sold out 40-plus
games.Spin-off development? Consider the Metrodome area. Even Target Field and
Target Center combined couldnt keep Block Es restaurants and bars open. Most
fans leave without spending money in our city, especially with transit at the
door. And when more space is available for tailgating, theyll spend even less.
>
>
>
> 5. ___ Even if one accepts the need for a new stadium, the terms of the deal
are out of balance.
>
> W... While the financial obligations of the public for the next 33 years are
spelled out in detail, there are very few guarantees on the part of the Vikings
owners. The city absorbs responsibility for many declining value obligations
(maintenance and improvement of an aging facility, operating subsidies,
foregoing development around a major transit stop, etc., with only two of five
votes on the governing board), while the opportunities for growing revenue
streams are retained exclusively for the Viking owners (naming rights and
advertising, game day revenues, a national soccer franchise with no increase in
rent, seat licenses, other Viking sponsored events, etc.).
>
>
>
> 6.___ Gambling revenues are a terrible way to finance the so-called state
share.
>
> .... ... It is a very regressive tax, produces uneven and unpredictable
revenues, has expensive societal consequences and creates a chance of expensive
lawsuits. Taking profits from charitable gambling that supports volunteer-led
and often underpaid nonprofit jobs to subsidize an industry owned by
billionaires and that employs millionaires is an amazing proposition.
>
> ___ 7. Self-funding is the route to go.
>
> ---... A combination of revenues used in other areas -- naming rights, seat
licenses, contributions by the team owners and benefitting businesses, ticket
taxes, parking revenues, and other stadium generated revenues, many of which
could grow with inflation is a fair idea. The driver in all of this is the NFL
rules on what revenues are shared with other teams. Suites and boxes are not
shared, so the owners want to maximize them. A new stadium will instantly
increase the value of team ownership.
>
> ...
>
> 8. IF there is to be public funding, it should be in the form of a broad
statewide tax on discretionary purchases.
>
> I believe it was St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman who suggested a 2
cents-a-drink tax. Our alcohol taxes havent been increased in more two decades,
and I could support this approach.
>
> ---
>
> 9.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --- We cant afford the full $2 billion deal (after interest and financing
costs are added). Remodel like most homeowners do when the mansion is out of
ones price range.
>
> The Metrodome has a new roof and playing field. For improved fan experience
we need only add on some new food venues and better restrooms. We could have
our culinary schools and restaurants compete in a reality show format for best
game food -- after all, its only eight to 10 games a year. Maybe we could have
innovative sky boxes suspended from the existing super structure with a unique
blimp view and surround screens showing the action on the field. Wheres the
creativity and uniqueness?
>
>
>
> 10. Most Vikings fans watch at home. Want to improve their fan experience?
Fund a winning set of players!
>
>
> I summarized a lot of info. As always your feedback and ideas are always
appreciated. Diane
>
>
>
>
>
> Representative Diane Loeffler
> District 59A - The Thirteen Neighborhoods of Northeast Minneapolis
> (651)296-4219
> 335 State Office Building
> St Paul, MN 55155
> Sign up for my email updates!
> http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/join.asp?id=12270
>
>
>
>
>
> I never wonder to see men wicked, but I often wonder
> to see them not ashamed.
> --- Jonathan Swift
>
>
>
>
>
> ===============================
>
>
> Cheryl Luger
> nokomis east, minneapolis
> About Cheryl Luger: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/lugercheryl
>
> View full topic, share on Facebook and more:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/3YozI2gGbtDyR41vwkU543
>
> Best of E-Democracy on Twitter: http://twitter.com/edemo
> Share E-Democracy on Facebook: http://e-democracy.org/fbshare
>
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> To post: mpls@forums.e-democracy.org or "Reply-to-All" to comment publicly.
> To leave: Put "unsubscribe" - or for digest write "digest on" - in subject.
>
> Forum Home: http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/mpls
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> Need help? http://e-democracy.org/support Hosting thanks:
http://OnlineGroups.Net
>
> 1. Be civil! Please read the rules at http://e-democracy.org/rules.
> If you think a member is in violation, contact the forum manager at
> <email obscured> before continuing it on the list.
>
> 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
> 1. Be civil! Please read the rules at http://e-democracy.org/rules.
> If you think a member is in violation, contact the forum manager at
> <email obscured> before continuing it on the list.
>
> 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
This is a pretty compelling commentary by Rep.
Loeffler on why the stadium proposal is a bad
deal for Minneapolis. (And would likely be a bad
deal under any foreseeable circumstances.)
As someone not living in Mpls, or anywhere in the
Metro, I'm sensitive to the increasing
suggestions that a stadium giveaway be funded on
a statewide basis. It's understandable why
people would be suggesting this, of course, but:
(I wrote "my" legislators opining that there
should be no statewide giveaway, and no
Minneapolis giveaway without a referendum.) I
think people all over Minnesota probably realize
what a bad deal the present proposal would
be. Most, except for the most rabid antisocial
right wingers, likely also realize that everybody
in the upper midwest, at least, has a stake in a
thriving Minneapolis.... We want to see
reasonable Local Government Assistance restored,
and we don't want to see Mpls further backed into
a corner, whether by bad state policies or poor
decisions by its own leadership.
A serious attempt to spread the ripoff statewide
would likely create bad feelings, and would still
fail. Goodwill isn't something Mpls can do with less of these days.
JMO
am
At 06:13 PM 4/13/2012 -0700, C Luger wrote:
>Â
>
>
>
>
>
>
>rep. loeffler's e-update sent this afternoon.
>Â
>(i gotta love the last sentence !-...add the timberwolves to that sentiment)
>Â
>best wishes,
>cheryl luger
>nokomis east
>Â
>(apologize for the formating problems)
>Â
>Â
>Â
>
>
>
>
>From:
><email obscured>
>
>Sent:
>Fri 4/13/12 3:37 PM
>
>To:
>
>Announcements from Represenative Diane Loeffler
>(<email obscured>)
>Â
>Week in Review 4-13-2012
>Â
>The Vikings Stadium
>Â
>
>
>
>
>The Vikings Stadium bill FINALLY had its first
>committee hearing. Itâs all the media wants to
>cover while we deal with more serious but harder
>to explain issues that impact the lives of all
>Minnesotans. An amendment 81 pages long
>demonstrates how this proposal has kept changing.
>Â
>
>Iâve sought (with some difficulty) the
>projections behind the finances. Itâs been
>frustrating; what may be the biggest public
>building project in state history is likely to
>have had the least serious fiscal analysis or
>public consideration of alternatives. Iâm
>dismayed that misinformation about the current
>sales tax and its provisions in law and the
>impacts of the proposal and alternatives will
>have on Minneapolis for the next three decades.
>Â
>
>While I oppose public financing -- especially if
>itâs not for statewide projects -- I do take
>seriously my responsibilities to analyze the
>proposals before us and try to make them better.
>As a Minneapolis legislator, it is my job to
>seriously analyze and weigh the impact these
>projects will have on our city. Iâm not on the
>committee that heard the Vikings Stadium
>proposal last week but will be ready when it gets to the Tax Committee.
>Â
>
>
>The state will fund construction of the stadium.
>Minneapolis will fund operating, maintenance and
>improvement costs for 33 years while giving up
>funds that could be used in revitalization
>projects, just as they are currently used in
>Duluth, St. Paul, Rochester and other cities.
>Â
>
>While not highlighted in the press, the proposed
>bill authorizes the use of the tax for $184
>million in estimated debt for the Target Center
>so that the proposal, if fully implemented, will
>dedicate all local sales tax funds to three
>large facilities: the Vikings Stadium, the
>Convention Center (with an estimated $350
>million in improvements) and the basketball arena.
>Â
>
>While Iâve gotten some vaguely titled spread
>sheets without footnoted assumptions, I believe
>this is the basic package. Itâs a slippery
>proposal without a clear fiscal analysis. This
>should worry all Minneapolis property owners.
>The total revenues being discussed are about
>$2.5 billion, so any talk of $5 million a year
>in reduced property taxes is a mere drop in the
>bucket designed to distract the public from the
>real long-term implications. And I believe some
>other consequences of the package will force
>property taxes up and leave our city with less
>budget flexibility than the other regional centers of Minnesota.
>Â
>Â
>Â
>
>Dianeâs Top 10 Reasons:
>Â
>Â
>___ Why the current Vikings stadium proposal is
>not a good deal for Minneapolis residents and businesses
>1. It jeopardizes the long-term financial health
>of our city and takes away our one major revenue
>that is growing with the economy.
>Â
>... We currently have a declining property tax
>base, the second highest property taxes in the
>metro for a city with more than 10,000 people,
>pay the highest sales taxes, and have the
>highest downtown restaurant taxes in the nation.
>A city with aging housing, businesses and
>infrastructure doesnât have many revenue
>options to address these needs. Dedicating for
>more than three decades most of our one revenue
>source that grows with inflation -- the local
>option sales tax -- is putting our future on
>very thin ice. It is also our only local
>financial tool for revitalizing our city that
>doesnât raise property taxes for other homeowners and businesses.
>Current law dedicates those funds for these
>purposes and the debt and operating losses of
>the Convention Center. It has no end date in
>current law but will in this proposal. As times
>and needs change, Minneapolis will have fewer
>financial alternatives to meet our critical
>needs. I worked as the revenue financial analyst
>for the city when our tax base was projected to
>grow 0 percent at a time of double-digit
>inflation. I know how tough times can come fast.
>Â
>Â
>
>2. -___ It puts Minneapolis at a competitive
>disadvantage to the other large cities of our state for at least 33 years.
>Â
>--- Duluth, St. Paul, and Rochester have local
>sales taxes that contribute to revitalizing many
>areas of their city and growing their tax base.
>Currently our local sales tax only funds the
>debt and operating costs of a Convention Center
>built to a national convention scale.It fills
>the hotels of Bloomington, St. Paul, Roseville
>and other suburbs during major events. Only 17
>percent of the convention center costs are
>covered by self-generated revenues. Amazing!As
>such it uses all of the sales tax funds. I
>authored in 2009 the current law which will free
>up the sales tax for city redevelopment needs as
>soon as 2021 (when the Convention Center bonds
>are repaid) so Minneapolis can begin to have
>capital improvement resources like the other major cities.
>The stadium proposal not only takes those
>revenues, it creates a loan in the first years
>that the city will repay in later years. Any
>excess revenues above projections are shared with the stadium.
>Â
>
>The Minneapolis authority in current law is the
>same as St. Paul has now. It uses 60 percent of
>its sales tax for capital (building) projects every year.
>Â
>Â
>
>3. ___ Minneapolis already has two major
>regional facilities that are loss leaders and
>increase city property taxes either directly or
>indirectly. More land will become tax exempt,
>shifting more tax burdens onto us.
>Â
>... The Convention Center operating losses and
>remaining debt consume the current local sales
>tax in Minneapolis.The Target Arena is also
>unable to cover its expenses and is supported by
>a variety of revenues, including property taxes
>and entertainment taxes. Entertainment taxes are
>historically described as having been passed to
>cover the public safety costs of being a major
>city with lots of non-residents coming for
>entertainment events and have existed since
>1969, long before these facilities existed.
>Instead of contributing to the cityâs general
>fund to cover the costs of police and fire (and
>thus reducing property taxes), some of these taxes cover operating losses.
>Â
>The new stadium will further increase property
>taxes by making the valuable land it uses tax
>exempt. These properties now pay $397,000 in
>taxes and represent an ongoing loss of revenue
>to our schools, county and city unless their
>taxes are increased onto all the other taxable
>property. The relatively new county Medical
>Examinerâs Building and Sheriffâs Crime Lab
>will be rendered unusable by the current site
>plan and the costs to acquire a new site and
>replace them are not in the stadium proposal and
>likely require property tax funding.
>Â
>Â
>
>4. ___ Economic research and our cityâs own
>experience demonstrate the limited economic value to the host city.
>Â
>... Lookingat a table of the cityâs total
>collections of local sales taxes or the downtown
>alcohol, restaurant and lodging taxes, it is
>impossible to identify the year the Twins
>stadium opened with its sold out 40-plus
>games.Spin-off development? Consider the
>Metrodome area. Even Target Field and Target
>Center combined couldnât keep Block Eâs
>restaurants and bars open. Most fans leave
>without spending money in our city, especially
>with transit at the door. And when more space is
>available for tailgating, theyâll spend even less.
>Â
>Â
>
>5. ___Â Even if one accepts the need for a new
>stadium, the terms of the deal are out of balance.
>Â
>W... While the financial obligations of the
>public for the next 33 years are spelled out in
>detail, there are very few guarantees on the
>part of the Vikings owners. The city absorbs
>responsibility for many declining value
>obligations (maintenance and improvement of an
>aging facility, operating subsidies, foregoing
>development around a major transit stop, etc.,
>with only two of five votes on the governing
>board), while the opportunities for growing
>revenue streams are retained exclusively for the
>Viking owners (naming rights and advertising,
>game day revenues, a national soccer franchise
>with no increase in rent, seat licenses, other
>âViking sponsored eventsâ, etc.).
>Â
>Â
>
>6.___ Gambling revenues are a terrible way to
>finance the so-called state share.
>Â
>Â .... ... It is a very regressive tax, produces
>uneven and unpredictable revenues, has expensive
>societal consequences and creates a chance of
>expensive lawsuits. Taking profits from
>charitable gambling that supports volunteer-led
>and often underpaid nonprofit jobs to subsidize
>an industry owned by billionaires and that
>employs millionaires is an amazing proposition.
>Â
>___ 7. Self-funding is the route to go.
>Â
>---... A combination of revenues used in other
>areas -- naming rights, seat licenses,
>contributions by the team owners and benefitting
>businesses, ticket taxes, parking revenues, and
>other stadium generated revenues, many of which
>could grow with inflation is a fair idea. The
>driver in all of this is the NFL rules on what
>revenues are shared with other teams. Suites and
>boxes are not shared, so the owners want to
>maximize them. A new stadium will instantly
>increase the value of team ownership. Â
>Â
>...
>
>8. IF there is to be public funding, it should
>be in the form of a broad statewide tax on discretionary purchases.
>Â
>Â I believe it was St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman
>who suggested a 2 cents-a-drink tax. Our alcohol
>taxes havenât been increased in more two
>decades, and I could support this approach.
>Â
>---
>
>9.
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>--- We canât afford the full $2 billion deal
>(after interest and financing costs are added).
>Remodel like most homeowners do when the mansion
>is out of oneâs price range.
>Â
>The Metrodome has a new roof and playing field.
>For improved fan experience we need only add on
>some new food venues and better restrooms. We
>could have our culinary schools and restaurants
>compete in a reality show format for best game
>food -- after all, itâs only eight to 10 games
>a year. Maybe we could have innovative âsky
>boxesâ suspended from the existing super
>structure with a unique blimp view and surround
>screens showing the action on the field.
>Whereâs the creativity and uniqueness?
>Â
>Â
>
>10. Most Vikings fans watch at home. Want to
>improve their fan experience? Fund a winning set of players!
>Â
>Â
>I summarized a lot of info. As always your
>feedback and ideas are always appreciated. Diane
>Â
>Â
>
>
>
>Representative Diane Loeffler
>District 59A - The Thirteen Neighborhoods of Northeast Minneapolis
>(651)296-4219
>335 State Office Building
>St Paul, MN 55155
>Sign up for my email updates!
>http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/join.asp?id=12270
>Â
>Â
>
>
>Â
>âI never wonder to see men wicked, but I often wonder
>to see them not ashamed.â
>Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â --- Jonathan Swift
>Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>===============================
>
>
>Cheryl Luger
>nokomis east, minneapolis
>About Cheryl Luger: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/lugercheryl
>
>View full topic, share on Facebook and more:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/3YozI2gGbtDyR41vwkU543
>
>Best of E-Democracy on Twitter: http://twitter.com/edemo
>Share E-Democracy on Facebook: http://e-democracy.org/fbshare
>
>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> To post: mpls@forums.e-democracy.org or "Reply-to-All" to comment publicly.
> To leave: Put "unsubscribe" - or for digest write "digest on" - in subject.
>
> Forum Home: http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/mpls
>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>Need help?
>http://e-democracy.org/support Hosting thanks: http://OnlineGroups.Net
>
> 1. Be civil! Please read the rules at http://e-democracy.org/rules.
> If you think a member is in violation, contact the forum manager at
> <email obscured> before continuing it on the list.
>
>2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
Loeffler on why the stadium proposal is a bad
deal for Minneapolis. (And would likely be a bad
deal under any foreseeable circumstances.)
As someone not living in Mpls, or anywhere in the
Metro, I'm sensitive to the increasing
suggestions that a stadium giveaway be funded on
a statewide basis. It's understandable why
people would be suggesting this, of course, but:
(I wrote "my" legislators opining that there
should be no statewide giveaway, and no
Minneapolis giveaway without a referendum.) I
think people all over Minnesota probably realize
what a bad deal the present proposal would
be. Most, except for the most rabid antisocial
right wingers, likely also realize that everybody
in the upper midwest, at least, has a stake in a
thriving Minneapolis.... We want to see
reasonable Local Government Assistance restored,
and we don't want to see Mpls further backed into
a corner, whether by bad state policies or poor
decisions by its own leadership.
A serious attempt to spread the ripoff statewide
would likely create bad feelings, and would still
fail. Goodwill isn't something Mpls can do with less of these days.
JMO
am
At 06:13 PM 4/13/2012 -0700, C Luger wrote:
>Â
>
>
>
>
>
>
>rep. loeffler's e-update sent this afternoon.
>Â
>(i gotta love the last sentence !-...add the timberwolves to that sentiment)
>Â
>best wishes,
>cheryl luger
>nokomis east
>Â
>(apologize for the formating problems)
>Â
>Â
>Â
>
>
>
>
>From:
><email obscured>
>
>Sent:
>Fri 4/13/12 3:37 PM
>
>To:
>
>Announcements from Represenative Diane Loeffler
>(<email obscured>)
>Â
>Week in Review 4-13-2012
>Â
>The Vikings Stadium
>Â
>
>
>
>
>The Vikings Stadium bill FINALLY had its first
>committee hearing. Itâs all the media wants to
>cover while we deal with more serious but harder
>to explain issues that impact the lives of all
>Minnesotans. An amendment 81 pages long
>demonstrates how this proposal has kept changing.
>Â
>
>Iâve sought (with some difficulty) the
>projections behind the finances. Itâs been
>frustrating; what may be the biggest public
>building project in state history is likely to
>have had the least serious fiscal analysis or
>public consideration of alternatives. Iâm
>dismayed that misinformation about the current
>sales tax and its provisions in law and the
>impacts of the proposal and alternatives will
>have on Minneapolis for the next three decades.
>Â
>
>While I oppose public financing -- especially if
>itâs not for statewide projects -- I do take
>seriously my responsibilities to analyze the
>proposals before us and try to make them better.
>As a Minneapolis legislator, it is my job to
>seriously analyze and weigh the impact these
>projects will have on our city. Iâm not on the
>committee that heard the Vikings Stadium
>proposal last week but will be ready when it gets to the Tax Committee.
>Â
>
>
>The state will fund construction of the stadium.
>Minneapolis will fund operating, maintenance and
>improvement costs for 33 years while giving up
>funds that could be used in revitalization
>projects, just as they are currently used in
>Duluth, St. Paul, Rochester and other cities.
>Â
>
>While not highlighted in the press, the proposed
>bill authorizes the use of the tax for $184
>million in estimated debt for the Target Center
>so that the proposal, if fully implemented, will
>dedicate all local sales tax funds to three
>large facilities: the Vikings Stadium, the
>Convention Center (with an estimated $350
>million in improvements) and the basketball arena.
>Â
>
>While Iâve gotten some vaguely titled spread
>sheets without footnoted assumptions, I believe
>this is the basic package. Itâs a slippery
>proposal without a clear fiscal analysis. This
>should worry all Minneapolis property owners.
>The total revenues being discussed are about
>$2.5 billion, so any talk of $5 million a year
>in reduced property taxes is a mere drop in the
>bucket designed to distract the public from the
>real long-term implications. And I believe some
>other consequences of the package will force
>property taxes up and leave our city with less
>budget flexibility than the other regional centers of Minnesota.
>Â
>Â
>Â
>
>Dianeâs Top 10 Reasons:
>Â
>Â
>___ Why the current Vikings stadium proposal is
>not a good deal for Minneapolis residents and businesses
>1. It jeopardizes the long-term financial health
>of our city and takes away our one major revenue
>that is growing with the economy.
>Â
>... We currently have a declining property tax
>base, the second highest property taxes in the
>metro for a city with more than 10,000 people,
>pay the highest sales taxes, and have the
>highest downtown restaurant taxes in the nation.
>A city with aging housing, businesses and
>infrastructure doesnât have many revenue
>options to address these needs. Dedicating for
>more than three decades most of our one revenue
>source that grows with inflation -- the local
>option sales tax -- is putting our future on
>very thin ice. It is also our only local
>financial tool for revitalizing our city that
>doesnât raise property taxes for other homeowners and businesses.
>Current law dedicates those funds for these
>purposes and the debt and operating losses of
>the Convention Center. It has no end date in
>current law but will in this proposal. As times
>and needs change, Minneapolis will have fewer
>financial alternatives to meet our critical
>needs. I worked as the revenue financial analyst
>for the city when our tax base was projected to
>grow 0 percent at a time of double-digit
>inflation. I know how tough times can come fast.
>Â
>Â
>
>2. -___ It puts Minneapolis at a competitive
>disadvantage to the other large cities of our state for at least 33 years.
>Â
>--- Duluth, St. Paul, and Rochester have local
>sales taxes that contribute to revitalizing many
>areas of their city and growing their tax base.
>Currently our local sales tax only funds the
>debt and operating costs of a Convention Center
>built to a national convention scale.It fills
>the hotels of Bloomington, St. Paul, Roseville
>and other suburbs during major events. Only 17
>percent of the convention center costs are
>covered by self-generated revenues. Amazing!As
>such it uses all of the sales tax funds. I
>authored in 2009 the current law which will free
>up the sales tax for city redevelopment needs as
>soon as 2021 (when the Convention Center bonds
>are repaid) so Minneapolis can begin to have
>capital improvement resources like the other major cities.
>The stadium proposal not only takes those
>revenues, it creates a loan in the first years
>that the city will repay in later years. Any
>excess revenues above projections are shared with the stadium.
>Â
>
>The Minneapolis authority in current law is the
>same as St. Paul has now. It uses 60 percent of
>its sales tax for capital (building) projects every year.
>Â
>Â
>
>3. ___ Minneapolis already has two major
>regional facilities that are loss leaders and
>increase city property taxes either directly or
>indirectly. More land will become tax exempt,
>shifting more tax burdens onto us.
>Â
>... The Convention Center operating losses and
>remaining debt consume the current local sales
>tax in Minneapolis.The Target Arena is also
>unable to cover its expenses and is supported by
>a variety of revenues, including property taxes
>and entertainment taxes. Entertainment taxes are
>historically described as having been passed to
>cover the public safety costs of being a major
>city with lots of non-residents coming for
>entertainment events and have existed since
>1969, long before these facilities existed.
>Instead of contributing to the cityâs general
>fund to cover the costs of police and fire (and
>thus reducing property taxes), some of these taxes cover operating losses.
>Â
>The new stadium will further increase property
>taxes by making the valuable land it uses tax
>exempt. These properties now pay $397,000 in
>taxes and represent an ongoing loss of revenue
>to our schools, county and city unless their
>taxes are increased onto all the other taxable
>property. The relatively new county Medical
>Examinerâs Building and Sheriffâs Crime Lab
>will be rendered unusable by the current site
>plan and the costs to acquire a new site and
>replace them are not in the stadium proposal and
>likely require property tax funding.
>Â
>Â
>
>4. ___ Economic research and our cityâs own
>experience demonstrate the limited economic value to the host city.
>Â
>... Lookingat a table of the cityâs total
>collections of local sales taxes or the downtown
>alcohol, restaurant and lodging taxes, it is
>impossible to identify the year the Twins
>stadium opened with its sold out 40-plus
>games.Spin-off development? Consider the
>Metrodome area. Even Target Field and Target
>Center combined couldnât keep Block Eâs
>restaurants and bars open. Most fans leave
>without spending money in our city, especially
>with transit at the door. And when more space is
>available for tailgating, theyâll spend even less.
>Â
>Â
>
>5. ___Â Even if one accepts the need for a new
>stadium, the terms of the deal are out of balance.
>Â
>W... While the financial obligations of the
>public for the next 33 years are spelled out in
>detail, there are very few guarantees on the
>part of the Vikings owners. The city absorbs
>responsibility for many declining value
>obligations (maintenance and improvement of an
>aging facility, operating subsidies, foregoing
>development around a major transit stop, etc.,
>with only two of five votes on the governing
>board), while the opportunities for growing
>revenue streams are retained exclusively for the
>Viking owners (naming rights and advertising,
>game day revenues, a national soccer franchise
>with no increase in rent, seat licenses, other
>âViking sponsored eventsâ, etc.).
>Â
>Â
>
>6.___ Gambling revenues are a terrible way to
>finance the so-called state share.
>Â
>Â .... ... It is a very regressive tax, produces
>uneven and unpredictable revenues, has expensive
>societal consequences and creates a chance of
>expensive lawsuits. Taking profits from
>charitable gambling that supports volunteer-led
>and often underpaid nonprofit jobs to subsidize
>an industry owned by billionaires and that
>employs millionaires is an amazing proposition.
>Â
>___ 7. Self-funding is the route to go.
>Â
>---... A combination of revenues used in other
>areas -- naming rights, seat licenses,
>contributions by the team owners and benefitting
>businesses, ticket taxes, parking revenues, and
>other stadium generated revenues, many of which
>could grow with inflation is a fair idea. The
>driver in all of this is the NFL rules on what
>revenues are shared with other teams. Suites and
>boxes are not shared, so the owners want to
>maximize them. A new stadium will instantly
>increase the value of team ownership. Â
>Â
>...
>
>8. IF there is to be public funding, it should
>be in the form of a broad statewide tax on discretionary purchases.
>Â
>Â I believe it was St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman
>who suggested a 2 cents-a-drink tax. Our alcohol
>taxes havenât been increased in more two
>decades, and I could support this approach.
>Â
>---
>
>9.
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>--- We canât afford the full $2 billion deal
>(after interest and financing costs are added).
>Remodel like most homeowners do when the mansion
>is out of oneâs price range.
>Â
>The Metrodome has a new roof and playing field.
>For improved fan experience we need only add on
>some new food venues and better restrooms. We
>could have our culinary schools and restaurants
>compete in a reality show format for best game
>food -- after all, itâs only eight to 10 games
>a year. Maybe we could have innovative âsky
>boxesâ suspended from the existing super
>structure with a unique blimp view and surround
>screens showing the action on the field.
>Whereâs the creativity and uniqueness?
>Â
>Â
>
>10. Most Vikings fans watch at home. Want to
>improve their fan experience? Fund a winning set of players!
>Â
>Â
>I summarized a lot of info. As always your
>feedback and ideas are always appreciated. Diane
>Â
>Â
>
>
>
>Representative Diane Loeffler
>District 59A - The Thirteen Neighborhoods of Northeast Minneapolis
>(651)296-4219
>335 State Office Building
>St Paul, MN 55155
>Sign up for my email updates!
>http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/join.asp?id=12270
>Â
>Â
>
>
>Â
>âI never wonder to see men wicked, but I often wonder
>to see them not ashamed.â
>Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â --- Jonathan Swift
>Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>Â
>===============================
>
>
>Cheryl Luger
>nokomis east, minneapolis
>About Cheryl Luger: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/lugercheryl
>
>View full topic, share on Facebook and more:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/3YozI2gGbtDyR41vwkU543
>
>Best of E-Democracy on Twitter: http://twitter.com/edemo
>Share E-Democracy on Facebook: http://e-democracy.org/fbshare
>
>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> To post: mpls@forums.e-democracy.org or "Reply-to-All" to comment publicly.
> To leave: Put "unsubscribe" - or for digest write "digest on" - in subject.
>
> Forum Home: http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/mpls
>- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
>Need help?
>http://e-democracy.org/support Hosting thanks: http://OnlineGroups.Net
>
> 1. Be civil! Please read the rules at http://e-democracy.org/rules.
> If you think a member is in violation, contact the forum manager at
> <email obscured> before continuing it on the list.
>
>2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
In their recent posts/constituent communications, Mr. Gordon and Ms. Loeffler
have rolled up their sleeves, synthesized a lot of complex information and
presented clear, convincing arguments that the present stadium bill amounts to
a long term straitjacket for the City and a millstone for its taxpaying
residents.
Thank you for efforts; we need more people like you.
David Fehlan
Uptown/East Isles
have rolled up their sleeves, synthesized a lot of complex information and
presented clear, convincing arguments that the present stadium bill amounts to
a long term straitjacket for the City and a millstone for its taxpaying
residents.
Thank you for efforts; we need more people like you.
David Fehlan
Uptown/East Isles
P.S. I thought Diane Loeffler's constituent update letter was so good, I put it
into .pdf format. If I get arrested tomorrow while taping this to every bus
station and light pole in the city, will one of you bail me out of the pokey?
David
Document attached. Two tiny changes from the original.
1. Added the word "source" after the word "revenue" in italicized section
number one.
2. Fixed the spelling of "representative" in the email header.
into .pdf format. If I get arrested tomorrow while taping this to every bus
station and light pole in the city, will one of you bail me out of the pokey?
David
Document attached. Two tiny changes from the original.
1. Added the word "source" after the word "revenue" in italicized section
number one.
2. Fixed the spelling of "representative" in the email header.
I suggest that everyone print out Rep. Diane Loeffler's Top 10 List
and take it with them to any and all state or city public hearings on
the topic and READ IT into the record to our other elected officials.
Tongue-tied? Don't like to speak in public? Don't have time to write a
statement for a hearing? So angry you don't know where to begin at the
April 24 city hall public hearing? Well, Diane's done our work for us!
All we have to do is show up and read.
and take it with them to any and all state or city public hearings on
the topic and READ IT into the record to our other elected officials.
Tongue-tied? Don't like to speak in public? Don't have time to write a
statement for a hearing? So angry you don't know where to begin at the
April 24 city hall public hearing? Well, Diane's done our work for us!
All we have to do is show up and read.
Thanks for the link.
The information about the real finances behind the deal are critical -
the full $2.5 billion cost, the loss of revenues for other needs, and
the illusion of lower property taxes. I like Loeffler's analogy to
buying a mansion out of one's price range. And of course buying a house
you can't really afford is at least for your own benefit. Here, we and
especially Minneapolis residents are paying for a facility to make money
for super rich people and for entertainment that most of us could not
afford.
What this demonstrates most clearly is that Rybak has resorted to
complete fraud on his constituents where he claims that residents will
not be paying any more sales taxes and supposedly get some sort of tax
benefit through property tax reduction. It is bad enough how he has
flip-flopped on his original commitment as a candidate and is now
pitching for such a huge corporate handout, but to so outright lie to
the community?!
Jordan S. Kushner
Golden Valley
On 4/13/2012 10:15 PM, David Fehlan wrote:
> ― Attachment links are at the end of this email ―
>
> P.S. I thought Diane Loeffler's constituent update letter was so good, I put
it into .pdf format. If I get arrested tomorrow while taping this to every bus
station and light pole in the city, will one of you bail me out of the pokey?
>
> David
>
> Document attached. Two tiny changes from the original.
> 1. Added the word "source" after the word "revenue" in italicized section
number one.
> 2. Fixed the spelling of "representative" in the email header.
> Minneapolis Issues Forum now contains the following file or photo
>
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/file/3569-2012-04-14T031217Z
> Name: Rep Diane Loeffler_stadium bill comments_2012-04-13.pdf
> Type: application/pdf
> Size: 199KB
>
>
> View more files added to Minneapolis Issues Forum at
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/s/?g=mpls&amp;f=1&amp;t=0
>
>
> David Fehlan
> East Isles, Minneapolis
> About David Fehlan: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/V4O4oMRq5icXUXdLuTqjJ
>
> View full topic, share on Facebook and more:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/4My6DresG330LTGZAhhrvw
>
> Best of E-Democracy on Twitter: http://twitter.com/edemo
> Share E-Democracy on Facebook: http://e-democracy.org/fbshare
>
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> To post: mpls@forums.e-democracy.org or "Reply-to-All" to comment
publicly.
> To leave: Put "unsubscribe" - or for digest write "digest on" - in
subject.
>
> Forum Home: http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/mpls
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> Need help? http://e-democracy.org/support Hosting thanks:
http://OnlineGroups.Net
The information about the real finances behind the deal are critical -
the full $2.5 billion cost, the loss of revenues for other needs, and
the illusion of lower property taxes. I like Loeffler's analogy to
buying a mansion out of one's price range. And of course buying a house
you can't really afford is at least for your own benefit. Here, we and
especially Minneapolis residents are paying for a facility to make money
for super rich people and for entertainment that most of us could not
afford.
What this demonstrates most clearly is that Rybak has resorted to
complete fraud on his constituents where he claims that residents will
not be paying any more sales taxes and supposedly get some sort of tax
benefit through property tax reduction. It is bad enough how he has
flip-flopped on his original commitment as a candidate and is now
pitching for such a huge corporate handout, but to so outright lie to
the community?!
Jordan S. Kushner
Golden Valley
On 4/13/2012 10:15 PM, David Fehlan wrote:
> ― Attachment links are at the end of this email ―
>
> P.S. I thought Diane Loeffler's constituent update letter was so good, I put
it into .pdf format. If I get arrested tomorrow while taping this to every bus
station and light pole in the city, will one of you bail me out of the pokey?
>
> David
>
> Document attached. Two tiny changes from the original.
> 1. Added the word "source" after the word "revenue" in italicized section
number one.
> 2. Fixed the spelling of "representative" in the email header.
> Minneapolis Issues Forum now contains the following file or photo
>
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/file/3569-2012-04-14T031217Z
> Name: Rep Diane Loeffler_stadium bill comments_2012-04-13.pdf
> Type: application/pdf
> Size: 199KB
>
>
> View more files added to Minneapolis Issues Forum at
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/s/?g=mpls&amp;f=1&amp;t=0
>
>
> David Fehlan
> East Isles, Minneapolis
> About David Fehlan: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/V4O4oMRq5icXUXdLuTqjJ
>
> View full topic, share on Facebook and more:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/4My6DresG330LTGZAhhrvw
>
> Best of E-Democracy on Twitter: http://twitter.com/edemo
> Share E-Democracy on Facebook: http://e-democracy.org/fbshare
>
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> To post: mpls@forums.e-democracy.org or "Reply-to-All" to comment
publicly.
> To leave: Put "unsubscribe" - or for digest write "digest on" - in
subject.
>
> Forum Home: http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/mpls
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> Need help? http://e-democracy.org/support Hosting thanks:
http://OnlineGroups.Net
>
> 1. Be civil! Please read the rules at http://e-democracy.org/rules.
> If you think a member is in violation, contact the forum manager at
> <email obscured> before continuing it on the list.
>
> 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
>
> 1. Be civil! Please read the rules at http://e-democracy.org/rules.
> If you think a member is in violation, contact the forum manager at
> <email obscured> before continuing it on the list.
>
> 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
>
David -
I will gladly do so.
Dann Dobson
St. Paul
I will gladly do so.
Dann Dobson
St. Paul
On Fri, Apr 13, 2012 at 10:15 PM, David Fehlan <<email obscured>>wrote:
> -- Attachment links are at the end of this email --
>
> P.S. I thought Diane Loeffler's constituent update letter was so good, I
> put it into .pdf format. If I get arrested tomorrow while taping this to
> every bus station and light pole in the city, will one of you bail me out
> of the pokey?
>
> David
>
> Document attached. Two tiny changes from the original.
> 1. Added the word "source" after the word "revenue" in italicized section
> number one.
> 2. Fixed the spelling of "representative" in the email header.
> Minneapolis Issues Forum now contains the following file or photo
>
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/file/3569-2012-04-14T031217Z
> Name: Rep Diane Loeffler_stadium bill comments_2012-04-13.pdf
> Type: application/pdf
> Size: 199KB
>
>
> View more files added to Minneapolis Issues Forum at
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/s/?g=mpls&f=1&t=0
>
>
> David Fehlan
> East Isles, Minneapolis
> About David Fehlan: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/V4O4oMRq5icXUXdLuTqjJ
>
> View full topic, share on Facebook and more:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/4My6DresG330LTGZAhhrvw
>
> Best of E-Democracy on Twitter: http://twitter.com/edemo
> Share E-Democracy on Facebook: http://e-democracy.org/fbshare
>
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> To post: mpls@forums.e-democracy.org or "Reply-to-All" to comment
> publicly.
> To leave: Put "unsubscribe" - or for digest write "digest on" - in
> subject.
>
> Forum Home: http://forums.e-democracy.org/groups/mpls
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> Need help? http://e-democracy.org/support Hosting thanks:
> http://OnlineGroups.Net
>
> 1. Be civil! Please read the rules at http://e-democracy.org/rules.
> If you think a member is in violation, contact the forum manager at
> <email obscured> before continuing it on the list.
>
> 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
>
Hide the post
Loading…