Quote:
Originally Posted by valo403
I always find it hilarious when people claim to have been 'lead astray' in one breath and then admit that they had no idea what they were committing to in the next. Perhaps you should familiarize yourself before signing, and you should definitely look into getting better counsel.
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Well, OF COURSE they are gonna say that the NHL lied about the whole process. It couldn't possibly be the fault of those that voted for the agreement. Let's not forget that many people see a city council as a stepping stone to higher office. No higher office for you if your stepping stone is a disaster.
This is business folks. BIG business. There are 100s of $1,000,000s at stake. You can be sure that savvy tycoons are gonna get a government agency to cover as much of the costs as is conceivable. Glendale is clearly in distress - capitalist barracudas thrive on taking advantage of fiscal operations that are in distress.
I hope every municipality on the continent is watching closely. This is the risk they take when they decide to 'attract' business by providing freebies. Business will take every freebie offered and tell you that it isn't enough to make a go of it. Only after they have squeezed every last $ will they begin. The idea that you can force a team to stay put for 30 years by getting a signed agreement is preposterous. Even if it wasn't PHO, ANY large complicated business organization (like an NHL ownership group) can rearrange itself to appear to be a losing entity - and they will do just that if they see a better opportunity in another community. They will demand new concessions from the municipality while opening negotiations with another city WHILE appealing to the fans that there is nothing they can do without the help of government.
Stand fast Alberta! I know that EDM and CGY are trying to get new arenas. Barracudas are salivating...