I have always felt that a person's pocketbook pretty much determines what side of an issue you support. If I owned a jewlery store (or any other business), or a Disneyland-type sporting goods store, I would support any project that would bring more people into the area of my business. Especially if the project that would influence the people to come was being paid for by the taxpayers.
The voters of Fargo should alert themselves of who is spreading these illusions of how wonderful it will be for all of us if the taxpayers financially support the event center proposal. If this election passes, just who will profit? Obviously the private project being planned adjacent with the $1,000 per month condos and high priced retail space. If this is so great, let him use his own money to build this drawing card to make his personal project successful.
Nothing has been said about the costs of a new firehouse, redone streets, sidewalks, street lights, traffic signs and water sewage construction. You can bet your last dollar that the taxpayers will foot these bills.
A special comment concerning the ice skating supporters: This project will not make Fargo a "hockey town." It will not solve problems we have in providing adequate ice for youth hockey. We need a good ice facility in an area where there is a lot of good free parking - a complete separate project.
There is no way this event center will financially support itself. Gather your friends and relatives and go to the polls voting "no."
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Thomas R. Chapman
Fargo
