January 26, 2005
Crying poverty
Yesterday's signing of free-agent slugger Carlos Delgado might end up costing the Florida Marlins more than the $52 million over four years that's already been reported. Florida state senator Mike Bennett reacted angrily to the Marlins' stumping for $60 million in stadium subsidies at the same time they're dishing out dollars with the other hand: "If you can pay someone $52 million to play the game of baseball, certainly you can build your own stadium with your own money. And if you want Joe Lunch Bucket to pay for the stadium with his taxes, he should have a say." Bennett is drafting legislation to require voter referendums before spending tax money on sports teams - a bill, notes the Miami Herald, that even if it doesn't pass could help galvanize opposition to the Marlins' latest subsidy demands.
Posted by: David at January 26, 2005 11:44 AM
Posted by: Bertell Ollman at January 26, 2005 10:48 PM
