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May 24, 2006
Twins bill includes Vikings "down payment"
With Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty set to sign the Twins stadium bill before Friday's Twins game, some more bad news for Minnesota taxpayers. Not only will the public be on the hook for any rise in land costs for the new downtown stadium site, but it won't even benefit from appreciation in the old downtown stadium site - the Twins bill includes a provision that if the Metrodome is ultimately demolished, proceeds from the land sale must go toward construction of a new Vikings stadium. Vikings VP Lester Bagley told the St. Paul Pioneer Press: "We see that as a down payment."
On the plus side, according to the official Twins press release, "everyone attending Friday's game will receive a voucher good for a complimentary soft drink and hot dog." So don't say you didn't get anything for your $387 million.
I keep rereading this Minnesota state law...
Local Sales Taxes, requires a referendum be held when any local sales tax increase is proposed. Subdivision 3(a) of this law specifically states: ?Imposition of a local sales tax is subject to approval by voters of the political subdivision at a general election.?
... and I wonder, How did they get away with this? Isn't there some way to take this to the judicial branch and get them to declare this new tax illegal?
Posted by MikeM on May 24, 2006 01:51 PM
Unfortunately, the legislature passed a new law (the Twins bill) that exempted the Twins stadium from Subdivision 3(a).
If it were in the state constitution rather than state law, you might have a case. As it is, it's just the legislature changing its mind.
Posted by Neil on May 24, 2006 01:59 PM
But isn't that law there as the result of a voter-passed referendum? If it is, I imagine the outrage level in Minnesota (not just this one county) must be very high right now.
Posted by MikeM on May 24, 2006 04:33 PM
Yes, the State legislature exempted---they called it a "one-time only" (uh huh, until it comes up again, say...for the Vikings!?!?)--- the Twins from having to be subject to the Hennepin County voter referendum.
Free hot dog and soft drink, anyone?
Posted by David Drake on May 24, 2006 09:18 PM
The Minnesota State Legislature did exempt the Hennepin County/Twins stadium sales tax from a referendum. The language requiring a referendum is merely statutory and can be exempted. Although such a manuever is legal, it still doesn't make it right. There aren't too many voters in any county or state in the union that would vote for Carl "The Crybaby" Pohlad's Pork Palladium. That is precisely why he spent millions buying up politicians and lobbyists to get the referendum exemption.
The good news from Minnesota is that the Vikings claim to the proceeds from the sale of the Metrodome is merely statutory legislative language also. That means it can change as often as the Minnesota weather. When Minneapolis city officials wake up, they will lay claim to the estimated $45 million in Metrodome proceeds. After all, the City of Minneapolis and its residents paid the majority of the Metrodome costs. Let's hope the Vikings finish second again. They do have a tradition to uphold. Best Wishes!!
Posted by Jim on May 25, 2006 09:40 AM