Does this mean free?
The song “What A Diff’rence A Day Makes” doesn’t apply in the context of my local dreamers. I mentioned them, yesterday: Regis and Jean/John. Today their Plan B was revealed, in full technicolor. They are going ahead, despite the lack of contribution from the feds and the private sector.
First, let me tell you a little joke I heard from an economist.
“Son! You’re getting a new Ferrari for your birthday!”
“Thanks, Dad!”
“And son; you’re paying for it yourself!”
In the context of our (I’m forced to assume ownership, early along) new arena, we are paying for it, ourselves. The province will contribute 50%, up to a maximum of $200 millions. The city will ante up for $150 millions, and the rest will come from others (yet to be identified). A new arena, for the new hockey team (yet to be identified). The vacant lot has already been chosen, and the shovels of dirt should be thrown soon.
The mayor has made his stand. Shades of Bush The Elder, with a “No new taxes!”. We will not have to pay any additional tax to pay for this gift. Repeat after me. Until we’re all brainwashed… or hypnotized… or something. I’m far from a fiscal expert. I simply pay, and pay, and pay. That any politician can claim to spend (at a minimum) $400 millions on my behalf, without my need to contribute a single cent – I’m amazed.
Amazement is not a good way to run a city. There is some solace in knowing that this isn’t infrastructure money. But, if there is a pocket of untapped riches under the city, couldn’t it have relieved me from the need to send post-dated cheques four times a year?
