I actually have an idea that might help. This idea would not only help Yo-town but many other rust-belt cities that have been in the same long slow death-spiral. It could bring it much needed revenue to cities like ours, ones with little or no tax base. That’s because it generates its own $. I’m talking millions, money that can be used for housing, hospitals, road and bridge repair, schools, transportation. It would also help promote downtown businesses, bars and restaurants. All tax free. And, No, its not sex or drugs. Even right-wing religious Tea-party Reps would go for it.
I spoke to our Mayoral candidate, Dewayne Kitchen, about it some time ago. He seemed genuinely interested. He referred me to a fella by the name of Guy Burnie. We talked briefly but nothing happened. Too bad. I really think it could work.
If ya want I can share it with ya.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/25/2013 04:48PM by Gary_J_Rosati.
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Re: Why are you here in the valley?
Posted by: NoBS (IP Logged)
Date: August 25, 2013 04:55PM
Sure, Gary, run it out there. Let’s see what you have.
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Re: Why are you here in the valley?
Posted by: gammaray (IP Logged)
Date: August 25, 2013 05:19PM
Next time you speak or refer to Mr. Kitchen, call him DeMaine, It will work better.
Re: Why are you here in the valley?
Posted by: Gary_Rosati (IP Logged)
Date: August 26, 2013 12:19AM
NoBS Wrote:
——————————————————-
> Sure, Gary, run it out there. Let’s see what you
> have.
OK, here’s the thing. Sports is a cash-cow. Even in a recession people spend big on sports. And here’s the other thing. Universities cash in for free, or virtually free. Why? Because they have a monopoly on the talent. They hide behind the pseudo of the amateur athlete. There’s all these silly rules about not paying the players, and they brake them over and over again, causing scandal after scandal. It gets pretty ridiculous. Meanwhile collage coached get paid more than the GNP of some countries.
I say F all that crap. Time to get real. Time to cut the BS, and cut into that cash-cow. Time to put some of that big money where its needed most: Into our bankrupt cities.
Its simple really, offer an alternative to collage sports. I call it the Municipal Sports League. Cities like Youngstown, Akron, Canton, etc., would create teams from collage eligible athletes. Players would be paid a salary. Teams would be set-up as private/public corporations. Profits would be paid into special purpose accounts for things like schools, hospitals, road and bridge repair/construction, etc. The income would come from gate receipts and concessions but primarily through broadcasting rights. To encourage local community involvement the Head Coach of each team would be an elected city official.
The benefits: Tax free money for cities and the local economy. Jobs, particularly among youth and minorities — two of the highest unemployment demographics. Regular influx of fans to down-town games would spin-off jobs and income to down-town businesses, bars and restaurants. Community pride and good-natured rivalry with neighboring towns. Universities getting back to the business of education.