Originally Posted by
emu steve
I'm going to disagree with you and anyone with a knowledge of politics, public policy, etc. can relate.
This is a classic case like the Iraqi War where folks can study the situation, study the facts, and make their own opinions and there will be VERY strong opinions on EACH SIDE.
I've always implied that athletic facilities are value judgments with a lot of dimensions [[cost/benefits).
The one thing I think needs to be said, in order for Comerica, Ford Field, LCA to be built required a lot of enabling legislation by the city, county and state. No one slipped in 300M as a rider to some budget legislation.
In our form of governments, they made the judgement that the benefits out weigh the costs. Citizens/tax payers are free to agree or disagree, but elected leaders make decisions for the entire community [[city of Detroit in this case).
UNLESS, MT can show collusion, FCOI [[financial conflict of interest), or other illegalities there is 'no there there' just because someone disagrees with the outcome of a legislative process.
As far as your last few sentences, all of this has been discussed ad nausea and the folks in city hall still voted to proceed.
Anyone in elected government for Detroit, Wayne County, State of Michigan are very familiar with the issues you raise. Questions about athletic facilities, costs, subsidies, rent payments, community benefits, etc. etc. have been going on for many decades.
Lest I be wrong there have been many votes by the Detroit city council, the State of Michigan had to approve enabling legislation which the Gov signed.
None of this is done in the dark of night or how would I know about it? It has been all over the Freep, Detnews, and Crains.