DodgeBoard.com - Forums - View Single Post

Clueless · #60 (**permalink**) 06-04-2007, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redhead 18

“Why do you think this a smokey picture?”

A person by the name of Mr. Jeff Thorpe testified before the House Federal and State Affairs Committee on March 12, 2007 in Topeka, Ks.

This person made this statement to this Committee.

“This entertainment facility sales tax has no sunset and included a voter commitment to fund a $30 million Convention/Special Event Center that is currently in the development stages. FORD COUNTY voters reaffirmed their commitment to this entertainment and tourism development tax in November 2004, again without a sunset”.

Smokey Joe told me that we voted on stopping the Event Center in the Park. Must be Mr. Thorpe made a mistake on his speech. Mistakes happen all of the time. That’s how rumors get started.

That's your perception of the vote on Wright Park and your overall view of the Special Events Center. The point of his testimony is pretty clear - we are a community who is working together to be more successful in attracting tourism and entertainment. I understand that you disagree with that mission, but many others do not.

Quote:

Again Mr. Thorpe,

“With a capitalized investment between $55-70 Million to complete the casino, and over $30 million in local sales tax for development of a Convention/Special Event Center, Dodge City will add approximately 300 new jobs with estimated annual payroll of nearly $8 Million”

Smokey Joe went looking, another statement from Mr. Thorpe in the Dodge City Globe. At this point, it’s estimated that the Casino will employ 670 people with a gross payroll of $18 million. Well the Globe makes mistakes all of the time. 370 more jobs and $10 Million increase in payroll before we turn a shovel of dirt. Which figure do we look at to be truthful? Smoke screen is getting hazy. Help I can’t see.

Your are truly unbelievable. Is it possible that the overall project became larger and therefore more jobs will be created? From Boot Hill Gaming's recent comments - several ancilliary facilities (some required by SB-66, by the way) such as a 100-room hotel and a 16,000 sq ft. conference center, etc. have been added. Unfortunately, this significantly increased new jobs and payrolls. BUT, you see this as being "untruthful". Apparently, better is worse.

Quote:

Again Mr. Thorpe.

“Dodge City has public/private assets in place to be a significant partner in a destination Casino complex”. Does that mean Special Event (public) money will help the Casino? Did the Judge say we had to build it with a Casino?

It's been said in this forum several times that sales tax and other forms of tax incentive financing, including abatements, CANNOT BE USED. The statute says so. Why do you continue to raise the same question when you know the answer? Apparently, just to inflame others who may not know the truth! And, you know well that the Judge made no statement about a Casino - the opportunity didn't even exist at the time of his ruling. And, the SEC and the Casino are two completely separate projects. They would work well together, but one is a public project and one is a private project. Their individual space requirements will dictate whether they can be near each another.

Quote:

“Dodge City is very experienced in the development and management of tourism service and companion industries”. Why did you ask for money from Dodge City/Ford County if you have so much expertise?

Again, you take Thorpe's testimony and find darkness. He was referring to everyone in the tourism and hospitality sectors in Dodge City - who would like to increase their revenues. Apparently, you are criticizing Boot Hill for acceptance of WND funds to support their operation.

Quote:

“Dodge City has brought together a primary team of City, County, Economic Development Corp., Community Facilities Advisory Board, Boot Hill Museum and Boot Hill Gaming representatives to facilitate the local control and success of an expanded gaming complex in our community”. The same people that have taken Dodge City down. You do it our way, Right or wrong, you still do it our way. Way to many failure with “Why Not Dodge Money”.

Are you listening to you own words? So, everyone involved in the City, County, Eco/Devo, CFAB, Boot Hill Museum etc. are "the same people that have taken Dodge City down". I think you have included yourself - and rightly so.

Rudyard Kipling said that 'the elephant huffed and puffed and gave birth to an ant'. Somehow, that quote fits your rhetoric and inability to listen or accept others' points of view.