Citizens for Economic Development?

[Horse]

I got a form letter in the mail today from Citizens for Economic Development. After reading it, I can tell who the authors are against, but not who they want to be elected. The only name on the letter was Justin Weil, treasurer. Kind of interesting that I received a copy of this because I live WAY out in the country and can't vote in the city election anyway. Anybody else seen this?

[lurker]

There is a huge difference between "economic development" and SUSTAINABLE Economic Development.

The "I wanna spend the money cuz it's there to spend" crowd knows nothing about sustainable economic development.

In terms of promoting tourism and their additional $pending in this city, we'd be much better off to give our tourism board a Million Dollars a year (from the Whine Knot Dodge fund) to promote a million dollar a year sweepstakes where lots of winners receive free lodging while visiting Dodge. @ $50 per room per night, we could host 20,000 'families' per year and be much better off than building a shrine to the wanna-be movers and shakers. There isn't a chance in Hell that a Special Events Center will attract 20,000 families into doG City.

No, that's not Sustainable either; but it will garner a more stable pay back AND will promote additional tourism development by the private sector.

[Demon '84]

Originally Posted by Horse

I got a form letter in the mail today from Citizens for Economic Development. After reading it, I can tell who the authors are against, but not who they want to be elected. The only name on the letter was Justin Weil, treasurer. Kind of interesting that I received a copy of this because I live WAY out in the country and can't vote in the city election anyway. Anybody else seen this?

Maybe they think you're an important, influential person that other people look to for guidance and information.

[Made in the USA]

I gotta agree with the Dog. If you spent that money on improving our tourist attractions, etc., that would bring alot more money into DC than having an expensive Taj Mahal that will cost tons of money in maintenance, etc., but only bring in people periodically and probably not overnite.

The City of Oberlin has such a "monster". Talk to anyone in Oberlin about this situation, and you will see what will happen in Dodge City. This area is not large enough to support such a project. The Center in Oberlin was built partially from a donation by a lifetime resident upon her death. If the City paid for half, her estate would provide the other half. They have a great building, but it hardly gets used, and cost alot to maintain!!!

[Demon '84]

Originally Posted by Made in the USA

If you spent that money on improving our tourist attractions, etc., that would bring alot more money into DC than having an expensive Taj Mahal... blah, blah blah...

If you're going to act informed on this, you have to look at the FACTS.

If the event center is built, it does NOT mean that we can't do more with the "Why Not Dodge" funds.

FACT: The city's bond counsel (the people who's job it is to study these things) stated last year, that we could build the event center, continue paying off the previous projects, provide operational funds, and have an annual surplus, all WITHOUT SPENDING the money we have in reserve now! THIS IS A FACT! If you don't believe it, call city hall and ask Nanette Pogue.

I'm not even going to get into the issue of whether an event center type of facility will be successful... there are several studies that concluded that this type of facility would benefit our community... how do you think this all got started?

What is all this about "we shouldn't build the events center because the town has changed"... What's your point? That we have more hispanics? If so, the event center makes even more sense... there's a whole other market of events and activities that weren't really considered in '97. The hispanic community would be a big user of an arena facilty. Maybe that's what you don't like?

Kimminau and his cronies will, and have, made up false figures about this and many other things... their list of lies is long.

If you're basing your voting decision on this issue, please, at least try to find out the FACTS. City Hall phone number is 225-8100. ask for Nanette. I dare you... prove me wrong and Kimminau right.

[Made in the USA]

If the people in charge of "studying" knew anything, we wouldn't be in the problems we are in now!! Besides, if they would have went ahead and built anything, it would have been half done on what we pay people to "study"!!

So ya pulling the "prejudice" card, huh!! Figures!!

I know Nannette personally. So what's your point??? Have you called Oberlin yet???

[lurker]

I wish those who are promoting the SEC would do a little homework and publish the number (and Number$) of Conventions and other Special Events that were hosted by Garden City, Liberal, Great Bend, Hays and Pratt that we could possibly steal from those sites.... and have plan$ on how to do it.

[Captain Kemical]

Originally Posted by lurker

I wish those who are promoting the SEC would do a little homework and publish the number (and Number$) of Conventions and other Special Events that were hosted by Garden City, Liberal, Great Bend, Hays and Pratt that we could possibly steal from those sites.... and have plan$ on how to do it.

SEC and Convention centers are two seperate things. The powers that be are trying to turn the Special Event Center into a Convention center. A Convention center will not work. Everybody needs to go back and remember the Special Event Center as it was advertised on TV before the election. It was a 7500+ seat arena that would be better able to have the Dodge City Legend games and bring in other events that promoters will bring in if you have the seats to sell. Promoters won't bring in concerts and such now because it's not worth the trouble for the return on the dollar. Garden City, Liberal, Great Bend Hays or Pratt don't have any facilities to host the kind of events that a SEC could bring.

Can you say Arena Football, or maybe a hockey team, Ice Capades, Hispanic Concerts for our majority hispanic population.....the possibilities are great.

[lurker]

Dodge City Days has a opening concert in the rodeo arena and they haven't had a sell-out show since Allan Jackson. Plenty of empty seats there....

First real challenge for ya; define this Market.

........there are several studies that concluded that this type of facility would benefit our community... how do you think this all got started?...

You can cheat and use the information provided in any "study" that was bought and paid for.

[Demon '84]

Originally Posted by Made in the USA

If the people in charge of "studying" knew anything, we wouldn't be in the problems we are in now!!

Now THAT is an informed opinion.

The FACT is that bond counsel determines the stability of funding sources, and feasability of projects that will be paid for with bonds (nearly all large municipal projects). It is their job to put together the bond sale, and make sure the project is sound financially.

That is the FACT. What source are you using to back up your statements?