Guest Column
By Roldo Bartimole
If the Browns domed stadium in Brook Park tiff tells anything it says loudly that Cleveland and Cuyahoga County taxpayers can no longer afford the rapacious desires of billionaire sports owners. We simply cannot pay their tab any longer. It is a hard truth for too many to swallow. Cleveland and County politicians have roped in their constituents in a never-ending cycle of subsidies with deals that screw taxpayers and reward owners. All pay a sales sin tax but that’s just the start. Cleveland and Cuyahoga County have to tap their general funds. Most recently for $20 million each. Here is what they’ve done: Allowed sports team owners to virtually take almost all revenue from sports facilities built for them, and then shifted cost of upkeep and improvements to public subsidy. And they have even relieved them of property taxes, now burdening every homeowner. You can’t get a better deal. The team owners rake in the dough. We pay the costs. I have told you of the fancy restaurants built for these owners, one for $7.5 million; another for $2.2 million, all furniture included. I have told you about the $7.5 million office building constructed for Dick Jacobs Indians with $900,000 in furnishings. All free. Thanks taxpayers. How did they get such deals? Ask officeholders like Michael White, Tim Hagan and Mary Boyle among others. I hadn’t told you until now about the $600,000 apartment. Gateway actually gave the Gund brothers the rights to purchase $20 million worth of materials for the arena where the Cavs play. A Gateway chairman, when I asked whether the $600,000 was part of the $20 million, responded, “That’s a good question.” I have covered this story from the beginning. It’s time to conclude that the story has been told. But who is listening? I have three offerings and then I’ll shut up. Here from a generous, appreciated site at the CSU Michael Schwartz Library of my work are two offerings to those who want to know more: Here AND Here.
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