The facts are the most important aspect of this vote coming up on Tuesday. Below are some of the facts of the stadium issue:

• Question 1 is a question of raising $425 Million to renovate the stadiums by using a 3/8 cent sales tax in Jackson County that would begin in July and last 25 years. This locks the teams into a 25 year lease as well.
  • Jackson County officials have not been fiscally responsible and have allowed the leases to near default. These leases will not go into default until early 2007, so there is time to readdress this.
  • We are only 16 years into the original long-term lease.
  • This $425 Million tax will end up costing the people of Jackson County close to $1.2 Billion over the same time period. This includes the additional costs of financing the $425 Million bonds.
  • The Chiefs are contributing $75 Million and the Royals $25 Million. These are below the national average of contributions made by other teams. The teams have said they will cover any cost overruns.
  • The leases are nothing more than amended 1990 leases. Everything has gone up in price except the amount of rent that the teams pay will stay the same per the 1990 leases.
  • Renovations and updates initiated this proposal. The Chiefs and the Royals have taken advantage and have plans on also expanding their stadiums and their businesses.
  • The new leases are the same amount of time as the tax plan. If this passes, the possibility is by the time we have paid for this, the teams could up and leave.
  • They say this will cause an economic impact in this county. Here are some facts about the economic impact.
    • We have had the Chiefs and Royals in town for a long time now and this impact has not made a real serious difference in our community. Look around today, we have had the teams here, but where are the improvements?
    • We live in 2006, the age of major corporations knocking out local companies. Most of the impact would be for major corporations, chain restaurants, and big name hotels. What they are selling is a trip to Kansas City where the out-of-towner eats at Dixons Chili and stays at the Sports Stadium Motel, both on 40 Highway.
    • There have various articles and papers that clearly state these impacts are make believe.
  • Neither of the teams have come out and said that if this does not pass, we will leave. In fact, the Royals have said they have no plans on going anywhere.
• Question 2 is a question of using a special use tax on any out of county purchase over $2,000.00. This will raise $200 Million for the rolling roof. The passage of question 2 is completely reliant on the passage of question 1.
  • They say the rolling roof will be built for $200 Million.
  • The teams will not cover the cost overruns on this project.
  • This opens up the door to a Superbowl and puts Jackson County into running for a NCAA Final Four.
  • Questions have swirled about the structure and cost of this project.
    

The most important part of this whole equation is our vote. We have the power to decide on what is best for Jackson County. What is the best for our children. What is the best for reputation across the nation. We have the power to send a message. Whatever message you are trying to send, be sure to send it by voting on Tuesday, April 4th.