Columbia Heights News - Washington, DC - Councilmember Graham's Baseball Vote

Councilmember Jim Graham

Councilmember Jim Graham has been serving Ward One for the DC Council since 1999. Ward One is the most diverse wards in the District of Columbia and it faces unique issues. Councilmember Graham has worked tirelessly as an advocate for the diverse interests of all the residents of Ward One.

In this section we will be posting announcements made directly by Councilmember Graham. Learn how to contact Councilmember Graham or his staff here.

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Councilmember Graham's Baseball Vote

Wednesday, 08 February 2006

Message From Council Member Jim Graham.

Dear Friends. Let me take a moment, on this "day after", to explain why I voted "no', once again, on the stadium financing.

This was a bad deal from the start. It was a negotiation marked by this approach: "What do we have to give you in order to get this team? Name your price, Major League Baseball! Here take the ranch...."

Since then, many have labored mightily to turn this sow's ear into a silk purse.

But it hasn't worked.

I have voted "no" 8 times. The first votes were cast in the fall of 2004, when the total deal was under $500 million. To me, it was too costly in light of other pressing needs in this city.

I also thought that total was underestimated, and unreliable.

That surely proved true. The numbers have leaped from the first estimate, to $589 million, then $667 million and now to over $700 million.

There is no end in sight. And keep in mind that the spending machine has yet to grind into action. The first spade of dirt has yet to be moved.

The "cap" the Council passed last night ought to be something that Major League Baseball should be quick to accept.

It won't cap. The "value engineering" alone, along with the management construction committee, assures much wiggle room for this rabbit that has been so artfully pulled from the hat.

In plain fact: today, as in 2004, we do not know how much this deal is ultimately going to cost the people of the District of Columbia. We have estimates, we have hopes, but we simply do not know for sure. we do not that in other cities, stadium construction typically involves cost over-runs of about 40%. Why should DC be any different?

And then there are all the other pressing needs. Libraries. Schools. Public Safety. Housing. Will we have the same energy for those priorities as has been exhibited for this stadium?

There is much more to be said about this. But my web site (noted below) has various statements I have issued in the past.

I would enjoy having a baseball team as much as most. But, like many who have spoken to me, the critical question is: At what cost?

I again conclude that the costs, known and unknown, are too great for us.

Bests, Councilmember Jim Graham

I typically answer emails before 9 AM on weekdays. If you email me after that, it is likely that you will hear from me the next weekday. If there is a need to communicate prior to that, you may wish to call me.

Jim Graham, Councilmember, Ward One, 1350 Pa. Ave., NW, #105, Washington, DC 20004. 202-724-8181; 202-724-8109 (fax).

Chairman, Committee on Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. Main Committee Number: 202-724-8198. 1350 Pa. Ave., NW, #112, Washington, DC 20004.

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