Charlotte Observer reports Mecklenburg County’s $120 million share for a proposed Major League Soccer stadium could be suffering a setback— Democrat County Commissioner Dumont Clarke–the swing vote on county funding—says he wants the city to pitch in:
“Why are we budgeting for this when our key partner isn’t willing to endorse it?” Clarke said in an interview Monday. “This gives the city a deadline to see what they will do.”
….Already, Republicans Bill James, Jim Puckett and Matthew Ridenhour and Democrat Pat Cotham were against the plan. If Clarke or anyone else joins them, that would be a majority against using county tax dollars on Major League Soccer.
“It’s contingent on the city joining us,” Puckett said. “The money is being held and could be used otherwise, as late as August, if we decide to back out.”
There may not be much support from the city, especially in an election year.
“We’d be crazy to do it right now,” said council member Claire Fallon, a Democrat. “The people of Charlotte don’t want to spend the money.”
At the present time, the City Council is holding back on its $43 million share of stadium funding. We’ll see how this plays out. But first—one question—when has an election year ever stopped a city council from spending money on a so-called lifestyle project even when the “people” don’t want to spend the money?
