Tillis and Berger on Panthers
An email was sent yesterday with the following Panthers update.
Raleigh, N.C. – North Carolina House Speaker Thom Tillis (R-Mecklenburg) and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) released the following joint statement today regarding the Carolina Panthers:
“Conversations with the Carolina Panthers organization and local and legislative officials are ongoing and productive. The Panthers not only produce thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in economic impact, but are a source of pride for the Charlotte region and the entire state. We remain steadfast and committed to keeping the Panthers in North Carolina and will continue to work together to achieve that goal.”
Gentleman, I would respectfully submit that the Panthers do NOT bring millions of dollars of economic impact, they simply shift its location.
Further, this entire notion of attempting to “keep the Panthers in Charlotte” is a non issue. There is no way whatsoever that they would leave. It is simply too profitable an enterprise.
On the plus side, there is no discussion of a referendum.
If you are opposed to this, please contact these officials.
Speaker Thom Tillis:
919-733-3451
Thom.Tillis@ncleg.net
Senator Phil Berger:
(919) 733-5708
Phil.Berger@ncleg.net
Let them know:
“NO to state money for the Panthers.”
“NO to a tax increase in Charlotte.”
“NO referendum required.”
The shifting dollars is correct. While I’m sure that some tourism is generated for out of state dollars, the cost of doing so it astronomical. There is no reason for this sort of crony capitalism. If it’s a good business, it can stand on its own. If it isn’t a good business, then government intervention with corporate welfare is merely taking away production from the tax payers.
Please do not bail out sports teams.
Bingo! As I’ve pointed out previously, the Panthers are the 13th most profitable sports venture in the country with the 6th highest attendance in the NFL. They can absolutely stand on their own.
Jerry Richardson was asked recently why he needed to ask for public dollars. His response was, “Because I can.”
That is what’s wrong with our government! They are being extorted by big businesses that threaten to leave. Well, in this case, there is no threat since Richardson has said publicly many times that he has no intention of leaving!
CH, I admit I am not familiar as you are with this story, but if Richardson has said publicly many times he has no intention of leaving, how is his asking for money equal to exhorting government? I don’t blame him for asking, though as I’ve said on other posts I would blame the pols for not telling him no.
My letter to Speaker Tillis, Rep. Stam and Sen. Berger,
I know that you are hearing from many on the issue of funding for the Panther Stadium. I understand the benefits of having the team in NC but fail to see where the taxpayers of NC have any obligation to support this expansion. As a small business owner in NC, I am saddened that many feel that we must “pay” or “bribe” some businesses while the remainder of us in business foot the bill. I hope that you will stand up for the taxpayers and not the “wealthy” owners of the team. I detest to use the term “wealthy” in any negative way because liberals have been so successful in demonizing those productive citizens, therefore I am using it reluctantly. In this case, I believe that it certainly applies. By most standards, owners of football franchises are wealthy and by most standards, taxpayers of NC are not. I can never justify transferring funds from those taxpayers, that have no claim to tax monies, except they earned it in the first place, to these individuals. Most of us in NC, have never been to a Panthers game. It would be interesting to see how many taxpayers have actually been able to participate in this luxury. I believe, without any doubt, that the owners and players that benefit from the revenue stream of the Panthers can pay for their own “House.”
Thanks for listening,
Joyce Krawiec