Regarding "Plans again take shape for future of Astrodome", (Thursday Outlook) Harris County Sports and Convention Corp. chairman Edgar Colon writes about the "slow process" of repurposing the Astrodome, although he is encouraged by the recent interest of private investors, something that has been lacking until now. This may well be true, but Greater Houston taxpayers need to be wary. It is a simple fact that every major sports and convention venue built in Houston has been heavily subsidized by taxpayers, as well as any subsequent modernizations, most notably the $90 million dollar face lift to the 'Dome back in 1988 that was supposed to get us a Super Bowl. Back then, Bud Adams and the sports authority used both carrot and stick to get their taxpayer subsidies, at least until in 1993 when Adams demanded a new stadium and Mayor Bob Lanier finally said "enough is enough". Adams, infamously, abandoned Houston for Nashville.
The common thread between events of the Bud Adams era and the 'Dome today is the carrot and stick approach. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suggests none too subtly that the Super Bowl might not come here unless Houston does something with the Dome. Edgar Colon promises a "first-class, multipurpose complex" that will bring "economic development and jobs to the region". While the tone is friendlier than Adams' mix of wild promises and threats, the endgame seems to be the same: taxpayer funding for the private gain of a wealthy few, at least based on Mr. Colon's promise to "continue to develop information to allow taxpayers to make sound decisions".
Mr. Colon needs to elaborate on these private investors who will be the salvation of the 'Dome and whether it is feasible for them to pick up the whole tab. Houstonians have made every one of these investments a success by purchasing tickets and patronizing the concessions. There's no reason why we should have to pay for them as well.
Pete Smith
Cypress
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