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Contributed commentary by Clarksville City Council member Wallace Redd.
After reading the news article (about the Mayor’s Power Breakfast, “Mayors give updates on athletic complex, Exit 1 lighting, downtown parking and more“), two words stuck out in my mind: missed opportunity. Our Montgomery County mayor (Wes Golden) spoke of the tax revenue that this project (F&M Bank Arena) will bring in. We all know that this multi-purpose event center will be a net liability, and most government projections are a fantasy at best.
The reality is this was a missed opportunity, because from the beginning our county leaders involved in the development of the MPEC never took into consideration the private sector. With proper negotiations and flexibility of location, today we could have an event center with no cost to the taxpayer. It could have been a tax resource to help pay down our $350 million plus debt in the county.
Imagine the benefits if the private sector had undertaken this project. We would be reaping taxes instead of a new debt of more than $200 million. We would not be responsible for any upkeep or liability. We would not have to borrow another $28 million in taxpayers’ money just for parking. The location (downtown) does not make any sense and is problematic.
Remember, we already have one of the highest property taxes in the state and more than any county that borders us. In addition to the loans that the taxpayers will have to pay back, there will also be the ongoing expense of the day-to-day upkeep. More personnel will have to be hired at taxpayer expense.
We need to start asking politicians why they feel they must provide millionaires and billionaires with a facility for their sports teams and locate projects that benefit the few. It just does not make sense, especially knowing that this same type of project was turned down by referendum of the people by a 70% margin (the Clarksville conference center referendum in 2000). I suppose with many politicians, projects and big money, they go hand and hand.
Looking at our neighbors to the north, little Oak Grove, Kentucky, they did it right. They have a state-of-the-art center, with concerts, events and great parking. They even have parking for RV’s. Their citizens are not on the line with a huge debt to pay back. They will be reaping for years a tax revenue stream that will help lower their tax burden off the people. They did not miss their opportunity.
Wallace Redd