Pueblog USa
Saturday, July 05, 2008
A “No Vote” on the Convention Center Ballot Question is the Right Choice.
When the City doesn’t want to call a tax a tax they call it a fee. Because of the cost to assemble people for a convention and the ability of technology to conference large groups of people without transporting them, conventions are in decline.
Pueblo: This Will Cost You Money
Here’s Why a “Vote No” on the Convention Center Ballot Question is the Right Choice.
It doesn’t matter if it is called a tax or fee, the money is out of your pocket. Where’s the value to the community?
• National studies show the number and attendance of conventions and trade shows have been decreasing. It is a fact!
• The Urban Renewal Authority (URA), the gatekeepers of the Convention Center, has not been able to prove that the expansion will bring in a significant amount of out-of-town business to Pueblo. We have requested past performance records, URA provided incomplete and inaccurate files, leading one to question the credibility of the URA.
• The Convention Center operated at a deficit every year and will continue to do so even with the expansion. During the years 2005, 2006, and 2007 the operating deficit averaged $400,000 each year (Pueblo Chieftain, 6-4-08). City Attorney, told the City Council (6-9-08) that the Convention Center deficit was $500,000 for 2007.