Wednesday, September 17, 2008

No Expansion Without Justification

There other choices and needs, besides the Convention Center expansion.  Vote no on ballot question 2B.

Pueblo Citizens for Positive Change

No Expansion Without Justification

Here’s Why a “Vote No” on the Convention Center Ballot Question 2B is the Right Choice

PUEBLO: This Will Cost You Money. It does not matter if it is called a tax or fee, the money is out of your pocket. Where is the value to the community? When will “our real needs” be addressed?

The Urban Renewal Authority (URA), the Convention Center gatekeeper, has not been able to prove that the expansion will bring in a significant amount of out-of-town business to Pueblo. When we requested past performance records URA provided incomplete and inaccurate files, leading one to question the credibility of the URA. National studies show the number and attendance at conventions and trade shows have been decreasing.

The Convention Center operated at a deficit every year and would 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). The City Attorney told the City Council (6-9-08) that the Convention Center deficit was $500,000 in 2007.

Each year Pueblo sends Global Spectrum, the Convention Center management firm, over $120,000. In 2007 checks were written to out-of-town Global Spectrum for over $150,000 (2007 Convention Center check history).

Financing for the expansion would include paying interest only until the year 2019. What will be the actual cost at the payoff year 2029:  14 million, 20 million? Remember that URA and the City have a history of cost overruns. We have until 2019 to make the decision as to how to spend the Vendor’s Fees or to stop collecting it after 2019.

There are other choices and needs, besides the Convention Center expansion!

To learn more and to record your opinion, visit http://WWW.PUEBLOG.ORG  or http://www.pueblog.us  on the Internet.
Donations for copying are urgently needed (call PCPC). Contact Ted Freeman 544-4479 or Alvin Rivera 566-0069.