Submitted by Matt Catusco, Oct 31, 2007 23:45

While I agree with your comments regarding the use of taxpayer funds for millionaire's pet projects, I disagree with your assessment that "at least...(Silver), scuttled a plan to lavish taxpayer subsidies on a new stadium". Not the taxpayer part of the statement; rather the part that "at least", like he did us any favors.

There were other interests at hand....MSG employs Silver's son. The new stadium was also slated to replace the decrepit Javits Center, and to be a competitor to the scions of MSG for concerts, and other events. Yes, the stadium would've been primarily for the Jets, but also would've served as a draw for conventions, which NYC is falling more and more behind in drawing or expanding.

Mega events such as the Superbowl or the Olympics could have been had. Additionally, by having a competitor, MSG would have to be more competitive via the 'free market'.

Otherwise, I agree that we the taxpayers should not have to subsidize Bill Gates throwing fastballs to Donald Trump as Everyday Joe/Jane pays $500 to take his/her family of 4 to a baseball game. The owners should have been held more fiscally responsible to construct the old or refurbish the new stadiums.

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