Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Vote against the current Marlins stadium deal. This project is NOT an engine of economic recovery, it is a waste of taxpayer money with no benefit to the community.

For two years our Public Good from Public Money coalition of contractors, residents and unions have worked to get public benefit from the taxpayer financed Marlins' Stadium. Demands included local hiring, job training, minority contracting and resident programs to address complaints during construction. The team refuses to put a single requirement in writing. The case that the Marlins Stadium construction agreement is a bad deal for the public:

* Taxpayers will be stuck with inevitable cost overruns; the Marlins will take the benefits.

* Our tax dollars should not bail out this private enterprise. Taxes from the redevelopment areas should be used to salvage those neighborhoods. Convention Development taxes should be invested in convention center modernization and proven activities that benefit our tourist economy.

* A public referendum should be held since so much public money is put at risk for the benefit of a private, for-profit enterprise.

Not surprisingly public employee unions are concerned that their jobs are at risk and will be speaking against the project.

At this point, over $600 million in public money is going to a private company with no requirements to protect taxpayers from liability; create local jobs; support local business; or support the neighborhood surrounding the proposed facility.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
February 25, 2009