If you had told me two months ago that we were going to find out that the ballpark projected revenues numbers were going to be wrong... I guess I would have had to agree with you.
You might remember that we found out the city couldn't estimate the construction cost of a popsicle house within a million bucks. I guess it's no surprise that they got the ballpark figures wrong (in both directions). If my memory serves me right, there's a "consultant" hired to lead the city through all these numbers - ballpark and bond issue. It was a no-bid - you're hired on the spot type of deal. And I guess somebody should've checked them out a little more than they did.
El Paso is already facing a dire budget outlook. Add (or subtract) these money problems from the general fund and things are looking really bad.
Whether you felt that you were personally right or wrong here, the real question is what the city is going to do about it. The person overseeing all the screwed up construction costs in the bond issue was promoted. I'm guessing who ever did these numbers is getting a bonus.
What you are going to have a hard time doing is convincing the many fans of the baseball team that they are a bunch of fools who need to apologize to you. For your sake, check your stubborn, stupid and angry antics at the door. If you want to lose the name "crazies," you can be a part of the solution. Beating your chest exclaiming "I TOLD YOU SO!!!!" during the call to the public does nothing for nobody. Suggesting cuts in services and staff is what you should be talking about (as staff goes, you might suggest a simple math test as a means test).
The reality is we all knew this was going to be the outcome. The part that really baffles me is the CC has no qualms taking $ from the general fund to pay this bad debt yet refuses to come to an agreement with the firefighters. Where are the priorities? Begin cutting top level admin would be a start...however I would venture to guess this will give both the CC & CCC what they would consider as justification to join as one complete entity.
Mark my words in EP
Posted by: City budget woes | April 13, 2015 at 08:06 PM
Hell, David, we told you the numbers were going to be wrong two years ago. I reckon everybody involved (city staff, politicians, and even bloggers) have to admit they were either corrupt or incompetent. There's no satisfaction in being right. But don't try to convince me that you know what's best when you've got a blight like this on your record.
Posted by: synical hipster doosh | April 13, 2015 at 09:17 PM
synical hipster,
how can this be "on my record?" I'm not connected to the city of El Paso or the decision making process.
People only have the numbers their given. If one group is offering a number and the opposition is only screaming "you're wrong!" and not offering their own evidence... well then, there's not much to go on. Besides - the crazies were dead wrong here. They claimed the attendance would be abysmal and it has exceeded all expectations.
Posted by: David K | April 14, 2015 at 07:21 AM
I think the crazies said attendance may be high first year or two and then go down.
But David is right the issue now is how to fix ie where to start cutting services or rasing fees and taxes.
Posted by: Carl M Starr | April 14, 2015 at 09:52 AM
How convenient to now ask the crazies to come up with a solution. Those of you who voted for this got us here and now it should be you all who should cover the short fall.
You want a solution. How about you take a couple of extra dollars from each and every person who voted for the HOT tax. Of course we all know that isn't going to happen.
Posted by: By-Tor | April 14, 2015 at 12:14 PM
By-Tor,
how grown up of you! We'll just switch to a system where you get to pick and choose as an individual what your taxes go to. God I hope you live on the west side!
Posted by: David K | April 14, 2015 at 01:44 PM
Just double the HOT tax. Problem solved.
Posted by: Pudding | April 14, 2015 at 02:43 PM
Well, David, there were some numbers that just got pulled out of someone's ass. Like, the ballpark attendees would each spend $40 a night. That is, $160 for a family of four. You chose to accept that. Even though anyone you doesn't live in the Willows knew that El Pasoans don't have that kind of money. All it takes is a little honest critical thought. You're capable of that, right?
Posted by: synical hipster doosh | April 14, 2015 at 03:09 PM
synical hipster,
Honestly - I thought the parking numbers were hilarious. People in El Paso do not pay to park.
I didn't the number was $40 per person... if it was - then, yes it was wrong.
Posted by: David K | April 14, 2015 at 03:21 PM