The Team of Nine: What it might look like

So I'm back from three weeks of vacation (me pictured behind a stein of beer in Tallinn, Estonia). And what did I miss on the stadium front? It seems like not all that much. We still don't know who's going to be on this baseball coalition, other than Progress Energy CEO Jeff Lyash.

We do know the size of the committee, however, nine. And we know the group also has a name, A Baseball Community, Inc. If I had to guess, here's what I think the committee will look like when it's seated in September.

1. Lyash, chairman
2. St. Petersburg resident leader (CONA?)
3. Pinellas County civic/community leader
4. Rays season ticket holder.
5. St. Petersburg business leader (chamber, partnership, Steve Raymund of Tech Data?)
6. Pinellas beach business leader (Clearwater perhaps)
7. Somebody from Hillsborough/Tampa
8. Ex-politician
9. ????????????? (Could this be the POWW seat? Will Lyash give them one?)

Am I missing something?

Comments

[get-smart]

AAron -
Is it me or are the Rays targeting your blog for their advertisements?

Where is the picture of the super model?

I thought there were nine team members and a coach.

Who is actually going to do the work on the committee?

Do you think the ABCB web blog will compete with your blog or is it a joke?

What's with the donations?

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[get-smart]

AAron -
Is it me or are the Rays targeting your blog for their advertisements?

Where is the picture of the super model?

I thought there were nine team members and a coach.

Who is actually going to do the work on the committee?

Do you think the ABCB web blog will compete with your blog or is it a joke?

What's with the donations?

-

[Rick K]

Aaron, welcome back and thanks for yet another great topic.

I am glad to see that the Coalition as declared it mission "will serve as a community-wide effort to identify what it will take to ENSURE major league baseball here is vital, viable and successful over a long period of time, in the best interests of our community." {emphasis mine}

And, as I correctly predicted,
"All contributing members of the Coalition fully share in this fundamental proposition."

If Lyash sticks to his guns (which he will), no POWW people need apply.

Here is how I see it shaking out...

1. Lyash, chairman (with loads of support from paid folks at Progress Energy who will be the "staff" of the Coalition.

2. A St. Petersburg resident leader who has experience with the Citizen governance organizations, but who may not currently be a member of them. I am not sure if anyone in CONA's leadership will commit to the "we are finding a way to do this, not arguing about if we should do it" pledge.

3. A highly visible Pinellas County civic/community leader, or a celebrity /former athlete with some business credentials, or one who has an affectionate relationship with the community. (Mike Alstot or Ron Diaz, for example)

4. A "joe (or jane) schmoe," who is either a Rays season ticket holder, or someone who goes to a lot of games. I predict this person will be a transplant to the Bay Area.

5. Someone major from the St. Petersburg business leadership community (like you said, from the chamber or partnership. Steve Raymund of Tech Data would be huge.)

6. A Pinellas beach business leader, from anywhere on the beach. (I agree that Clearwater seems to imply more certain geographic diversity).

7. Somebody from Hillsborough/Tampa. It would be best if this was either a high profile business person, someone who was involved in sports, or someone with Tampa business interests who will be obviously playing the role of advocating what is best for the region. As Ted Webb was involved before, he might make a great choice. Or perhaps CowHead (who lives in Pasco County).

8 & 9. I think the last two seats could be filled by former politicians, beloved sports figures, entrepreneurs, or more joe schmoes.

It would be pretty powerfully persausive to the undecided citizen to have had 3 "regular" citizens on the panel.

There are enough talented people in this pool who could actually bring real quality contributions to the panel and add to the process.

Of course, each of the nine members will also be responsible for being the visible point person with various sub constituencies.

I think it will be interesting.

[Rick K]

Another thought, Aaron... the Coalition could form (informal) sub committees to expand their reach.

If they had a major media figure on board (Dickey V, anyone?), that person could meet with other radio/tv/print journalists regularly.

Lyash can spearhead the efforts inside board rooms all over town.

A former or current elected POL could meet with elected POLS from governments far and wide.... Bradenton, Crystal River, and all the rest.

A key player from the local Chamber of Commerce can coordinated communication with other Chambers in the five county area.

A Tourism official (involved in operating one of our resort hotels) could be the "unofficial" link to the tourism industry.

And so on.

[John D]

Once again, Rick K, I applaud you for an interesting, informative post. You have obviously thought long and hard on the subject--far more than I. There's one thing that's not entirely clear to me, however. You're a huge proponent of totally free markets (not that there's anything wrong with that)--so I wonder: why does gov't or the general public have any right to interfere with the Rays' ownership? Souldn't they have the right to buy land, build a stadium on it--and then play ball forever, or sell it to the highest bidder?
Or did I miss something?

[Paul]

So Rick, you think a guy named 'Cowhead' would be a good fit for the coalition?

haha

ok.

This coalition is already annoying me. No members from the large pool of people who believe the Trop is just fine? Ok. Hey, its not like its everyones 1/2 billion they want to spend, I mean why should I have any say about how our/my tax money gets spent? What the heck, my property taxes have only doubled on my non-homesteaded properties in the last few years... I shouldn't be included, of course not, I only pay lots of taxes in St Pete/Pinellas, don't include me. nope.

[Don Mott]

Rick K for mayor, as soon as he tells us his real name. He sees all and knows all much better than anyone else.

[since1962]

A coalition is by definition an alliance of FACTIONS...

not a fan club!

This issue has generated tremedous grassroots interest both pro and QUESTIONING.
A large segment of Pinellans will be excluded during this important economic discussion
and another failure will ensue if only baseball fans voices are heard.

[mrclean]

I nominate Rene Flowers. She will add to the entertainment. She would also fill the minority role. Ex city council role. Talk about harpies. I couldn't wish her on a better group.

[since1962]

Let THEM pray

[John]

Rick K is sounding more like Aaron's parrot every day...too funny.

I posted a thoughtful comment on the new "ABC blog" a few days ago, yet it still hasn't shown up. Wonder why that is? Are they censoring posts already?

This whole "coalition" is a dog and pony show and nothing more.

Read the comments from TBO and Bay News Nine stories about this. Not a single taxpayer in favor of a new stadium, anywhere, until the economy rebounds significantly.

The Rays blew it with their hidden agendas and secret meetings and ruining our tradition of Spring Training in this city in hopes of grabbing Al Lang for themselves. Didn't work then, won't work now.

People don't forget. They won't forget next city election, either.

This stadium is going to be a major local campaign issue next year, regardless of Bush style "coalitions of the willing".

The only good thing is the fact we don't have do listen to the moron espouse his beloved "Paired redevelopment proposals" any more.

And for that, I am grateful.

[Dave In St Pete]

Where is this "ABC Blog"?

[Rick K]

Dave, you will find it at the coalition's website.

www.abc-baseball.com

John, sticks and stones.
And if you read THIS blog, you will still be encountering mention of the paired redevelopment proposals. If you don't wish to read it, you can always stay over at those "100% negative" blogs you adore.

John D., ON the off chance that you are actually curious about my economic philosophy, permit me to explain.

My study of economics has convinced me that free markets are the most efficient mechanism for allocating scare resources, setting prices, and determing the quantity of outputs and inputs.

However, I recognize that some regulation is desirable. The easiest example is permitting only a single electric utility to operate in a particular neighborhood, but regulating the monopoly.

I also think it is somtimes a reasonable part of the democratic process when citizens choose to tax themselves and allocate those tax collections to be spent on the provision of various public goods, even though those goods can often provided entirely by the private sector.

The key to me is to have the process be democratic enough. So, while I did not think "long and hard" about this topic, I think this coalition task force is a terrific idea. I wonder why those who were in favor of the work POWW did would oppose a contrary effort of citizens, whose recommendations must, at the end of the day, win approval from voters and/or elected representatives.

For example, let's say that the outcome of the coalitions work is a proposal for a privately financed stadium in Pinellas to open in 2013. That would still require approval from at least the City Council, because they would have to modify the Rays existing lease agreement. I am okay as long as their is honest and fair exchange, and the people or their representatives get to vote.

To me, it's the best possible marriage of free markets and the collective choices of electors.

[John D]

Rick--
Points well taken, as usual. And, believe it or not, I tend to fall on the free market side myself--as long as there is reasonable, effective regulation. I say this because in every case, the unregulated free market ends in monopoly: witness all the robber barons of the past, and the drug dealers of today. In no case is an unregulated monopoly a good thing for the consumer.
Back to the Coalition: I still maintain that it's a useless waste of time, no matter how it's constituted. We know enough right now to put several proposals to the people's reps and let them hash through to a final one, which, I assume, the populace could accept or reject. Toytown, with all its probs, looks like the winner. I believe the money will magically appear.
Howsomever, we happen to be nearing an election, and nothing ever gets done in an election year. Thus the Coalition is a convenient delaying tactic.
Meanwhile, tomorrow, I'm off to get tix for Labor Day week, when visiting friends and my wife & I will enjoy a couple Rays games in A/C comfort. Dey better win, da bums. Or else.

[Bill]

Aaron,

What about FANS? They support the Rays, support the stadium, support a long-term commitment to Major League Baseball. Doesn't that fit the criteria that Lyash is looking for?

FANS should be given consideration as well.

[Rick K]

Paul, I will resist the urge to make a smart-mouthed comment about you being annoyed, and instead ask you a serious question.

Why on earth would ANYONE seeking to assemble a group of people to accomplish a specific task include people who aren't 100% committed to accomplishing the task?

POWW did not include Pro-Waterfront Stadium folks on it's executive or steering committee. The Democratic National Committee does not include Republicans as key members, and American Courts do not generally welcome convicted felons into chambers to help judges figure out how best to dispense justice.

Does your boss routinely assign people to a work task that they have no interest in completing? Is that the formula for success as you know it?

Paul, I am not sure why you are complaining about the possibility that you might not have a say in the ultimate stadium proposal that comes out of the coalition. That was POWW's objective. We were headed towards a series of votes by publicly elected government bodies, followed by a city wide ballot question that would have permitted citizens of St. Pete to decide for themselves.

POWW opted to form an unelected coalition, answerable only to themselves, to deprive Citizens of a chance to have a say this November on the Rays proposal. Because of the actions of POWW's "coalition," another coalition is now being formed to do much of what POWW asked for. This coalition will search, survey, and seek out information. They will assemble data and analyze it, and come up with a plan that they believe best serves the community and the Rays.

At that time, if a vote is required on whatever proposal the coalition has come up with, you, along with everyone else, will get to vote.

That is a beautiful thing.

The American colonies did not send representatives to Philadelphia in 1776 to debate how best to formally declare our independence from England. They sent representatives to work out HOW to do it.

it but it but it but but

[Rick K]

Sorry about the weird typos in my previous post.

The last bit was meant to be that we didn't send people to Philly to debate whether or not to formally separate from England, we sent them to figure out how to do it.

(Those "buts" at the end are a new weird glitch with my wireless internet. Has anyone else ever seen that?)

[Mr. Tibbs]

There first task should be to change the name of the team to ST. Petersburg Rays .

[Paul]

Well Rick, the mayor appointed Lyash to head up the coalition. The mayor works for the people and me, as I help pay his salary... and the resulting coalition doesn't seem to represent all the people, only those favoring a stadium. That, to me, is a conflict of interest in the Mayor representing the people of St Pete.

As much as you don't like to admit, many of us do not want a new stadium. So, the way I see it, since the mayor started this and our mayor and county commissioners were standing next to Lyash when he made the big announcement on Monday, that kinda seems like my tax dollars at work... and working against my tax paying wishes, which, are to not build a new stadium. To me, it seems that the local govt is organizing against the numerous number of people who have clearly shown they don't want a new stadium on the waterfront (that would be the red yard signs). Lyash said 'no site is off the table for consideration at this point'. That is not cool. That smacks of disrespect to every single person who had or has a red yard sign and the others who agree. There is my point of annoyance. There ya go. Nice and civil too, smart alec free response, for the very first time.

As for my boss, that is irrelevant. As for POWW, that too is irrelevant. This is about the coalition, today and now. What happened over the past few months clearly doesn't matter to Lyash, the Mayor or the mission of the newly founded coalition. This is a coalition with the purpose of raiding the City and County coffers. Nothing less.

My prediction: round 2 will be even uglier than the Rays first attempt. Let the games begin.

[atrulyconcernedcitizen]

Nobody needs to be too excited about this coalition. This is simply a gambit to help the Rays justify another huge MLB grab of corporate welfare. It is a PR move and nothing more. There will be NO real research or genuine discussion. The result is a foregone conclusion with the exception of the site. One can guess however it's either Toytown or Tropicana because these people do NOT want a vote...especially in an off year election with the majority of voters actually informed.

When you listen to Mr. Lyash list the qualifications for inclusion in this "coalition", "You must be a baseball fan. You must be committed to helping the Rays succeed in the longterm.", you can see that this group is not looking for answers, but simply for justification for the conclusion they have already reached.

Mind you I'm not totally "anti" subsidy. We gave 12 million to Jabil for close to 3,000 good paying jobs. I believe in excess of 3 million came from the state for SRI for quality high paying research positions. In fact the SRI investment has led to the recent announcement of yet another research company setting up shop in both St. Petersburg and Tampa. Councilman Jeff Danner is trying to beg 1 million from private sources so that the city can subsidize the "Arts" in an ongoing fashion with the endowment. Perhaps "some" subsidy would be in order for our baseball fans. Could we at least have some sense of perspective when it comes to the MLB subsidy? 300 million...roughly 15 million a year for 30 years...actually very low estimates and probably not realistic...simply seems totally out of proportion to me.

Consider that Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees makes enough annual salary to pay that 15 million annually and still have 10 million left over for himself. Consider that the top 3 Ray's players salaries would more than cover the 15 million needed annually to pay for the stadium NOBODY can actually claim the team NEEDS our money. However it is simply a fact of life that the team can get the money from us or some other community with an inferiority complex large enough to desperately need to be called "Major League". Can you say Rick Mussett or Rick Baker? My point is simply that is there no sense of fairness?

In an age when folks are facing foreclosure, high gas prices, a shaky economy, outrageous insurance premiums and yes skyrocketing tax rates do we really consider it fair to subsidize multimillionaire athletes and billionaire owners?

[Don Mott]

It is never fair. And it is getting ridiculous. Someone somewhere has to put a stop to the bleeding of communities on the false pretenses of monetary gains. The only ones who gain are the millionaire owners. Regardless of what some say it has been proven over and over again. Even the Sonics owners said before their move that the franchise did not contribute to the city coffers. Did anyone else notice that the abc sight has removed the Blog option? I wonder why? Did you also notice that besides asking for donations they are also looking for volunteer fund raisers? Sounds more like a PAC than an independent coalition.

[Don Mott]

Also as I understand it an employee of Progress Energy owns the domain. An employee of Progress Energy is also the treasurer of abc. Hmmmm! I smell something and it ain't roses.

[get-smart]

Mr. Tibbs -

The committee is controlled by Matt.

The committee was set up at the request of the Rays. Once the Rays realized the waterfront scenario was a disaster, they went to Mayor Baker and asked him to begin a process that was local. Matt quickly learned that he was the outsider when dealing with the county and the voters.

Baker called on his buddy Lyash to set up the committee because Lyash has the resources to do so. Matt is still calling the shots.

As a committee, the first order of business should be to vote on a new chair and get rid of Matt and Lyash. But that's not going to happen. That is why this committee will fail.

By having Lyash and Matt attached to this council, the findings will never be impartial. These guys may be able to BS and bribe their way with the mayor, city council, BOCC and the other elected officials but they won't be able to withstand the re-tooling of POWW, CONA and other 'not with my tax money' crowd. The '09 elections will change the political landscape in St Pete.

The best thing for the Rays is to take the ToyTown land build their own stadium with their own money.

-

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[since1962]

Rick
Your obsfucation and juvenile 'chatter' does not negate the real economic impact any proposal will have on our and economic and geographic structure.

Convicted felons and republicans aside (office of redundancy office?) such implications REQUIRE maximum public participation and discussion....

NOT a GLEE CLUB

[since1962]

Truly Concerned
Perhaps the most unfortunate and economicly destructive consequense of this charade will be the subsidy fallout.

Subsidies are intended as a business attractor not an onoing taxpayer funded extortion racket for existing business.

Now the word subsidy has the lowest connotation and our economy will suffer.

THANKS RAYS, City Staff, Jabil And...
the
TIMES
for NOT kepping us informed BEFORE public turned against ALL subsidies.