Chargers make sales pitch; townsfolk are not buying

January 18, 2003

Abstract:
The comments of both Chargers hired gun Mark Fabiani and task force member Patti Roscoe at the recent public forum are infuriating to this 49-year San Diego native. When Fabiani says we've been here for 40 years . . . " he couldn't be more misleading. He has been here solely as a highly paid, often arrogant mouthpiece for less than two years. The current Spanos ownership group, with its long- established disdain and disregard for the citizens of this community, as anything other than a source of cash to grab and stuff in their pickets, can make no justifiable claim to the honored legacy of owners such as Barron Hilton and Gene Klein.

Let's put the Chargers/stadium squabble to an end once and for all. Hold a special vote by the registered voters of San Diego County. If the vote passes by a two-thirds majority, then the public and the Spanoses split the cost of a new stadium. If the vote does not pass, the Chargers are free to go.

Same arguments, different day! Public-private partnership, no real cost to the taxpayer, the only difference between the Padres pleas for a new ballpark and the Chargers is that the Chargers didn't put a winning team on the field. At least this time some of our local politicians are willing to say enough is enough, there is no money for corporate greed disguised as public benefit. As stated by Council member Frye, "we are facing a $100 million deficit", however our mayor will not acknowledge the issues and defers to the task force through a spokesperson.

Full Text:
Copyright SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE PUBLISHING COMPANY Jan 18, 2003

The comments of both Chargers hired gun Mark Fabiani and task force member Patti Roscoe at the recent public forum are infuriating to this 49-year San Diego native. When Fabiani says we've been here for 40 years . . . " he couldn't be more misleading. He has been here solely as a highly paid, often arrogant mouthpiece for less than two years. The current Spanos ownership group, with its long- established disdain and disregard for the citizens of this community, as anything other than a source of cash to grab and stuff in their pickets, can make no justifiable claim to the honored legacy of owners such as Barron Hilton and Gene Klein.

Roscoe's statement about San Diego moving backward is the same litany we have heard over the years from various advocates of projects that have appropriated public lands, increased taxpayer debt obligation, and left citywide infrastructure needs unmet, all in order to further enrich a well-connected elite. We, the little people of this city, are sick and tired of giveaways of public land, of businessmen who refuse to pay their own way, and most of all, of shills who will say anything they're paid to in the effort to sway a public vote and raid the city's coffers. JOHN A. TURNER San Diego

Let's put the Chargers/stadium squabble to an end once and for all. Hold a special vote by the registered voters of San Diego County. If the vote passes by a two-thirds majority, then the public and the Spanoses split the cost of a new stadium. If the vote does not pass, the Chargers are free to go.

In my opinion, and the opinion of many others, there is absolutely nothing wrong with Qualcomm Stadium. STEVE ALDRIDGE Ocean Beach

Same arguments, different day! Public-private partnership, no real cost to the taxpayer, the only difference between the Padres pleas for a new ballpark and the Chargers is that the Chargers didn't put a winning team on the field. At least this time some of our local politicians are willing to say enough is enough, there is no money for corporate greed disguised as public benefit. As stated by Council member Frye, "we are facing a $100 million deficit", however our mayor will not acknowledge the issues and defers to the task force through a spokesperson.

We were seduced once by empty promises, all I can say now is "Donna Frye for Mayor" before it is too late. MICHAEL IRELAND South Park

Fabiani spoke of how football brings a community together. Fans try to kill each other, they beat, and even bite each other. That sure gives me a sense of community.

He said it will lead to future Super Bowl games but San Diego is full of apprehension at the thought that fans of a particular team might visit our city.

He says the costs can be covered by using the surrounding land for housing, offices, retail and a hotel. Do we really need any more retail space in Mission Valley? Hotels abound (remember Hotel Circle?).

Please, Mark, give me a break. San Diego's community spirit was here long before the Chargers and will be here long after they're gone. MICHAEL DOWNS San Diego

Many folks in North County are quite willing to buy an occasional ticket for a football game in the new stadium. It will be a rare game when tickets are not available because of the new, outrageous prices (see Padres' new stadium prices for reference). We will really appreciate the big spenders in the city subsidizing this venue for our use.

Incidentally, the Spanos/Chargers new offer is fabulous -- if your name is Spanos. The $400 million to be split equally. Pay no attention to the probability that the league will ante up about $100 million, which it has done recently for other stadia. That leaves $100 million, which is $26 million less than the Cincinnati Bengals just received for naming rights.

Should I ever be invited to play poker with the Spanoses, we will definitely be using my deck of cards -- the one with no corners nicked. DAVID L. BROWN Escondido

How about putting the Chargers and their deal-makers on eBay? Maybe with a little luck and a dumb buyer the city could bring in enough to keep police, fire and lifeguards from losing their jobs. We could get rid of mediocre performers in exchange for keeping those whose job performances save lives in this city. Then turn Qualcomm into a park, library, a few community swimming pools; well we citizens can have our `dreams' too.

Why don't the Chargers just buy the land, develop it however they wish and pay for their own dang stadium? If it's not economically feasible for them, then it isn't economically feasible for us, the taxpayers. CHRIS SCHULTZ San Diego