15 Comments
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Rob Nelson's avatar

💯% percent correct, Dwight! MLB to Portland would be a long overdue dream come true for all Oregonians - not just baseball fans. My wish: Tampa Bay plays this season and next at the 11,000 Steinbrenner Field, and then moves to The City of Roses. What do you think?

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Don Williams's avatar

Spot on and I hope you keep reaffirming that assertion as this progresses.

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Dale Scott's avatar

This is a fantastic way to help finance a new stadium! And I'm well aware of the jock tax as they call it.

When I was working, I had to file in like 12 states and four municipalities for the games I worked that season. Talk about a pain! Not to mention my accountant got to pocket extra cash for every place I filed.

I hope people understand what this is all about, that it's not a sticking the taxpayer with more debt.

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Kirk Findlay's avatar

Thank you Dwight for always setting the record straight. If soccer wasn't voted in (3-2) we would have likely landed another team already. People don't realize how many years you personally put in with the Beavers and baseball in Portland... so, as I wrap up my documentary, it will obviously shine a light on the city of roses vast history -and love affair- with Portland.

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Andy McClouskey's avatar

As always, Godfather, well done and even a guy from Lebanon can figure out this is a win-win! Thanks Dwight!!

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Todd M's avatar

It’s a win win for the city and the state. It needs to happen.

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Javier's avatar

IMO: With Governor Brown 2.0 leading Oregon, an incompetent Mutlnomah County Chair (Vega Pederson),another spineless Portland mayor (Keith Wilson-- aka Ted Wheeler 2.0) and the most extreme left Portland City Council ever elected…. it's gonna be a long shot.

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Todd M's avatar

There always seems to be obstacles. I hope the powers that be can overcome them.

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Javier's avatar

I'm thinking the new Socialist Strong (4 members are avowed Socialists) City Council in Portland is going to fight this development every step of the way. At the least, they will demand kickbacks for all kinds of absurdities. Good luck.

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Joe F's avatar

true, so don't build it and use our efforts else where. I understand those funds are used for the stadium. Many of whom I have spoken with here at OHSU and Prov hospitals don't believe this is will, not a good idea, poor decision for the location, efforts and funds that would be used will still impact us. no free rides. It always comes back on the tenants. I do property managing as well, the city enforces policy to limit landlords thinking it will help tenants but it never does. Fix the city first, going to a ball game for 6 hours isn't going to make our issues go away.

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Joe F's avatar

I love baseball, but no thank you. location, it is horrible. I work at OHSU and the traffic and location for this hospital is already problematic. I would like to go to a MLB game but why can't we use the funds for this stadium to help other issues in the city first? Roads, schools, get rid of the homeless and clean up the city. If we are going to have visiting teams and others come to watch their team. Should we not have the city look great! The downtown area and surrounding limits need more attention. The location for the stadium should be further up river across the river from the train station. You can even building another bridge since you all love bridges here (yes, I have lived here all my life). There are so many buildings in that area that could be torn down and make room for this. There would be plenty of room for parking unlike the area proposed. Having the stadium in that area would also bring more attention to developers and city engineers to build this area up and make it look nice again. Again, I love baseball....lets fix the schools and make it worth it.

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Dwight Jaynes's avatar

The funds you wish to use for other things would not be available unless the ballpark is built. And it won’t be built without those funds.

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Joe F's avatar

I'm sure many would rather have the area a park or make the waterfront area accessible to water sports. Traffic and parking has been difficult in the past, and currently it is a nightmare.

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Jojo Malone's avatar

GO or Revenue Bonds ?

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Stan's avatar

You can’t convince me that the Blazers or Timbers or Thorns haven’t been good for the city. You can’t convince me that they don’t bring in revenue far and above anything they need from taxpayers. MLB would be a gift to the city of Portland and spark another friendly rivalry with the city to the north.

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