Marlins Stadium Update No. 323,009 (County meeting begins)
I’m not the only one who thinks we could be at the Miami-Dade County government center for three days, given how many people are here to speak about the Marlins ballpark issue. Even County Commission Chairman Dennis Moss as he explained the guidelines for the afternoon’s meeting, said somewhat warily: “Hopefully, at some point today we’ll be able to adjourn.”
A group of at least 50 people representing union carpenters crowded outside county hall. They held up signs reading: “We are here, we are ready, we’ll work,” “Unemployed voter,” “Go Marlins, Vote Yes,” and ones in Spanish that read “Stadium equals Jobs,” and “Build the Stadium.” The group cheered loudly, singing and raising their fists in the air.
Meanwhile, members of Coalition Against Marlins Bailout, lined up in the lobby of the government center, waiting to enter the commission chambers. They are wearing shirts representing their workers and community organizations and little signs reading “No Marlins Bailout.” The coalition is concerned about the type of jobs the deal will provide and that the deal is unfair to citizens.
“Unfortunately, we’re not going to be allowed to vote on this deal,” said Michael Burnstine, coalition co-founder.
So, far 18 people have spoken with support running two to one in favor of the stadium, but there are many more people scheduled to speak.
CRAIG DAVIS In more than 33 years at the Sun Sentinel, Craig Davis has written about a wide variety of sports topics from baseball to yachting, fishing to triathlons, and also worked as a copy editor and page designer. Recently he reported on local sports, including running, swimming, cycling, equestrian and beach volleyball. He enjoys sports as a participant as well as a spectator, is active in the South Florida running scene plays in the curling club at Saveology Iceplex. This blog offers a glimpse at the business side of sports in the interest of enhancing enjoyment of the games and sporting options as a spectator as well as a participant.