When the Phoenix Coyotes were eliminated by the L.A. Kings on Tuesday night, it meant a return to reality for them. That reality? A future that has been and remains uncertain as to where they will play.
You'll recall -- OK, you can't forget -- that they have been embattled in a three-year long struggle to secure a new owner. The NHL has owned the team and the process has seen its ups and downs.
The last time we were sharing news of the sale process it seemed very encouraging for the Coyotes and them staying in the Phoenix area. Gary Bettman was publicly identifying former Sharks CEO Greg Jamison as the man they wanted to move forward in the process with. Reports of a deal were premature, but things seemed to be at least progressing.
But we've been there before. Heck, we've been beyond that before like when Matthew Hulsizer appeared to have a deal in place to be the new owner only to have it blocked by local taxpayer watchdog the Goldwater Institute, which threatened litigation if the deal that involved bonds stood.
Well with reports of the city of Glendale agreeing to pay up to $17 million in operating costs under the deal that is being worked on with Jamison, Goldwater is already letting its position be known again, releasing this statement on Wednesday.
"Although the Council approved an arena management fee in the budget Tuesday, nothing requires the Council to spend all or any part of it. The city could sign an arena management contract for less than that amount or for no amount at all if the city decides to manage the arena itself or put it out for competitive bidding. That said, we do believe this arena management fee is legally questionable if it is far greater than the value of the services to be provided. Additionally, Glendale taxpayers may choose to pursue future action to contest the fee by referendum. The Goldwater Institute cannot authoritatively comment on the legality of the deal until we and Glendale taxpayers can see the details. However, we are encouraged by reports that this deal will not include a massive up-front payment to help the buyer purchase the team, and we hope that the city will reach a deal that comports with the law and protects the interests of Glendale taxpayers."
— Darcy Olsen, President, Goldwater Institute
Hey, at least they waited until the Coyotes were eliminated. Maybe it was coincidence or maybe not, other way it at least looks better for Goldwater.
Now this statement isn't anything to get too concerned with yet. It's sort of a preemptive reminder that they are watching you all. If the deal is shaping up as it's been reported then there might be an issue but if the money the city is paying is much less than is reported Goldwater is saying not only that it will not get in the way but will wish good luck.
We're down to the nitty gritty here. Something has to get decided in the next month or so one way or the other. I still think it's hard to see the current arrangement going for another season.
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