More On the 2013 Super Bowl in New Orleans
Both the governor’s office and the Senate President agreed that this is a good result for the state and is based on the recent state-Saints deal:
From Jindal’s office:
This is a huge win for New Orleans, but also the entire state of Louisiana. There’s no doubt that the spirit of our people who persevered through four storms in just over three years played a critical role in securing the Super Bowl.
This win shows that New Orleans is a premier host for major sports and entertainment events – and will be a perfect backdrop when the eyes of the world are upon us.
Indeed, Louisiana is committed to making sure the 2013 Super Bowl is unparalleled. That’s why it was critical for the state to come together with the New Orleans Saints and the Louisiana Superdome to establish a long-term agreement that will save taxpayers money, significantly improve the playing venue and dramatically revitalize the stadium area and the surrounding neighborhood.
From the Senate President’s office:
This is terrific news for New Orleans and Louisiana. New Orleans has long been a natural host city for events big and small, and the 2013 Super Bowl in New Orleans will undoubtedly be the best game yet. Our city has built back stronger than before and thanks to the hard work and dedication of our people, we are competing with cities all across the country to host nationally important events like the Super Bowl.
The new agreement we have proposed to make investments in the Superdome is a critical part of making this event a success and I applaud the legislators who continue to work tirelessly to finalize this legislation.
This is significant because Senate President Chiasson is a Democrat.
If you need more information, try this analysis by John DeShazier of the Times-Picayune from April 29, 2009 (Proposal a Win-Win for Louisiana, New Orleans Saints):
But when you add in the deal is structured so the state’s financial obligation to the Saints considerably is lessened, down from the current $23.5 million the state owes this year under terms of the current agreement, to no more than $6 million per year under the proposed agreement, then it becomes that much more attractive.
And that $6 million could shrink, depending on whether the team can increase its revenue.
The state will pay at least $85 million in Superdome improvements, including added seating and suites, to help provide an avenue for the increase. And Saints owner Tom Benson will buy New Orleans Centre and Dominion Tower, and will lease to the state 320,000 square feet at Dominion Tower for state agencies.
DeShazier’s conclusion is favorable (especially for a public rightly skeptical of stadium deals):
But this ought to be bought because, really, it appears to be a good deal for the state and for the franchise.
This is another example of the new way of thinking that Governor Jindal is bringing to Louisiana.
June 6th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Sandy – It would be nice to see the Saints in the 2013 Superbowl, wouldn’t it? What do you think are the biggest issues facing the republican party and how does Jindal measure up with other candidates such as Huckabee? (Note that I like both of them, and I would like to see Newt get involved as well.) Why can’t the party seem to unify and appeal to the masses? The mentality that permeates our society as far as why someone chooses a leader is confusing at best. I was speaking with someone last night that believe Obama will be a good president because he has 2 daughters. When I reminded him that our previous president has 2 daughters as well he mumbled something under his breath and the conversation ended. Thoughts?
June 6th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Mr Ed: Thanks first for coming by! Hope you keep coming back.
I think this raises some interesting issues and questions and they should be the subject of new blog entries.
I do think there is a lot of superficiality in politics today. One reason I am drawn to Governor Jindal is that he is intelligent and an achiever whose personal story shows the American Dream in action. (By the way, Governor Jindal has THREE children, one who he personally delivered on the way to the hospital!)
I too like Huckabee and also Gingrich. Gingrich is an intellectual like Jindal but has lots of personal baggage. Huckabee has no personal baggage but seems to have limited appeal. His television show may open him up to a wider auidence. He is likable and lets not discount that in politics. I wish he’d run for Senate from Arkansas. (I do briefly discuss Huckabee in my blog entry about the Jindal’s evangelical appeal.)
The GOP must have a clear message without it being just a NO message. NO muct mean NO but must have a message behind it. And the media will not give our message a fair hearing.
Thanks again for coming.
Sandy Sanders
Assistant Blogger
http://www.jindal 2012blog.com
June 9th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Good points. How do you reconcile the “religious right” with other mainstream conservatives who may have their faith, but are are more driven by conservative notions rather than extreme views? I am an evangelical Christian but don’t necessarily share the same views as others. I can see where it would be a turn-off to those moderates who are looking for a solution to big government and big spending to be labeled as extreme. Note that the media is much to blame here, but I think it could be an issue. I contrast Newt to Palin in this example. It concerns me that there is clear lack of direction for the party. Is Palin the up and coming leader or is it Jindal/Gingrich? Do you differentiate the two? Note that we’ll save Palin for our next topic.
June 10th, 2009 at 1:16 am
These are great questions. I will have to use this series of comments to speak to these questions. Stay tuned.
Do invite others to come to the blog, Mr. Ed, and you may use comments at other blogs to do so.
Thanks for your interest and support for http://www.jindal2012blog.com.
Sandy Sanders
Assistant Blogger
http://www.jindal2012blog.com