The problem is that New Orleans is a small market for a professional franchise and it is difficult to build the fan (that’s paying fan) base to keep a quality operation in town. The Green Bay Packers had the same problem – but they are publicly traded and could not easily move. The Saints are several moving vans away from being a former Louisiana resident. What to do? Most localities beg with tax dollars the teams to stay. Libertarians and many others disagree. I side with the libertarians. Enter Governor Jindal…

The Associated Press however reported recently that the Saints and the state signed a deal to keep the team in the Big Easy until 2025 and that the Saints’ owner, Tom Benson, will take over two other nearby buildings. Governor Jindal also reported that this deal would save Louisiana over the next 17 years the sum of $280,000,000. While not a huge sum, that is great compared to the usual sweetheart deals most governments make to keep pro teams in town. Jindal also asserted that no new tax dollars were spent to keep the team in New Orleans nor will there be a new stadium.

Maybe Governor Jindal should wait after all until 2016 to run for President! He is a great governor now. I applaud his vision to keep the team in town without giving away the store. Now if he could make the Saints a consistent winner, that would be an accomplishment…

photo by JaseMan