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The Latest
Boondoggles in Louisville and Kentucky
by Theresa Fritz Camoriano (9-10-01)
1. $35 Million of tax money to bring in a
Marriott
Louisville's
Mayor Armstrong has proudly announced that he will spend $35 million of
taxpayers' money to bribe the Marriott to build downtown. The purpose of this boondoggle is to
support the new convention center, also built with taxpayer money. I wonder how the other hotels in the area,
who built with their own money, feel about being taxed to create
competitors? And where will the lapdancers
go next, if the Marriott displaces them -- to your neighborhood,
perhaps? After the $16 million of
corporate welfare announced for the Galleria project, and the purchase of
riverfront property with taxpayer money, we can see that the Mayor is
becoming a real estate tycoon, courtesy of the Kentucky taxpayers!
http://www.courier-journal.com/localnews/2001/09/06/ke09060
1s66554.htm
To contact the city:
citycall@louky.org
2. $100 Million of tax money to renovate
Churchill Downs
Some
pork for the horses? First, the
government heavily taxes the sin of gambling, and then it subsidizes the
horse track. Will it be Dr. Jeckyl or
Mr. Hyde tomorrow? Maybe it should
just mind its own business and leave the money in the pockets of individuals
and businesses and let them decide how to spend it?
http://www.courier-journal.com/localnews/2001/09/01/ke0901
01s64152.htm
To contact the city:
citycall@louky.org
3. Light Rail Project To Cost $575 Million to
carry 16,000 passengers per year
See accompanying article in which
Guillermo Camoriano does the math - $36,000 cost per passenger, not including
operating and maintenance costs. This
is a cost of over $600 for every man, woman, and child in Jefferson
County. And all of that for a new,
antique trolley system that will increase congestion. Such a deal!
http://www.courier-journal.com/localnews/2001/09/05/ke090
501s65975.htm
To contact Anne Northup:
rep.northup@mail.house.gov
To contact KIPDA
Kipda.trans@mail.state.ky.us
4. We have criticized Dan Johnson for his
$100,000 gift of taxpayer money to Lindy's to
build a restaurant, but he is
not alone.
Other Louisville Aldermen also shower
tax money on projects with no control or oversight
http://www.courier-journal.com/localnews/2001/09/02/ky_ald
ermen.htm
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