saintz08

If you're like me you're ticked about the "promises" of local SA officials to use state rather than city funds to lure the Saints. As a Houstonian with my "own" team here, that just isn't right. I'm copying a letter I'm sending to my local representatives and a link so that you can find out who your own reps are. I emailed Hardberger and Wentworth (state senator behind a lot of state money begging), but realized that since I'm out of their area they probably won't care a lick. But our own reps need to hear this, too, especially if you're in Houston or Dallas. This is a different way that we can hopefully halt one avenue of funding for the looters in SA.

Here are the links; I put in my address/zip and found out who my local reps to the state are:
Find your local TX representatives:
http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/welcome.php
http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/senate/members.htm

This is the letter I'm sending to them, which includes a clip from an article dated 10/20/05, by Carlos Guerra of the SA Express-News:

Dear ______________,

I am writing in opposition to any use of our state tax dollars to help Mr. Tom Benson move his NFL team to San Antonio. I believe that there are better and more productive uses of the Texas Enterprise Fund than a professional sports team. In addition, the cities of Houston and Dallas support their own teams with city/county funds, not state funds. As a Houstonian I do not want my tax dollars supporting a team in San Antonio when I have my “own�? team to support here. If the mayor and people of San Antonio want a team so badly, let them pay for it out of city funds. If the mayor feels that the financial support from the city and its people isn’t adequate, then perhaps San Antonio should think twice about taking another city’s team.

Here are comments from the San Antonio Express-News, written by Carlos Guerra 10/20/05:

***When hosting some Saints' home games first arose, Mayor Phil Hardberger said that there would be a price and that the city had its limits. Sunday, he reiterated his opposition to spending city money on an NFL franchise and invited the state to pay the tab. But he also said that he will meet with Saints owner Tom Benson about a relocation after the season ends.
The same day, Gov. Rick Perry said that he would welcome a third National Football League team in Texas, and that the state would support San Antonio's bid, but offered no details. Sen. Jeff Wentworth filled in one blank, saying that he was checking into getting state money from the Texas Enterprise Fund, a virtually unrestricted discretionary fund with almost $150 million of tax money that Perry controls.
Then, after Sunday's game, Benson fired the Saints' top administrator, Arnold Fielkow, who wanted to keep the Saints in Louisiana.
Now, the word is that for the right deal, Benson will bring the Saints to San Antonio's Alamodome for a few years, until the team gets a new stadium. Still unrevealed is how much a new stadium will cost, who will pay for it and what we will do with the Alamodome after it's vacant again.
The mailbag indicates some readers remain skeptical.
"I find it strange that cities and states cannot find money for education, public health or housing projects, yet will break the bank to subsidize sports franchises," wrote "Phillip," pointing out that "academic research consistently questions the lasting economic benefit of professional sports."***


There is another point: This latest blatant attempt by the San Antonio mayor to court the Saints is painting a large “black eye�? on the city of San Antonio. They are being perceived as opportunistic, inhospitable thieves. Strong words, I know, but for a city that gains so much from the tourism industry, this type of publicity will do them no good.

Please support fiscal restraint and oppose any use of our tax dollars for helping the New Orleans Saints relocate to San Antonio.


Sincerely,



My name


__________________
Kellye in Houston
NL CHAMPS ASTROS!
GO 'STROS!!!!

saintz08

Helping people get the word out ......

jnormand

Thanks 08. It's extremely unselfish of you not to want the Saints that much closer to your home. You are a "true" New Orleans Saints fan. I applaud your attempts to keep the Saints where they belong. Thank you in advance for any further efforts.

saintz08

I am actually moving ideas around the net to keep people informed . This was started by another person and I am giving it some additional exposure .

Halo

Thanks 08, I support anything that helps us. If you feel like this broadcast helps in some way and you want it on the front page, just ask and it will be done.

BooBirdSaint

Houston is one town where we understand what its like to lose a team. Oilers R.I.P....