MU not funding Arena up front

[MUfan12]

Per Woelfel on twitter, so it's anyone's guess if it's true.

Of course, the local mouthbreathers that think MU is flush with cash are saying the Bucks should block MU from using the building.

[GGGG]

If this rumor is true, I am 99% certain that the Bucks' owners knew about it before last week's announcement of their partnership. 

[MUfan12]

If this rumor is true, I am 99% certain that the Bucks' owners knew about it before last week's announcement of their partnership. 

No question about it. Between rent and gameday revenue, I'm guessing the BC gets a half million from MU annually. Unless MU got a bigger cut of it, there's no justifiable reason to front millions for it.

[4everwarriors]

No surprise here. What's the point of forkin' over any bread? We're just a tenant, not an owner, aina?

[GooooMarquette]

Hardly shocking.  I doubt GTown helped with the Verizon Center or Nova with Wells Fargo.  Don't see why MU would be any different.

[jsglow]

Good move in my mind.

[brandx]

Per Woelfel on twitter, so it's anyone's guess if it's true.

Of course, the local mouthbreathers that think MU is flush with cash are saying the Bucks should block MU from using the building.

You're saying Woelfel has a history of lying?

And which "mouthbreaters" said the Bucks should block MU from using a new building?

[chapman]

Not disappointed if they looked into options and didn't see enough advantage in the return, or have other investments taking higher priority.

And which "mouthbreaters" said the Bucks should block MU from using a new building?

Those who would rather have a new expensive arena sit idle for 18 days each year instead of generating revenue.  They root for a team to the west, but obviously didn't go to school there.

[brandx]

Those who would rather have a new expensive arena sit idle for 18 days each year instead of generating revenue.  They root for a team to the west, but obviously didn't go to school there.

And these people are?

Are they a few halfwits on a forum - or someone who actually matters?

[NextChampionship]

Marquette's official Twitter account responded to many of the people who commented on Woefel's original tweet by saying that the tweet isn't true and that details hadn't been worked out yet.

https://twitter.com/GeryWoelfel/status/563774726280327168?s=17

[🏀]

Yeah, Gery got scooped.

Stick to Racine, buddy. Cesspool it is.

[MUfan12]

Are they a few halfwits on a forum - or someone who actually matters?

No one that matters. Morons responding to Gery's tweet on social media.

[Dr. Blackheart]

MU buying Panther Arena, I'm really a badger fan?

[mu03eng]

Lynch pin in the whole deal is the city and county of Milwaukee....if they get some skin in the game the state and likely Marquette will invest as well.  Balls in Abele and Barrett's court to get this done.  This is where I get nervous.

[Groin_pull]

Lynch pin in the whole deal is the city and county of Milwaukee....if they get some skin in the game the state and likely Marquette will invest as well.  Balls in Abele and Barrett's court to get this done.  This is where I get nervous.

Oh boy. Those two? This whole thing could easily unravel.

[4everwarriors]

This sucker is goin' up one way or another so none of y'all need to lose sleep over chit like this, hey?

[Jay Bee]

This sucker is goin' up one way or another

twss, I'm really a badger fanl?

[mu03eng]

Oh boy. Those two? This whole thing could easily unravel.

I'm not worried about Abele, he seems relatively pragmatic.  The concern for me is Barrett....no politics but that guy is an empty suit unless it relates to the trolley.  Still trying to figure out how the hell Milwaukee elects him every time.

[mr.MUskie]

Source: Menominee Tribe could offer $220 million for Bucks arena with reversal of casino decision
By Charles Benson. CREATED 9:52 PM - UPDATED: 10:09 PM
MILWAUKEE -- It could be a game changer. The Menominee Tribe is expected Tuesday to announce a way to pay a big chunk of a new Milwaukee Bucks arena. But there’s a catch.

A source confirms with TODAY'S TMJ4’s Charles Benson the tribe will kick in $220 million for the new arena - but that’s only if the Governor Scott Walker goes back on his decision and approves the Kenosha casino.

There's a lot on the table, and not a lot of time to think about it. The federal government has given the state until February 19th. Governor Walker has said his decision was final.

The Menominee say their Kenosha casino offer is worth more than a billion dollars over 25 years to the state if approved by the governor.

But last month, Governor Walker rejected that offer, claiming taxpayers would be at risk for hundreds of millions because of prior agreement with the Potawatomi.

The tribe says it has also offered a $250 million bond to cover any of those potential losses. And now there’s a new offer.

A source confirms the Menominee are expected to offer $220 million to cover the taxpayer's cost for a new arena.

Governor Walker proposed using the state’s income tax on an increase in future player salaries to fund the state portion of the arena - often referred to as the "jock tax."

The tribe’s $220 million, combined with $250 million from the current and former Bucks owners, would put the total at $470 million.

Fans at the game Monday night had mixed feelings about the proposed offer.

“Yes to the casino,” said Bucks fan Jason Coon, "absolutely and yes to the arena.”

“I'd say no,” said Bucks fan Ronan James, “absolutely not, no way in the world.”

News of the tribe's offer came after Bucks co-owner Wes Edens met with city and county leaders on Monday to talk about the new arena.

The offer requires the governor to change his mind and say yes.

It would also eliminate any potential political battles in the legislature over the governor's arena financing plan.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos,  a supporter of the Kenosha casino, says he was not given any details of the tribe's offer but; ”it's an exciting opportunity if true."

The source says the tribe is not asking for any naming rights as part of the offer.

The Bucks have not commented on the proposed offer – saying they're waiting for more details.

Governor Walker’s spokesperson responded Monday night by saying, “Our office has received no information about this proposal."

Press Secretary Laurel Patrick also released this statement:

"However, it's important to note that Governor Walker's "Pay Their Way" plan for the new arena protects current taxpayer dollars. The $220 million would not come from current GPR.  Rather it is in the form of an appropriation bond to be paid back by projected growth in income taxes from the Bucks, as well as visiting teams, due to salary increases and new TV contracts.  Once the bonds are paid off, tax growth would return to the state."

"Governor Doyle’s compacts with the tribes open up the State of Wisconsin to significant litigation risks.  Due to those compacts, the long-term economic hit to the state budget would be a potential loss of hundreds of millions of dollars."

[MUsoxfan]

That's a no-brainer. Take the free money

[ChicosBailBonds]

That's a no-brainer. Take the free money

Sigh

There is no such thing as free money....that's why it does take a brain.

[MUsoxfan]

Let them put a casino in Kenosha. Who the f- cares. The less tax money that benefits a private deal is always good, in my opinion

Of all people, why would you be against it?

[Brewtown Andy]

I need someone to explain to me how the Kenosha casino offer is anything but a bribe that's being offered out in public.

[MUsoxfan]

I need someone to explain to me how the Kenosha casino offer is anything but a bribe that's being offered out in public.

Sure it's a bribe, but it's also an opportunity to let the people tax themselves

[mu03eng]

I need someone to explain to me how the Kenosha casino offer is anything but a bribe that's being offered out in public.

It is 100% a bribe.

Having said that, its new leverage to go to the Potowantami and extort them for the same offer.  I don't think politically Walker can change his mind but he can go to the Potowantami and say....listen, donate $200 mil and the Kenosha deal is done forever.  The $200 mil is less than a year worth of profit from the Milwaukee casino.

[4everwarriors]

Lotta bread to be made in these casinos, aina?

[Brewtown Andy]

It is 100% a bribe.

Having said that, its new leverage to go to the Potowantami and extort them for the same offer.  I don't think politically Walker can change his mind but he can go to the Potowantami and say....listen, donate $200 mil and the Kenosha deal is done forever.  The $200 mil is less than a year worth of profit from the Milwaukee casino.

I'd be fine with Poto just announcing any kind of contribution to the arena, given their potential legal challenge to the Kenosha casino.

[🏀]

It's alright Wisconsin, don't build the Kenosha Casino. Waukegan or Gurnee is excited to host a casino.

[hairy worthen]

Sigh

There is no such thing as free money....that's why it does take a brain.

Exactly,   that deal seems kind of squirmy aina. 

[MUfan12]

This is a non-starter, and will make passing Walker's plan more difficult.

[ChicosBailBonds]

It's alright Wisconsin, don't build the Kenosha Casino. Waukegan or Gurnee is excited to host a casino.

As bad of shape as Illinois is in.....have at it.

[mu03eng]

This is a non-starter, and will make passing Walker's plan more difficult.

This is my concern.  If Walker rejects this bid, and doesn't extract something from Poto....then Milwaukee city/county HAVE to put up a significant funding source or the whole thing falls apart.

The more I talk to people today, the more I think the Menomonee may have killed the Bucks in Milwaukee.  I'm no longer optimistic about this working out

[hairy worthen]

This is my concern.  If Walker rejects this bid, and doesn't extract something from Poto....then Milwaukee city/county HAVE to put up a significant funding source or the whole thing falls apart.

The more I talk to people today, the more I think the Menomonee may have killed the Bucks in Milwaukee.  I'm no longer optimistic about this working out

It will work out.  Why do you say the Menomonee proposal kills Walker's plan?  Not following you there.

I think there is enough momentum to get it done. The city and county should pony up something anyway. If they put nothing into it, they have less input about it going forward.

[MUfan12]

It will work out.  Why do you say the Menomonee proposal kills Walker's plan?  Not following you there.

I think there is enough momentum to get it done. The city and county should pony up something anyway. If they put nothing into it, they have less input about it going forward.

Other sources close to the Bucks expressed concern the overtime offer could also complicate the politics of getting state support for the arena approved. Governor Walker has proposed a $220 million plan that would use increased tax revenue to pay for revenue bonds.
 
Said one source close to negotiations over that budget deal: "Personally, I think this play at this time could actually kill the arena. There are a lot of Republicans very chapped about the casino decision and a lot of Republicans who really don't like the arena bailout. '
 
"Before this play these things were relatively separate items, and in the end I think folks would've been willing to choke down some form of the governor’s arena proposal as the best way to do something they knew they had to do like it or not.   Now you have a nexus between the two issues, and it's real easy for a legislator to say, 'My plan for funding an arena is to approve the casino.  No public money.  No tax dollars.   No state on the hook.   That's a better plan than the gov's and I'm not voting for his.’"

http://www.rightwisconsin.com/perspectives/exclusive-menominee-casino-offer-likely-doa-291385131.html

[hairy worthen]

Other sources close to the Bucks expressed concern the overtime offer could also complicate the politics of getting state support for the arena approved. Governor Walker has proposed a $220 million plan that would use increased tax revenue to pay for revenue bonds.
 
Said one source close to negotiations over that budget deal: "Personally, I think this play at this time could actually kill the arena. There are a lot of Republicans very chapped about the casino decision and a lot of Republicans who really don't like the arena bailout. '
 
"Before this play these things were relatively separate items, and in the end I think folks would've been willing to choke down some form of the governor’s arena proposal as the best way to do something they knew they had to do like it or not.   Now you have a nexus between the two issues, and it's real easy for a legislator to say, 'My plan for funding an arena is to approve the casino.  No public money.  No tax dollars.   No state on the hook.   That's a better plan than the gov's and I'm not voting for his.’"

http://www.rightwisconsin.com/perspectives/exclusive-menominee-casino-offer-likely-doa-291385131.html

Got it, thanks.

Hopefully Walker has enough political pull with in his party to persuade people his way. I can't see him essentially taking a bribe to fund the arena. He knows that would be used against him in his run for president

[mu03eng]

It will work out.  Why do you say the Menomonee proposal kills Walker's plan?  Not following you there.

I think there is enough momentum to get it done. The city and county should pony up something anyway. If they put nothing into it, they have less input about it going forward.

Essentially what MUfan12 just posted.

Legislature was having trouble choking down the $220 mil proposal from the governor and had all but said city and county have to pony up first before we consider.  Now with this "offer" they can say we don't want any taxes going to it because we have an alternative.

Also, not offering an opinion on it either way, but the presidential politics of this make it very difficult for Walker to reverse his decision.

So legislature says no to tax revenue and Walker doesn't reverse his decision....dead deal.

Personally, I think they only way this gets done now is if the Poto's pay.  That seems like a long shot because for some reason Walker doesn't want to play hardball with them.

[GGGG]

Other sources close to the Bucks expressed concern the overtime offer could also complicate the politics of getting state support for the arena approved. Governor Walker has proposed a $220 million plan that would use increased tax revenue to pay for revenue bonds.
 
Said one source close to negotiations over that budget deal: "Personally, I think this play at this time could actually kill the arena. There are a lot of Republicans very chapped about the casino decision and a lot of Republicans who really don't like the arena bailout. '
 
"Before this play these things were relatively separate items, and in the end I think folks would've been willing to choke down some form of the governor’s arena proposal as the best way to do something they knew they had to do like it or not.   Now you have a nexus between the two issues, and it's real easy for a legislator to say, 'My plan for funding an arena is to approve the casino.  No public money.  No tax dollars.   No state on the hook.   That's a better plan than the gov's and I'm not voting for his.’"

http://www.rightwisconsin.com/perspectives/exclusive-menominee-casino-offer-likely-doa-291385131.html

Exactly, you have just given those opposed a legitimate reason to be opposed.  Remember many of these people are hearing from their constituents about K-12 and UW System cuts too.  You have just added an alternative revenue source (jock tax money that would have gone to the arena bond payments) that could be used to dampen some of those cuts without raising taxes.

Hopefully Walker has enough political pull with in his party to persuade people his way. I can't see him essentially taking a bribe to fund the arena. He knows that would be used against him in his run for president

Yeah this is one of the reasons it sucks to have a governor running for president.  It makes people question the reason why he or she makes the decisions they do.

[MUfan12]

Running for prez or not, Walker won't just accept something that reeks of a bribe.

The city/county will contribute, but their contribution will need to be framed the right way.

[4everwarriors]

Politically, Walker can't take the scratch.

[brandx]

Running for prez or not, Walker won't just accept something that reeks of a bribe.

The city/county will contribute, but their contribution will need to be framed the right way.

Politicians take bribes all the time. You think they make contributions cuz they like these guys? I'd rather see them take the deal than work things out in the back rooms.

That's a whole lot more crooked than what is proposed here.

[mu03eng]

Politicians take bribes all the time. You think they make contributions cuz they like these guys? I'd rather see them take the deal than work things out in the back rooms.

That's a whole lot more crooked than what is proposed here.

Then you don't get politics 

[jficke13]

Politicians take bribes all the time. You think they make contributions cuz they like these guys? I'd rather see them take the deal than work things out in the back rooms.

That's a whole lot more crooked than what is proposed here.

All politics is is bribery.

[ChicosBailBonds]

All politics is is bribery.

And someone gets arse raped as a result. 

[jficke13]

And someone gets arse raped as a result. 

Some body at an indeterminate date in the future. It's always somebody else's problem. Live in the moment.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Some body at an indeterminate date in the future. It's always somebody else's problem. Live in the moment.

I'd argue there is present day arse raping as well as future arse raping. 

[🏀]

That seems like a long shot because for some reason Walker doesn't want to play hardball with them.

Because Walker's campaign coffers will directly be effected by Poto?

[mu03eng]

Because Walker's campaign coffers will directly be effected by Poto?

I'd be very hard pressed to imagine that Poto is funding any Walker campaigns at all, but anything is possible.  You would think that someone in the media would dig that story up.

[mu03eng]

NM

[mu-rara]

I'd be very hard pressed to imagine that Poto is funding any Walker campaigns at all, but anything is possible.  You would think that someone in the media would dig that story up.

JS supports Walker on the casino choice.

[GGGG]

I'd be very hard pressed to imagine that Poto is funding any Walker campaigns at all, but anything is possible.  You would think that someone in the media would dig that story up.

These days, it is pretty easy to hide where money is being spent and for whom.

[mu03eng]

These days, it is pretty easy to hide where money is being spent and for whom.

From the lazy, yes.  If someone wanted to spend the time, they could track it down as all the transactions are online.  If someone who was, ya know, paid to be informed and in turn inform others wanted to take the time to chase that down.

Signs would point to Poto doing some back scratching for Walker....you'd think some of the reports that signed a petition of consequence would go after this type of thing.  I guess not.

[hairy worthen]

From the lazy, yes.  If someone wanted to spend the time, they could track it down as all the transactions are online.  If someone who was, ya know, paid to be informed and in turn inform others wanted to take the time to chase that down.

Signs would point to Poto doing some back scratching for Walker....you'd think some of the reports that signed a petition of consequence would go after this type of thing.  I guess not.

Look at the former administration as far as "back scratching" from POTO. That's why JS won't go after that type of thing. There is nothing illegal or unusual about it anyway.

[GGGG]

From the lazy, yes.  If someone wanted to spend the time, they could track it down as all the transactions are online.  If someone who was, ya know, paid to be informed and in turn inform others wanted to take the time to chase that down.

Signs would point to Poto doing some back scratching for Walker....you'd think some of the reports that signed a petition of consequence would go after this type of thing.  I guess not.

Poto might incorporate a Super PAC to help Walker in Iowa when the time comes.  There is no disclosure now, nor anytime in the near future. 

[mu-rara]

From the lazy, yes.  If someone wanted to spend the time, they could track it down as all the transactions are online.  If someone who was, ya know, paid to be informed and in turn inform others wanted to take the time to chase that down.

Signs would point to Poto doing some back scratching for Walker....you'd think some of the reports that signed a petition of consequence would go after this type of thing.  I guess not.

It may be as simple as agreeing to sit out the election.   Not supporting his opponents is something, especially when your profit (not revenue, profit) is $350 million per year. 

[mu03eng]

Do we really think Poto money is significant enough that keeping it out of the race is worthy enough to screw-up two things within Wisconsin that will become campaign fodder for opponents?

Geez, Koch's could easily drown Poto money.  Plus once the 19th passes, the Kenosha casino can't happen(it could but not for like 9 years) so Walker has no way of enforcing the "agreement" since its an under the table deal and there is no leverage left.

Honestly, this seems a perfect application of Occam's razor.  Which is more likely, Walker is opposed either fiscally or morally or both to the Kenosha casino.....or there is some shadow deal in place that benefits Walker's prez campaign enough to scuttle both the casino and an arena, and the deal is big enough to overcome the hugh hit of those two things.