Brent Larkin urges public vote on Browns stadium funding
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A message for Browns fans at the final home game at Cleveland Municipal Stadium in 1995. Photo: Kimberly Barth/AFP via Getty Images
The Plain Dealer's Brent Larkin has called for a local election to determine if Cuyahoga County taxpayers should foot the bill for a proposed Browns stadium in Brook Park.
Why it matters: Under the Haslams' $2.4 billion plan, the public would be responsible for 50% of the total price tag — $600 million from the state and $600 million from Cuyahoga County.
- Larkin, the PD's politically liberal emeritus editorial director, says a vote is the "only equitable way" to resolve the issue and would follow decades of precedent.
Flashback: The four local stadiums built with public money over the past century were thanks to voters approving new taxes or bond issues for those facilities.
- The list includes Cleveland Municipal Stadium (1928); Jacobs Field and Gund Arena (1990); and Cleveland Browns Stadium (1995).
What they're saying: Larkin is opposed to the Haslams relocating to the suburbs, creating a stadium district that would "almost certainly harm" downtown business interests.
- He lashes out at the Greater Cleveland Partnership and the "power-mad" building and construction unions, which have remained neutral or supported the Haslams in the debate.
- "This is institutional cowardice masquerading as neutrality."
Yes, but: Larkin reserves his harshest criticism for state legislators.
- In rewarding the Haslams for past political contributions, he writes, House Republicans are pursuing "what is probably the riskiest public policy abuse in Ohio history."
The last word: "It takes a special type of tone deafness, or brazen cruelty, for elected officials to even consider a wildly generous gift to billionaire professional sports team owners at the same time those same elected officials are cutting aid to schools, food banks, libraries and programs for poor kids."
What we're watching: For the state's contribution, the Ohio Senate is now considering a "hybrid" funding plan that would incorporate state-backed bonds and Gov. Mike DeWine's proposal to increase taxes on sports gambling companies.
- Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne has steadfastly opposed the Browns' move to Brook Park. Last month, he said the Haslams' funding plan raised a "tidal wave" of concerns.