The Florida Marlins have failed time and again to receive public money for a new stadium. But rent-seekers (as opposed to entrepreneurs who provide something of value to society) often come up with creative ways to get public money:
In a move they say could score home runs with both the Florida Marlins and those who aren't baseball fans, two Weston officials will ask Gov. Jeb Bush this week to back a proposal letting local governments join with the Marlins to build a single venue to serve as a baseball stadium and center for hurricane evacuees.
Weston Mayor Eric Hersh and City Manager John Flint said a combined site would justify using public money to finance a venue for the Marlins because it would also give the governments of Broward, Miami-Dade and possibly Palm Beach counties a facility with showers, food service, water and other necessities to house evacuees.
They sent letters last week to Miami-Dade County Manager George Burgess and Marlins President David Samson suggesting the public-private partnership. They plan to send a similar letter to Gov. Bush. They also will suggest President George Bush consider the concept nationally to help sports teams fund venues while avoiding future problems similar to what happened during and after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
I've heard the economic impact argument, roundly and soundly debunked by independent analysts. I've heard of the monopoly league argument (monopoly leagues impose barriers to entry that keep viable cities from having teams that could be profitably supported). I've heard the "This is YOUR team" argument. I really shouldn't be surprised, but this one caught me off guard.
How often would such a venue be needed? In the event that that people want to use this venue during a time when there are games scheduled, who will decided how it is to be used? Are there no other venues, private or public, in Miami that currently could serve this need? I'm sure other questions will come to mind as time goes on.