SLP Legislators Question Vikings Stadium Plan

St. Louis Park legislators are lukewarm on the Vikings stadium proposal—and critical of some components under consideration.

Sen. Ron Latz (DFL—District 44) opposes using general fund money for a stadium, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s against putting any state money toward the stadium.

The state contribution could serve as a bonding vehicle for the project, with costs to be recouped through “user fees”—such as taxes on jerseys, sports memorabilia and other game-related items and services, Latz said. Under that scenario, the state really wouldn’t be out any money.

“To me, that would be the least objectionable way to do it,” he said.

A package of taxes like that is, indeed, one proposal for how to raise the $300 million that stadium supporters want from the state. But others have suggested using gambling revenues, including a so-called “racino” proposal to allow slot machines at horse tracks. Gov. Mark Dayton has even brought in a group that wants to build a downtown Minneapolis casino.

Those aren’t user fees, Latz said. He thinks the state should first consider whether they’re appropriate sources of revenue. Gambling expansion faces opposition from social conservatives and American Indian tribes that currently have a lock on gambling revenues.

If the state does determine that’s a good revenue stream, it should then consider whether a stadium is the best use for that money, Latz said.

Meanwhile, the stadium’s location is also under dispute. The Vikings want to build it at the Arden Hills site, a former Army ammunition dump. They have the backing of the Ramsey County board and increasing support from Dayton, who said Wednesday he plans to release a proposal for the Ramsey County site.

Latz prefers Minneapolis—in part because the infrastructure is already in place, making the project cheaper and more efficient. But he said it’s a private company’s prerogative to pick a site and try to convince voters that that’s where it should be.

“I’m less excited about going out to Arden Hills for a game, I can tell you that,” he said.

St. Louis Park Rep. Steve Simon (DFL—District 44A) is more circumspect: “At this point, I need more information. The team has produced only a wish list, not a real plan. I'll be in a better position to make a judgment when a specific plan emerges.”

Simon said he doesn’t oppose using public money for a private project—but added that he has high standards for when he thinks it’s appropriate. Ultimately, it comes down to whether it’s a good deal for taxpayers.

“The Vikings have a less persuasive case than the Twins had back in 2006,” he wrote in an e-mail interview with Patch. “Plus, the state budget and overall economy are much more fragile than five years ago.”

Latz doesn’t envision the Arden Hills project going through without a special session like the one Dayton is pushing because the state faces a significant number of issues that will occupy lawmakers when the regular session begins.

“We’ve got a lot of other higher-priority spending items than a stadium for the Vikings,” Latz said