Posted on 08/05/2010 8:27:57 PM PDT by Born Conservative
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- Perhaps unaware our cameras had followed him out of a meeting room on Wednesday morning, Governor Ed Rendell proceeded to tell Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees President Kristen Rose, "This TV station doesn't get it, about spending the $20 million. But I think I gave good answers."
A Rendell spokesman said a station reporter likely didn't understand the economical impact a new stadium would have.
The complex issues surrounding reported deals investigating the possibility of a new stadium bubbled to the surface last week at a stadium authority meeting. Claims that local funding would come from the sale of the Triple-A franchise have been met with confirmation the Rendell administration is prepared to extend a $20 million grant for a new ballpark.
Rendell confirmed on Wednesday that Lackawanna County commissioners approached his office at some point seeking funding.
A majority commissioners' spokeswoman declined to comment on repeated requests from Eyewitness News for information on plans for a new stadium and the commissioners' position on selling the franchise.
An option to buy remains in a contract brokered single-handedly in 2007 by ex-Lackawanna County Commissioner Robert Cordaro with Mandalay, the firm managing the Yankees' minor league operations at PNC Field.
It was revealed Wednesday majority Commissioners Mike Washo and Corey O'Brien met with Yankees managers and Mandalay representatives in New York City in June, according to a spokeswoman. Rendell was on speaker phone. The meeting was previously undisclosed. A county spokeswoman said no negotiations took place, explaining it was a face-to-face meeting.
Back to Rendell's impromptu comments, Scranton / Wilkes-Barre Yankees President Kristen Rose had just introduced herself to the governor when he quipped, "This TV station doesn't get it, about spending the $20 million. But I think I gave good answers."
Critics of plans to build a new stadium fear commissioners will use the sale of the franchise to meet the state's grant half way.
Former stadium authority solicitor John McGee is urging county leaders to remove the franchise purchase option from the current contract. He believes if the franchise is sold and the owners demands are not met, they'll pull the franchise out of town.
Phone messages left for Scranton / Wilkes-Barre Yankees President Kristen Rose were not returned.
Fast Eddie ping.
Five months....five long months.
This guy is one slick POS. Hope this dope disappears into the background quick after January. Had enough lies and destruction.
ping
Recount it again?
Oooops...never mind. Thought you were referring to election day instead. My bad!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.