8/31/2006
Media Contact:
Cherrish S. Pryor
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Councillor Randolph Calls For End to Taxpayer-Funded Luxury Suites at Local Stadiums
Indianapolis - In wake of the recent public news that the Lucas Oil Stadium could run the taxpayers an extra $10 million in operational costs, City-County Councillor Ike Randolph today, filed a freedom of information request with the City of Indianapolis. The request seeks all documents and expenditures on city-owned suites at the RCA Dome, Conseco Field House and Victory Field between 2000 and 2006.
"In a time when we are facing a crisis in funding public safety it is important the city use its resources wisely," Councillor Randolph said. "We can start by finding out how much we’ve spent so far."
In its negotiations with the Colts, the Mayor and the Capital Improvement Board (CIB) each reserved for themselves two of the choicest, most expensive, and luxurious suites in the stadium, Councillor Randolph noted.
"Between them, the city could raise millions of dollars over several years by simply re-leasing these suites to raise money to operate the stadium. Why not let the private sector pay for them, rather than the taxpayers?"
Randolph has also proposed a $3 dollar ticket surcharge on events in Marion County as a way to help pay for police and fire protection. The Colts are exempt from such a charge under current state law.
"Today, I call on the Mayor to do the right thing and give back these luxury suites and let the funds generated from their sale be used for operating costs," Councillor Randolph said.
Councillor Randolph represents District 1 and has been on the Indianapolis Fire Department for 20 years.
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