Monday, January 15, 2007

Sweet Deal Mr Asper ...

Yesterday, in Winnipeg, Mr David Asper put forward a proposal for new money and a new stadium for the community owned Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL ... Now, while the media is totally ga-ga over Mr Asper's impressive proposal for a new stadium and in the infusion of cash to take the storied old Football team to a new level a considerate pause might be in order ...

Let's consider right now that the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are currently community owned, as they have always been. It's not perfect, but it seems to work ...

Under Mr Asper's plan, for 20 to 25 million of his own money and 40 million of other investments, and with that - he will assume majority control of the Franchise ... What has been added as a mere foot note in this story is the 80 MILLION or so dollars that Mr. Asper's proposal would require from the three levels of Government in Winnipeg and Ottawa ...

So if we do a bit of simple math here, and I will readily admit that I am no business man, and I know nothing of the world of big business that Mr Asper is part of - but it strikes me that if the value of this deal is in excess of 140+ MILLION DOLLARS, that for an investment of about 20 to 25 MILLION of his own dollars, Mr Asper is securing a pretty sweet deal ... (Mind you 20 to 25 million is a A LOT of money, but ...)

Mr Asper, please don't insult the hard working tax payers of this province by presenting your deal as something that is in the best interests of the community and the Blue Bombers. This deal is good for you and your investments. You're getting a football franchise at fire sale prices, and you're trying to spin it as a good thing for Winnipeg ... Your math doesn't add up Mr Asper ... at least not for me, one of those whose wallet will be hit to pay for this scheme.

Mr Asper, if it's such a good deal, secure the ENTIRE amount without a penny of my tax money.



No comments: