When Stadium Financing and the Recession Collide
Media and public scrutiny leading up to a January 16 vote of the aforementioned IDA to approve an additional $430 million in bonds ( $259 million of that tax exempt ), on top of $940-million in tax-exempt bonds and $25-million in taxable bonds previously granted, was intense and emotional. (The Mets received lesser amounts of the same bonds but were largely ignored at the hearings and in the press) The bonds were approved but not without an ugly confrontation at a January 14 IDA hearing when state Assemblyman Richard Brodsky challenged both Yankees President Randy Levine and IDA Chairman Seth Pinsky to a "civil, in-your-face fist fight" .
The combination of job losses and declining tax revenues in NYC, the publishing of emails which revealed the mayors office had vigorously lobbied the Yankees for a luxury suite at the new stadium, the Yankees free agent spending spree and record ticket prices at the new stadium made public financing/funding of the stadium a hot political issue . ( The mayors office eventually forfeited the luxury suite ) City Comptroller William Thompson was very public in his criticism of mayor Bloomberg’s role in the financing/funding of the stadium. Mr. Thompons’ critics ( the mayor’s office and the Yankees ) pointed out that Mr. Thompson had voted in 2006 to issue approximately 1$ billion in bonds for the stadium and that his opposition to the latest round of financing might stem from his expected run for mayor of NYC this year.
Manfred Richter asked: Las Vegas might be known worldwide as a gambling and entertainment city but there is definitely more you can do there. The city is full of attractions that you might need a whole week to explore it.For hobby photographers, this article will guide you what to look and capture in the city of sins.The City’s PanoramaThere is one place perfect to get a good overview of the city and that is the Stratosphere Tower. You will have to pay to get to the top but it’s definitely worth it. The sweeping view of the city from the top is overwhelming, and getting even more impressive during the night. You’ll have a great photo opportunity too of the famous Las Vegas Strip, having a bird’s eye view of the strip hotels. Alternatively, you can climb up the Eiffel Tower at Paris Hotel for a great panorama too.The HotelsHotels in Las Vegas are known for their size, extravagant style and luxurious interiors. It is a great idea to take some shots of these hotels from Wynn, The Venetian, Caesar’s Palace, Paris Hotel to the Bellagio. If you’re impressed with the exterior then hold your breath for the inside.GARDENS OF VEGASRoman Garden - This beautiful roman-themed garden in front of the Caesar’s Palace is a great subject for photography. With its statues and magnificent fountains, the place is worth capturing.Botanical Garden - Looking for exotic flowers and plants in Las Vegas? Bellagio Hotel has a conservatory and botanical gardens which display an array of plants and flowers that highlight every season.Secret Garden - Siegfried and Roy’s secret garden at the Mirage is a home to some rare animals like the white tigers and lions.THE ATTRACTIONSMake your cameras ready for these following attractions…The Venetian Grand Canal - At the hotel’s front yard is a...