Leonsis vision is a government subsidizing his empire. He doesn't care if it's DC, Virginia, Baltimore, Qatar, etc. He's scapegoating post-pandemic conditions - if it were 2012 when he was offered this deal, he'd take it without hesitation.
I can't find the article right now, but it described how Youngkin and Leonsis were old friends and it came together starting this summer. Two megarich guys helping each other.
I live in Alexandria. As of now, I'm against this proposal and will let all elected officials know it. WMATA released its doomsday budget and if adopted, my quality of life and my investment in my home will suffer. Not too mention chronic public service shortages in Alexandria - if the police are understaffed, how does adding an arena that needs a dozen or more 100+ nights a year help? Not too mention teachers, fire department, etc.
Those are bigger priorities than subsidizing Leonsis moving out of one of the top 3 best located arenas in the country.
"Behind the scenes this year, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Ted Leonsis, two friends who've run in Northern Virginia's elite business circles, quietly hammered out an audacious vision the duo first chewed over years ago — a giant entertainment and sports mecca."
Remember when Leonsis talked about the double-bottom line all the time? Whatever happened that guy?
It'll certainly be an interesting fight, I could see a 4-3 vote in Alexandria go either way, though I'm now expecting passage.
Two candidates from council have announced for mayor - I assume one will run against the arena. I can think of two more who may not be a rubber stamp. So, that's potentially three no votes.
I also think at least one Alexandria area state rep will vote no. I can't handicap the overall look though.
Leonsis vision is a government subsidizing his empire. He doesn't care if it's DC, Virginia, Baltimore, Qatar, etc. He's scapegoating post-pandemic conditions - if it were 2012 when he was offered this deal, he'd take it without hesitation.
I can't find the article right now, but it described how Youngkin and Leonsis were old friends and it came together starting this summer. Two megarich guys helping each other.
I live in Alexandria. As of now, I'm against this proposal and will let all elected officials know it. WMATA released its doomsday budget and if adopted, my quality of life and my investment in my home will suffer. Not too mention chronic public service shortages in Alexandria - if the police are understaffed, how does adding an arena that needs a dozen or more 100+ nights a year help? Not too mention teachers, fire department, etc.
Those are bigger priorities than subsidizing Leonsis moving out of one of the top 3 best located arenas in the country.
I found the quote:
"Behind the scenes this year, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Ted Leonsis, two friends who've run in Northern Virginia's elite business circles, quietly hammered out an audacious vision the duo first chewed over years ago — a giant entertainment and sports mecca."
https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2023/12/14/capitals-wizards-stadium-virginia-how-it-happened
Remember when Leonsis talked about the double-bottom line all the time? Whatever happened that guy?
It'll certainly be an interesting fight, I could see a 4-3 vote in Alexandria go either way, though I'm now expecting passage.
Two candidates from council have announced for mayor - I assume one will run against the arena. I can think of two more who may not be a rubber stamp. So, that's potentially three no votes.
I also think at least one Alexandria area state rep will vote no. I can't handicap the overall look though.