Mayoral candidate Carl DeMaio says he has experts on his side figuring out how to do what most cities can’t: Build an NFL stadium without public money.
He said it at a televised debate Sunday night (at about the 16-minute mark), one of the many times he’s talked about his stadium task force.
I wanted to know who was on DeMaio’s team. But he won’t say.
I’ve asked twice. I sent his campaign an email Sunday night and asked DeMaio after a press conference today. His campaign didn’t provide names; DeMaio simply didn’t answer my question.
Here’s how I summarized the issue and its significance on Twitter:
So @carldemaio won’t say who’s on his Chargers stadium task force he keeps touting. Twice rejected in-person requests to talk about it
— Liam Dillon (@dillonliam) September 20, 2012
The most his campaign will say about who’s on it is: “his staff, former staff, and engagement with other advisors … “
— Liam Dillon (@dillonliam) September 20, 2012
In the past DeMaio has had no problem naming names on his various task forces. Retirement vosd.org/S7BdCt & Jobs vosd.org/S7BaXb
— Liam Dillon (@dillonliam) September 20, 2012
Why is this important? DeMaio says he can finance a stadium without public $. But even the best recent stadium deals for cities include it
— Liam Dillon (@dillonliam) September 20, 2012
The 49ers stadium in Santa Clara is an example. vosd.org/S7Bvt9 If DeMaio has found an advisor with a magic formula, it’s news.
— Liam Dillon (@dillonliam) September 20, 2012
Burden of proof is on him to tell us how he can do what other cities around the country can’t: Finance a stadium without public $.
— Liam Dillon (@dillonliam) September 20, 2012
DeMaio isn’t alone in claiming he can pay for a stadium without public money. His opponent, Bob Filner, says the same. But Filner hasn’t claimed to have a team of experts helping him develop a plan.
Liam Dillon is a news reporter for Voice of San Diego. He covers San Diego City Hall, the 2012 mayor’s race and big building projects. What should he write about next?
Please contact him directly at liam.dillon@voiceofsandiego.org or 619.550.5663.
Like VOSD on Facebook.