'Sin Tax' DOA

No surprise to learn this morning via the Dispatch that the 'sin tax' has likely been shelved.

That thing never had a chance, especially the way it all went down.
What I did like where some of the quotes in the various articles from some power players then/now that recognize just how important this team has meant to this city both from the cold hard economic facts to just how the general perception of it has changed.

Here's a quote from Greg Lashutka who was mayor when the original deal was struck:

"If we would somehow lose the Blue Jackets, we'd be a lesser city."

Or how about this one from former Nationwide CEO Dimon McFerson:

"I think the bigger story here is what has to happen to solve this problem. We need to do whatever we can to keep this franchise in our city. Think of all the jobs that have been created. Think of the economic development. Think of how the face of Downtown has been changed."

Or what about this quote from current Commissioner John O'Grady:

Still, O'Grady said, he wants to help the Blue Jackets and the arena. "I don't want to be a county commissioner when that thing closes."

I think the general message here (and I believe its widely shared throughout the political and business community) is that the Jackets are an extremely good thing for this city. Hockey fan or not, those who actually take the time to think the situation through certainly recognize the wide ranging benefits that a professional hockey team has brought to this city and the notion of them leaving cannot be an option.

Of course one of the articles goes on to say how poorly this entire thing has been handled form the outset. Its clear that the Jackets were not ready for this to become public when it did and to me that's unacceptable. That seems to be a re-occurring theme this offseason with the business side (think broadcasters). You can't tackle a problem of this magnitude without a plan and a PR strategy.

Of course this has opened flood gates for the naysayers and the bad press this has created has been significant. While ultimately some of it would have been inevitable, if properly planned it could have been relatively controlled and reduced.

It really does seem that as of right now all the momentum built up from last season has been lost. That's not to say some of it couldn't be gotten back and that will start with a Rick Nash extension.

For now its damage control time.

I've been invited to a Blue Jackets "town hall" type event tonight along with some other bloggers and certainly plenty of other folks. It will be the Jackets turn to tell their side of the story and give their view of where the state of the franchise currently stands.

I will certainly go into this with an open but cautious mind. One very clear message I'd like to take away is just how committed ownership is to the long term stability of this franchise. What is the end game here? At what point would John P. consider putting the team up for sale?

There are quite a few folks who have invested a lot both emotionally and financially, I'm certainly one of em, who would like an honest explanation of exactly where this thing is headed.

Will they come right out and say what the plan is? Doubtful...but there will be room for interpretation from what they do say (again, its what I do here right?!).

I'll have a detailed post of what was discussed with my reaction either late tonight or early tomorrow morning for you all.

Stay tuned!

-LTL