May 4, 2006 6:18 pm US/Central
Pawlenty: Give Twins Top Stadium Priority
St. Paul (AP) ―
Gov. Tim Pawlenty delivered some stadium marching orders Thursday, urging lawmakers to make a new Twins ballpark a priority over proposals for the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Vikings.
"The real urgency or concern here is the Twins. The one team we're at risk of losing now or in the near term is the Twins," Pawlenty said. "We need to stay focused on that as a priority."
Pawlenty said he was disappointed by recent Senate actions to merge the Twins and Vikings plans and swap out local taxes for state-imposed levies. He also said he wouldn't accept a sports merchandise tax some senators are suggesting for the Gophers stadium financing.
The Republican governor said he favors a Twins bill that relies on a higher Hennepin County sales tax for three-quarters of $522 million cost. The version that passed the House doesn't call for a voter referendum on the tax.
The Senate version, due for a vote Monday, depends on a half-cent sales tax in seven metropolitan counties. Some tax revenues would go to transit projects.
Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson, DFL-Willmar, said lawmakers have every right to weigh in on proposals and change them where they see fit.
"For him to suggest it's going to be exactly my way or no way is a bit disingenious on his part," Johnson said.
On the Vikings, Pawlenty splashed cold water on a team-supported plan for an Anoka County stadium. Pawlenty said the proposal needs further vetting and declared its tax structure problematic.
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The Metrodome opened in 1982.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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