WANG SETS DEADLINE…DEAL’S FOE: JAY JACOBS
ABLI Muscles Up…Poll: Vote’s Close…Tea Anyone?
The latest major developments in the Islanders-Nassau County arena saga with just eight days before the referedum:
1. The Lighthouse Project had its arch-enemy in Kate Murray. Who is the top rival of the 2011 deal between Charles Wang and Republican Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano? New York State Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs, who appears prepared to do everything in his power to see this proposal squashed. It it doesn’t fail in the Aug. 1 referendum, Jacobs will focus his efforts on NIFA and the super-majority needed in the Nassau County Legislature. If all of the Republicans on the legislature approve the deal, Mangano and Wang need thumbs-up from two Democrats. Democratic Nassau County legislator Judy Jacobs carved up the deal on Saturday in an interview with News 12.
2. The Association For A Better Long Island, directed by Desmond Ryan and featuring powerful developers such as former Wang partner Scott Rechler, are launching an ad campaign this week against the deal for a new Coliseum.
3. A Newsday poll declares that Nassau residents want the Islanders to stay, but 51% are against using tax dollars to fund the project. An additional 12% of residents are undecided.
4. Charles Wang tells Newsday that if he does not get approvals and a shovel in the ground by June of 2012, it will be “the end of the road” in his efforts to develop the Coliseum property. That’s the major headline. Otherwise, his interview reads like re-printed quotes from 2005. Not his fault, but sad just the same that it’s taken this long.
5. James Dolan, the owner of Newsday, Cablevision, Madison Square Garden and the New York Rangers, is appearing in an Islanders-funded ad urging Nassau residents to vote YES.
6. The Tea Party Republicans and other opponents with clout are beginning to talk a big game about fighting the Coliseum proposal hard. Whether they can get the large turnout to vote NO a week from Monday still remains to be seen.
What should you take from these latest news items?
Jay Jacobs and the Democratic Party are not going away. Jacobs will fight this to the end and he has plenty of power. Anyone waiting for (Democratic) Governor Andrew Cuomo to step up may be waiting a while.
(By the way, we’re still waiting for Republican Nassau presiding officer Peter Schmitt to retract his criticism of the deal. We’re still waiting for Kate Murray, who hasn’t said diddly since Wang and Mangano let her take a bow two months ago at the initial press conference, to say something about the deal.)
The Dolan TV spot for his friend and partner Wang, on the heels of support here for the Islanders from four Rangers, should mercifully end the waste-of-time, misinformed complaints about perceived agendas from MSG. Okay, it probably won’t, but it should.
The poll results are a positive for the Islanders. They should serve as a wakeup call. Also, just because 51% of 620 people polled say they don’t like the deal, it doesn’t mean they will all make the effort to vote against it.
Through some fault of their own, and in some cases no fault of their own, the Islanders are in a bit of hole with eight days to go. The referendum could be a little closer than it ever should have been.
The Islanders have some plans this week – more interviews, the parking lot rally – but will they be enough to make a significant impact?
The rally may not be at the most convenient time for some, but it is a crucial moment in this campaign. There will be plenty of media coverage. Political proponents and opponents will be hovering or will send staffers to monitor the proceedings. A low turnout at the rally would cause a thud that could reverberate at the worst possible time – five days before the vote. The standard thousand or two union guys yelling “Build it Now”! just doesn’t get it done.
One more time (but not one last time): Nassau County registered voters who care about the Islanders and about finally getting a new arena – do not want to take this vote for granted.
Comments welcomed.
175 Responses to WANG SETS DEADLINE…DEAL’S FOE: JAY JACOBS
ABLI Muscles Up…Poll: Vote’s Close…Tea Anyone?
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@mygameworn says:
Seems Wang and Co. are up against just about everyone. I wonder how they’ll feel when he puts the team up for sale and the team relocates and all those thousands of jobs are lost. Oh and the tax revenue too.
Good Luck Isles residents.
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John says:
The rally is skelled. BOC has two songs and it’s at a bad time. Otherwise I would go. If this vote doesn’t pass, shame on us Long Islanders for being short sighted.
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Phil L says:
while this vote should be a slam dunk, nothing surprises me anymore. For the readers that are new to LI politics and can’t imagine why these politicians would let the NVMC go dark and the Isles move, you should know that Nassau/Suffolk legislators have been turning down huge building projects, hosting world class events and meaningful development since the 1960s. They’d rather preserve their corrupt little world of cronies, um, I mean suburban character, yeah thats it.
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Bossy17 says:
These are scary times, indeed. The bottom line is if you know anyone between 18-30 you beg, borrow and steal to get them to the polls for a yes vote. If you convince them this arena is more about their future on Long Island the Islanders will win. If this comes down to parents and the elderly jamming the polls the Islanders are doomed. Not because the nos will be out in vast majority, but because of all the untapped potential the youth vote has here. Tell everyone you know. I kid you not.
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Strummer's Army says:
What is this place where some of you live? Nassau County reminds me of the Mad Max Movie. It is crazy up there.
If this doesn’t pass then Wang should move the team after next year. Lease isn’t strong enough to keep them.
VOTE YES ON 8/1 and work on getting the crazies out of Nassau Government. Remember Murray is an Isles enemy and so is Jacobs and anyone else fighting it. No matter what they do or say after the vote it is a lie. You know who your enemies are now and go get them!
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Ryan says:
I find it disheartening that even if this vote passes, this deal will still have to overcome political hurdles to happen.
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Colin M. says:
As a Republican that considers himself “Tea Party,” I can’t understand the opposition to a deal like this. Governments, whether local, state or federal, have financial leverage to build certain amenities via bonds that are simply unlikely or impossible without public funding. Doing something like this without a vote wouldn’t be acceptable to me, but the fact that it is going for a vote makes me totally fine with it, since the people can speak.
It’s not to say that a private deal in an instance like this wouldn’t be ideal, because obviously it would be. But why not use the local government’s ability to temporarily finance something large like an arena that, if all goes according to plan, should pay the tax payers back dividends? It’s a smart investment in what all accounts consider a dying county in Nassau. Overtaxed? Whatever. I live in San Francisco. I don’t feel bad for anyone that tells me they spend too much money to live where they live. Sorry.
I’m all for small government, low taxes and a live-and-let-live society. But I’m sick of the “I’m against absolutely anything and everything that the government ever tries to finance” people. And that’s coming from someone with a deeply conservative slant.
Get the deal done, keep the Islanders, give Long Islanders a venue to be proud of, and let them reap the rewards down the road of a stronger economy, various jobs, and — hopefully — their money back, and then some. As a born-and-raised Suffolk County-er, my Nassau connections are scarce, so I can’t contribute much in terms of rallying votes. But I’m wishing the August 1st vote well from across the States.
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Politics at it’s worst! The sad thing is it will take about 8-10 years for the people to realize that the county is losing a ton of money w/o the Isles. By that time most of the politicians who were against the deal will be history and it will be the citizens of Nassau that suffer.
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Derek Hammond says:
I live in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. I have drove down to see games at the NVMC.
I would do it again…But only after they have a NHL rink. At the same time I would be heart broken to see the Isles have to leave long Island. This is NOT Alanta or Phoenix or any other city that has had a team pack up and leave. The Isles should have a foundation to keep them in place. They are one of the greatest teams of all time (okay for 5 years) But my point is people of Long Island before you loose your team, and history, let it be known that you want your team to stay, show your support and vote!! Believe me another city will gladly take the Islanders away!
It might be to Queens or some where close to home, or it may find a buyer in Canada… You don’t know what you have until it’s gone…Let’s hope the vote keeps the Isle on the Island for a long time! I have been a fan from the late 70′s and I’d hate to loose my team now, after sticking with them all these years.
From An Isles diehard!! -
AZS says:
Let me start by saying I will be voting on August 1st – and it will be YES. I’ve emailed my local politicians, as well as Jay Jacobs.
The thing that frustrates me about politicians is that they only like to state problems, but rarely ever state a solution. The republicans wouldn’t let Wang build it with his own money, and now the Dems won’t let him build it with public money …seems like a giant game of political keep away …and we’re the ones that will suffer …
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AFIsle says:
IMO if this arena does not go through, wang will give kate 1 last chance for a deal (dare i say LHP) and threaten to move the team. It will put more pressure on her since the lease is almost over.
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wang mentions in the article how ryan smith left due to the conditions at the nvmc. he doesnt mention he tried to spend money on players since or will if he gets a new arena. even if he sells after 2 yrs. at a new nvmc, it would mean at least 8 yrs. more of wang destroying the isles from now til a new owner is approved. i cant take even another 8 months of wang. i rather see the vote no, and he sells now. it cant be worse then things are now and will be in the future with wang and snow. i rather take my chances with a new owner next year and see what happends. a new owner in queens who cares about the isles would make the isles the greatest nhl franchise there ever was again like it should be.
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Blizz says: ….its funny but being an Islander fan has made me realize that both of these parties suck. I hope you are just rallying the yes votes CB because this doesn’t look good. If this doesn’t pass Wang is gonna sell this team and they will be gone. And that would be very sad. The Dolan spot he will do in favor is good to here. I must admit I had some suspicion that he was influencing the paper he owns to go negative on the referendum. Can you really blame anyone for thinking this?
It appears our worst nightmare could come true, the Islanders will get good and contend for the cup and leave for Quebec.
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Toby says:
Honestly, it will take nothing short of a miracle to get this through just the vote; never mind everything else.
The politics are maddening. Absolutely maddening. Wang, love him or hate him, had tried. Gotta give him some credit.
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Mike says:
Before I go out and vote, I just want one question answered: If the referendum passes, will the politicians in this town and county allow the plan to be executed, or will they find some excuse to block it again?
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Mike says:
Unfortunately I am a Suffolk resident, so I can’t vote, but if Nassau doesn’t get this done, I will NEVER spend another of my dollars in that county for ANY reason.
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IslesFan says:
#13. I think you are terribly misinformed. Wang saved this franchise and is trying to do it again. If the vote fails, the team could be sold and relocated out of state, possibly in Canada. There is no guarantee (or even a likelihood) that the team will go to Queens. If you vote no, you will help destroy the team that you claim to be a fan of. You will do more damage than Wang ever did. Wang spent over $20 million of his own money to support this team. He may not have put the right people in charge or may have kept the wrong people too long (Milbury) but you can’t say he does not care about the Islanders and does not want to win.
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Jzimm says:
What really bothers me about all this is that nothing is cut and dry. It’s all very confusing. There are no straight answers and nothing is put in layman’s terms. He wasn’t allowed to fund his own project. Now the public is involved? I’ve followed this entire thing very closely, and I can’t honestly say that I fully understand it. If I were a Nassau County resident, I’d vote YES, simply becaus I’m a huge, life-long Islander fan. But there are plenty on Long Island who simply don’t care about hockey, let alone the Islanders, what’s their motivation to vote YES? People will only vote in our favor if voting in our favor affects them directly and positively. NOthing is clear, and that’s concerning.
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Mond says:
Guys we need to stop urging people to vote yes on this blog and we have to start urging people on the likes of Facebook, Newsday and other media outlets. Do it work with coworkers and customers. If each reader on this blog (arguably the biggest 500 or so fans of the Islanders) don’t bring at least 10 people with them to the actual polls you haven’t done your job. I can say personally I’ve educated over 100 people on this deal personally and I hope you’re all doing the same. The worst feeling in the world would be the arena vote being a close NO and feeling that you could have done more as a fan.
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Erika says:
Still mad that I didn’t get my absentee ballot request in before I went on vacation. I even printed ones for my parents. 3 votes CAN make the difference!!
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PSM1966 says:
$50 per year? Take your kids to “fill in the blank” at MSG and it will cost you $50 just to get there….ONCE. Wang is a better person than I because I would move the team to Queens yesterday.
Another thing. What’s with the Nassau Aquatic Center? $25mil in repairs for a $30mil swimming pool that generates a couple hundred thousand dollars per year?I still believe the silent majority will prevail and this will pass.
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This makes me sick and I feel helpless in doing something about it. I can’t vote, I can’t make the rally…
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Al L says:
This situation is surrounded by vile and disgustingly self centered individuals in powerful positions with personal agendas. At the end this is all about Party Politics and posturing for victory without one ounce of care for the well being of constituency. Don’t think for a minute the possibility of graft and corruption has occured along the way.
It is no coincidence the phony Association For Better LI has partnered along with Scott Rechler of all people in an effort to destroy this proposal. I have no doubt there will be many palms greased by whomever would be granted development rights for the 77 acres in question.
The pawn in all of this is the ignorance and fears of the resident. These slimeballs don’t give a damn whether or not you live or die. Whether it is Judy Jacobs, Jay Jacobs,Kate Murray or Ed Mangano. These people are all the same. The only thing that matters is Party strength and weakening of the opponent.
Wake up and smell the coffee,naysayers. You are being fed half truths,distortions and bold faced lies. This is all about Democratic driven political agenda conspiring to make Ed Mangano look like a lightweight. The same would hold true if this was Tom Suozzi’s ‘baby’. In that case it would be the Republicans who would be in destruction mode. Vote NO Aug 1st and you are signing your own death sentence in regard to quality of life and financial stability in your backyard.
It has been estimated some $243mil would be lost by your Nassau County if the Coliseum goes dark. An additional 2600 jobs would instantly disappear. That adds up to significant Revenue that must be replaced. Fill in the blanks,folks. Who will do the replacing? This will result in paying more for NOTHING but a weed filled ghost of what once was.
Think about that before you enrich the lives of a few devious sc mbags who are in the process of playing you like a fiddle! You can bet,once their term is done,they will be the first to leave the G-d forsaken wasteland they created,with you having no place to go,unless you can afford to take .50 cents on the dollar for your depressed property. G-d Bless and help you all! Do the proper thing Aug 1st and save your future. VOTE YES!!!!! -
joe in alberta says:
VOTE YES, AND i’ll bring my canadian dollars to spend in nassau county.
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save-the-isles says:
Hope Jay Jacobs dies a slow death!!!!!
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born and raised in the bronx as a huge islander fan surounded by ranger fans… and if this deal is not done I will NEVER spend a another dime in Nassau as long as i live. And I will hate everything and everyone in Nassau…
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born and raised in the bronx as a huge islander fan surounded by ranger fans… and if this deal is not done I will NEVER spend a another dime in Nassau as long as i live and will hate anything and everything thats associated with that county…COMPLETE EMBARRASSMENT
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Nick M says:
Tick tock tick tock…where’s the PR push with just under 2 weeks..where’s the big move?! Let’s make headline and show people we are serious about competing. Come on already!!
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1940forever says:
Relax everyone. This is a lock, just like…
Dale Hunter being a good sport
Hiring an ex-Rangerr to GM
The NHL board of governors owners screening process
trading youth for veteran talent
Changing logos
the draft lottery
Drafting a goalie number one
Signing him for 15 years
Renting soon to be free agents
The team staying healthy
The draft lottery againOh crap….
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AJAX says:
I still believe that there are more people posting on this site “vote yes”, that do NOT reside in Nassau.
I don’t have much faith in the people there. -
Bjorn Holland says:
Wow,
Where I live in Holland this would not be possible. Here socces is the biggest market and if politicians like Murray and Jacobs would try stuff like this, some fans would make them very clear this cannot be the idea. Seems like everyone in Nassau is groggy.I just don’t get why Wang doesn’t go for Queens or Suffolk. Can anyone explain this to me please?
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Ari (Not Haanpaa) says:
This doesn’t sound too good. By the way, does anyone know why Scott Rechler is opposed to the new deal? You figure if he were on board with the Lighthouse, he would be in favor of this project as well, or maybe he’s one of a long line of people to have a fallout with Wang. He could also be upset he’s not getting a cut of the new proposal perhaps.
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Billy the Kid says:
My take on this is that the deal is “a bridge too far”. Nassau County politicians and other parties who want to retard development and progress will kill this any way they can, starting with the vote, and if that won’t kill it, then NIFA and the Legistature.
Democrats usually love to raise taxes and spend public money, except now when it is a Republican initiative, when they fight it to the death. There is no overcoming this stubborn self destruction.
Grumpy seniors who fear any channge from status quo, Democrat avengers, Tea Party activists that want to cut any kind of spending, and many who just misunderstand the deal or got negative information will all conspire to kill this off.
I really hope that Wang has a secondary plan to get an arena, if not in Nassau County then somewhere in the immediate area.
Anything else means Quebec, KC, Seattle for this hockey club.
If that happens, please do not forget those who did it and pay them back on election day. -
There is likely going to be a lot of problems getting this arena deal passed even with a Yes on August 1. I just hope that Wang submits a bid for the WP project on August 12.
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shlo says:
Since I support the Tea party agenda, I cannot understand why Republican politicians who are associated with the Tea Party object to the deal. The higher tax crap is just that- crap. They should know better, so should the voters.
Other than the Islanders, it is about jobs, more tax revenue and private sector doing what it should- generate business.
Please make their name public so come election time I’ll not support them.
Vote Yes. -
Westchester says:
I think you guys are “crazy”. Your just asking to get taxed more. What are you thinking!
LI already has money problems. Why would you want to add to it?
If the same situation was to happen in Westchesyer ( where I live ) I would fight tooth and nail so that it wouldn’t get passed.
Yea the Islaners leaving would suck. But what’s the cost of keeping them on LI.
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Jim Clark says: Since Jay Jacobs is doing everything in his power to block the Wangdome,do the Islanders have any politician doing all in her/his power to pass it?
I wonder what someone who knows how to conduct a successful campaign like Dick Morris thinks of the Islanders methods? Approval or dismissive?
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It really comes down to greed, Rechler wants to develop the land, he had a deal in place but Murray killed it and now Wang gets to develop the property, Rechler feels bamboozled. so why not line some pockets of politicians like Jacobs and others so that does not happen. He could care less of jobs or the economy or even raising taxes. This is about a better Long Island as long as he, Rechler gets another opportunity to make $ and develop the property. Shame on all those politicians who are so narrow minded and represent their districts with unethical behavior.
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Joe in Massapequa says:
I am getting taxed whether the Isles stay or not. Voting YES is a no brainer. Nassau needs a new and modern attraction and needs to lose its label of a “pass-through” county. In a previous article there was a line from an independent economic consultant stating we, as residents, will spend our money elsewhere like restaurants and movies if the Isles move. No way will this resident do that.
This vote MUST go through next Monday to get to the next step. I can’t make the rally but I am making sure I urge all Nassau residents I know to VOTE YES. I don’t want Tuesday to be one of the darkest days in Isles history – we have had way too many of those in the past 15 years and Tuesday has the potential to blow the others away. Let’s make sure it doesn’t happen. VOTE YES!
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Justin says:
Where the hell are the commercials? I opened my local paper this week and I saw an ANTI Coliseum ad…..Where are the pro ads? TV, Paper, Sky writing??!!!??? Where are they??
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UIF says:
The “Tea Party” people are against it because they saw a horribly incomplete story on Fox News once. I’m sure they think “no arena for the Islanders” is in the Constitution somewhere.
The Democrat’s against it because he doesn’t want to give Republicans a “victory.”
The developers are against it because if Wang leaves, they can fight over the scraps like vultures.
The poll sounds very misleading. If the question was, “Do you want tax dollars to pay for it,” that indicates tax dollars are paying for the whole thing. Ask, “Would you be willing to kick in $15 per year,” and I bet you’d have much more favorable results.
Ultimately, the only thing that saves this is rationality and courage, both of which seem to be in short supply.
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CJCB says:
Living in Suffolk i still think it is BS we dont get any say in this???? Spread the burdon to both counties, make this about LONG ISLAND not Nassau county. LI politics have to be the most corrupt in the country. How long before we here of one if not all of these politicians in some kind of scandal? Most kids play on sports fields that are unacceptable in my opinion, roads are terrible, taxes are brutal, Traffic is horrible, small business are dying, houses are up for sale everywhere and its sad to see. Pretty soon it will be just drs and landscapers on the island and sadly i cant see myself staying here much longer!! Lets go Islanders!!
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dose says:
I’m not sure how much help if any James Dolan is. I literally don’t know anyone who has positive things to say about that guy, and I’m afraid people will see his support as a reason to vote NO.
Had it occurred a week later than it did, this horrendous heat wave would have thrown multiple twists into this, and made the outcome even less predictable.
And the whole Rechler issue, his sudden pullout from his partnership with Wang, which was never really explained as far as I know, and now his opposition to this thing is very intriguing. I’m real curious about that whole scenario. -
Westchester – Charles Wang is kicking in a minimum $14 million/year, paying for any construction cost overruns, etc. The people screaming “Taxes! Taxes!” are really yelling about like $15-30 per year once you do the math. I wonder if you considered the new Yankee Stadium “crazy” too, since it demanded a heck of a lot more from the public than this plan does. I think the cost to taxpayers for that was at least double the cost of this entire project’s public and private costs combined.
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JackB says:
Still don’t understand why Wang didn’t continue to work with a scaled down LH??? Maybe this is why Rechler has jumped ship.
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Staten Islander says:
I’m afraid, I’m VERY afraid
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Mike from Philly says:
Move to Queens already. Nassau will never get it’s head outbofbits ass
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Bruce says:
Wow – very enlightening and goes to show why Nassau County is in a downward spin. too many parties seemed to have too much input.
Private project – done
Public project – molasses
The Tea Party against the project shows the short-sightedness of their stand.
It is time to start the Common Sense Party.This project should be a no-brainer – 10 years ago!!!!!
Shame on you Nassau County and shame on you na-sayers to this project for trying to live in the past and not acknowledging what you have before you!
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Fred says:
@35 Joe. You hit the nail on the head!! Follow the $$. Who stands to profit if the Isles leave? Rechler was partners on the Lighthouse and would have made a fortune. He has the hidden agenda(motivation) to kill this project. Then he can bid for the development rights to the land. You are 100% correct Joe.
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What is the projected tax increase – 17-27 dollars?
here are some examples of what this cost would mean to you:
* Two or three packs of cigarettes? Or, a couple of cases of bubbly?
Drive-thru at McDonalds to feed a family of five?
How about around $2.00 a month.
How about an oil change on the car.
How about getting your hair done – once
How about the fees you get for using another bank’s 24 hour teller.
How about a 2 for 20 meal at Applebee’s.
How about one month of HBO.
How about the cost of Kates’ Newsday column ($4.95 please)and the cost of your time to verify what she says with other reliable sources.
How about a 20 minute massage.
How about getting your nails done ladies.
How about any number of things you buy just because (this list is way too long!)
Get my point?
Whether you are a hockey fan or would enjoy a good concert, convention, baseball game or have a thread of pride for the surrounding area where you live, the benefits outweigh the “impact”.
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Neil says:
I live in Suffolk but grew up in Wantagh,
I would vote YES in a second if I lived in Nassau. All my friends who do are voting YES. You have to ask yourself what is the cost of not doing the project.
As far as The Association For A Better Long Island, just try to find their site is a joke. The site I found the content has not been updated since May even if that is their actual site the represents them as an organization.
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Fee-Show says:
This wouldn’t even be an issue if Charles the Stubborn had just played ball with King Alphonse from the getgo!
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#35 and #46 – Nothing about anything political or big-money related on LI is ever quite as it seems or exactly as it appears. It’s been that way at least since the late 60′s, when I started paying attention. Your assumption about the ‘Rechler-factor’ clearly is onto something, but I think is part of a very obscured much larger picture.
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Tracy says:
lol–this is worse than the debt ceiling debate. You cant spend on this and then complain about “overspending” at the County, State and Government levels. Vote NO while still being a huge islanders fan.It will only cost…cmon. What voodoo #’s and projections are being used?? Fact–it will cost money and we are already in debt. Story, over.
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doc says:
#22 Al L. You nailed it. I wish every politician would read your diatribe regarding their disgusting behavior and then look themselves in the mirror and realize how “ugly” they trully are. But then again, they are so narcissistic they’re not capable of recognizing themselves in such a negative manner. It’s a personality disorder that they all have and it’s borderline psychotic.
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UIF (41)
I total respect what your saying. Your right! It will probably only be $15 to 30 more in taxes per Long Islander resident. But that is if everything goes right. And that’s not counting any other tax increases. What if you were talking $50 to 75 in taxes more. Would you still be ok with that?
The new Yankee Stadium cost was crazy! But if NYC runs out of money they just ask Albany for more. And where does Albany get it from? L.I., Westchester, Rockland, ect…
That is why I feel they should move to Queens
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Tony says:
An article in Newsday? Is this high gear? Are you kidding me?
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seabass says:
Wang has done a poor job at promoting this just like he has done a poor job of owing the team over the last 10+ years. Long Islanders and Isles Fans deserve a better arena and a better owner…go away CW!!!!
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Bill W. says:
Regarding #6
You’ll be waiting a long long time for Kate (Just make me a Judge already) Murray to say anything of any value. She never has and never will. -
Seabass (53)
I agree. A lot of people think he’s a good owner. He’s not. He’s just better than what we’ve had in the past.
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Tom D in NJ says:
All politicians ever care about is getting re-elected. If the yes vote overwhelms, the ball, or should I say puck, will be in our court.
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Merrick says:
Bottom Line:
1) For most Long Islanders, the team is nice, but not a priority, espcially if it costs taxpayers money.
2)Islander fans live in a bubble of hope. We are passionate, but the team is far down the totem pole of concerns for Nassau County residnts.
3) Charles Wang is not perceived as an economic development guru worthy of running the show. His management of the Islanders is a great excuse to vote no.
4) Even it is true that the Islanders would not be here, but for Wang–that is no excuse for running the team like a clown and earning a well-deserved reputaiton for hockey people throughout the league. When a visiting player comes here–it’s not just the building, it’s also having six-year olds sing the national anthem off-key that reminds players of the minor leagues.
5) I hope some ray of sunshine makes it way through the darkness, but I am prepared to move on.
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I saw the Judy Jacobs piece on News12. Maybe someone should force her to listen to CB’s interview with Michael Picker. If she still doesn’t understand the deal maybe we can get her institutionalized. Bottom line is all the politicians in Nassau are crooks & need to be voted out of office. Maybe a Common Sense Party is the only answer. These people don’t seem to understand they work for US not their party bosses!
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hangover3 says:
If Wang wants to win votes, all he has to do is put it in writing that he will sell the team in a couple years, and won’t force the next owner to keep all Wang’s Entourge buddys. (son dipietro, best bud Yashin, Yes-man Snow, GM in waiting Mike Milbury)
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#58, Really? We are blaming Charles Wang for having a 6 year old sing the national anthem off key? That’s a major problem for the team? You think that is what keeps players from coming here? Come on.
Yeah, Charles kept Milbury longer than he should have, but remember, he didn’t hire him and Don Maloney wasn’t much better.
I personally don’t care that he does not know hockey, he came in and saved the franchise. It was not smart business investment for him. You don’t get richer by losing money year after year.
Now in order to have the Islanders compete in this league, he needs a new arena and he needs the Islanders to generate more revenue. Like the Milstein group before him, Wang knows he has to develop the surrounding area to generate funds for the team.
Stop with the bashing of Wang….it does no good.
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jack blakc says:
CB, here’s my issue for the August 1 vote day. I went to register to vote Friday only to find out that the deadline to register for Aug 1 was JULY 7! I am 19 years old so I have never had the need, chance or opportunity to vote for anything. I really wanted to vote yes on this referendum. I love my Islanders, I worked there this past season in the PR department and it was an amazing experience and I know how good the department is and how hard they work. But did anyone want to put out in every media outlet that the deadline was July 7? I had no idea and I read Newsday EVERYDAY! No one felt it was important to put that out there. I am praying that this referendum passes, but it’s BS like this that may be a reason it doesn’t. Wang nor Mangano or anyone else thought it was important to make that one of the most important pieces of information put out there? “Make sure you register to vote by July 7.” There are plenty, plenty of people ranging from 18-25 that haven’t registered to vote and wanted to for this, but how would they know?! They wouldn’t because NO ONE told them! An absolute farce and failure by Nassau County! Thoughts CB? Would love to hear them
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mrlbem says:
The fact of the matter is that the Nassau County Democratic Caucus sees Mangano on the ropes and the opportunity in the coming election to regain the majority in the County Legislature and in 2 years regain the County Executive office. That is what is driving the opposition–they do not want let Mangano or the Nassau Republican party off the mat. They do not want them to look good. If the Islanders leave and the Coliseum shuts down as colateral damage, so be it. You may recall that Denenberg crossed party lines for the referendum vote? He pretty much incurred the wrath of God, um, I mean, Jacobs for his insubordination and it will not likely happen again.
Therefore, any Nasaau resident, in addition to voting yes on 8/1, should be calling their respective County Legislator, especially if the Legislator is a democrat, and express outrage over the fact that the democrats care more about regaining power than they do about keeping the team here. Be armed with the facts and be ready to argue–my legislator, Judy Bosworth, kept trying to blame the republicans for killing the LHP. I said that I agree. Now what are you proposing if not this. No answer.
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Steven says:
Politicans should be very proud of the great job they have done in LI and all over the country.
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Paul says:
Unfortunately, I have a bad feeling about how this is going to turn out. And, once this deal is squashed, I have a VERY BAD feeling about what is going to happen to Nassau. I moved into Brooklyn six years ago, after college, and I now live in Manhattan; and, when I look at the steaming pile that is Nassau has become, I can honestly say I may never come back. No desire to innovate, no desire to improve, just a sad attempt to maintain the suburban status quo. An aging population, unreliable and expensive public transportation, bundles of property taxes, and for what? Ok school systems and some of the crappiest highways in America? Pathetic and short-sighted, is all I can say.
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man i sure hope Wang is already looking to put the team somewhere else. This doesnt sound like it is going to happen.
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JTizzle91 says:
I have handed out the fliers and am getting anyone I can to vote Yes! We will find out in a week if it was for Nyet!
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CB, that is a huge statement by Mr. Wang to make now. Approve this project or the team are gone, enough BS. Mr. Wang has done more to keep a team in an area than any one area deserves! My question is local or out of area give us some odds BC NC is done!
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Frankie D says:
Hey Westchester #37. You’re one sided. Yes, it MAY cost 58 dollars a year in taxes to build, but to lose the Islanders will cost the taxpayers at least 104 million in revenue and other income including the loss of jobs, 2500 I believe. No one seems to be adding THAT up in increased taxes per year. The politicians seem to be ignoring that side of the coin hoping people like you don’t figure it out.
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Jeff says:
Maybe they’re talking with Yashin just to get Carol Alt’s vote.
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RangersOnlyPlease says:
The quicker the fan-challenged Islander franchise is moved the better. Hamilton & Quebec City deserve a team, not Long Island New York where all of the population couldn’t care less about the NHL. The NHL needs to get out of places like Long Island where they don’t draw any fans and local & National broadcasts of NHL games barely register just like Atlanta. Thrashers are the first team to change location and hopefully the Islanders will be the second. Vote NO NASSAU!!! for the good of the NHL.
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Dom says:
The team is GONE after 2015. Case closed….PERIOD!.
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@ RangersOnlyPlease
You obviously have no concept of NHL history, economics, or anything else. The Rangers “fanbase” is very corporate, and 1/3 of MSG is empty by the time the third period because tie-wearing corporate attendees are down in Penn tossing back tall boys and waiting for the train. Just like Knicks games.
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jisles says:
I read the Newsday article this morning and 51-36% against this project is TELLING.Yes only 620 people were polled but with a margin of error of about 3% this is not a close vote. This is going down and HARD. I majored in Political Science and I can tell you a poll with that drastic a delta in percentage points one week away from the vote is pretty accurate. You are asking the islanders to make up 15% points in a week. Highly unlikely. This vote is dead and so are the islanders. Only a miracle will save them but IMHO they are done.
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Islander fans unite…..and prepare for the death of a franchise. Our elected politicians will fuc& us over and our team will depart with great haste. We put these assh@les in office and have nobody to blame but ourselves in the end. Bye Bye NYI. Its the end of an era, and the death of OUR team.
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to add to my comment earlier. I would say when the vote fails Wang would just build the arena himself but he already is quoted it is the end of the road for him. So the only way the islanders stay is if Wang finds another buyer and he builds the arena himself which the nassau residents want. They want the islanders here but not at the expense of a tax increase. Well the only thing is hope and prayers now. I just dont see the islanders campaign making up the 15% points in a week based on the fact they have botched this whole thing from day one. Wang is just a terrible campaigner and horrible PR. Islanders est 1972-2015.
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Don’t know how anyone is still saying voodoo numbers since all studies have shown worst case scenario to be about $14 dollars per household, per year. It will cost more if Islanders leave, so the questions is save money, get new coliseum and save Islanders or lose money have a bulldozed parking lot and no Islanders, not complicated.
The line in the newsday article about people wanting to keep the Islanders but not wanting to pay anything is a classic statement of where people are now. I want my services, I just don’t want to pay anything, oh and balance the budget. Everybody opposes governemnt spending except when the government is spending on something they want or use. The Democratic opposition to this is just pathetic since the Tea party people who vote against this will vote Republican anyway.
Again, all we can do is vote yes. If the referendum passes, the democrats will fold like they always do.
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TONYSAC says:
Here is my analogy. Its very simple…Without the Nassau Coliseum, Nassau becomes the WRONG 1985. Biff Tannen’s greediness and corruption(NASSAU COUNTY POLITICIANS) turns Nassau into a SLUM full of prostitutes, drugs, and crime!!! GROW UP NASSAU, YOU ARE AN EMBARRASSMENT TO NOT ONLY NASSAU COUNTY, SUFFOLK COUNTY, BUT TO THE COUNTRY. YOUR GREED AND CORRUPTION IS DISGUSTING!!!!!!!!
VOTE YES AUGUST 1ST, OR END UP LIVING IN THE WRONG 2015 AND BEYOND!!!!
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The Islanders are locked in to paying 14 Million or 11.5 percent of revenue so these numbers are not speculation.
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Isleman81 says:
Without saying the word “beach”, I want Jay Jacobs to give 3 reasons (destinations) why a person from NYC or out of state would visit Nassau County. I would also like to know what Mr. Jacobs vision is for the Nassau Coliseum if it’s not a new state of the art arena.
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If you live in Nassau and have the right to vote, and don’t – just know that you are the problem. Blame the politicians all you want but you are the problem. Empathy, ignorance, and old views. If the Islanders move out of NY State, I will be heartbroken. Thats real talk.
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Denis says:
jisles — if you are majoring in political science, ask your institution for a refund, or make sure you take a good class on statistics and polling. Poll was junk. Registered voters not likely voters, demographic skewed older (representative of Nassau residents in general but not of union workers and hockey fans who will make up a large portion of the yes vote), 80 percent say they will vote in an election that’s not expected to draw more than 15 percent turn out. And that’s all besides the point. Worst thing that supporters can do is throw up their hands and say woe is me. Everyone needs to redouble their efforts and make sure every yes vote that can vote does vote.
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Matt says:
Its over, the team is gone…. once they level the arena you can gather all of the local guido’s and have a beat feast in the parking lot. Another reason why LI is a failing market and im not talking about the Islanders
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John says:
I really hope that somehow Wang says F*** Nassua let them rot and we are moving to Queens. To all the people who vote no are very cheap people.(Trying to keep my cool here.) But a retired cop my dad knows with a 70,000 pension is VOTING NO
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Steve J says:
A new owner isn’t coming to shell out more than 100 million to buy this team and then another 400 million for a new arena. Its a Yes vote or goodbye. Some people need to stop with the Brooklyn and Queens fantasies. The Wilpons have their own money problems and there would be plenty of roadblocks to stop a new arena from being built. You would have to relocate or buy out all the chop shop owners. Just ask the owner of the Nets how long it took to get to the groundbreaking of the Barclays Center with all the opposition he faced. Bettman is already on record saying he is opposed to a Brooklyn relocation and the Russian owner of the Nets has already said he wants no part of a hockey team in his arena.
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jHD says:
How many of you Nassau residents have ever voted for or against Jacobs, Murray or any of the other county legislative scumbags? Make them pay by actually voting in November!
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ron m. says:
Its very simple, if the Isles leave Nassau county taxpayers face a tax increase of $16. due to lost revenue and 2,600 jobs lost. If the Isles stay, Nassau county taxpayers face a possible tax increase of $13.80. and 2,000 jobs added on LI.
Why is this a complicated decision for the voters. Vote YES! -
kevin morris says:
Jay Jacobs is a selfish and disgusting man. Playinng political tic tact toe meanwhile risking the future of the Isles and the residents of Nassau county. IF everyone does not see right through him, I don’t know what’s wrong with them.
Just thought Id point out, the poll Botta’s referring too.. 56% of the 620 were women and 52% were older than 55. I’m sure if if Newsday surveyed a 620 group of people who were a majority male and a majority in the 18-40 range, the survey would rpoabbly show about 60% in favor of Yes.
In reality, Im not taking anything for granted, but the Isles fans and young people of the county will be more iclined to actually f]go and vote than the old people resisting this.. Its a big advantage in all reality. I wish i could vote yes…
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denis#83. If 620 people actually answer the phone and take the time to take the poll more than likely they will vote. Yes you are right you will have some that wont vote or change their minds but you are talking about a 15% delta. 15%!! even with a margin of error it is still a telling poll. Ask me how skewed can demographics be in Nassau county? There is no real distinction in demographics. Nassau is what it is 40 somethings with big mortgages and high taxes. This vote is going down sorry to tell you. You tell me in what political campaign a week out from the vote down 15% points in a poll pulled out a victory. Dont tell me Mangano he was down early in the campaign and had enough time to make it up. The islanders and wang botched this up. They should have had professional political consultants running this from day one, but as we all know Wang doesn’t do anything in a right professional manner since he is the smartest guy in the room. I am really pissed off but it is what it is. However, if I could I would still vote and vote yes. We need a miracle.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
The more and more I educate myself. The more and more I think this deal is a “No Brainer”.
I’ve hunted and pecked around, and I cannot find another municipality with a major sports stadium or arena that has as much favorable terms with guaranteed revenue than what Nassau will have with the NY Islanders … Gauranteed lease payments, 11.5% share of GROSS Revenue + Sales Tax generating revenue. Are You Kidding Me Nassau Residents?!!!
Michael Pickler talked about some of the details in your previous thread CB! The Isles have been criticized by fans and non-fans alike that they haven’t really done much to promote the benefits of the plan. I kick back and look at it compared to other municipal deals and see it plain in front of my face. So I think the Isles think it’s that easy to see for everyone.
Why isn’t it? Well the stinking fog of politics has enveloped this development for long before Charles owned the Isles. Opinions are like … uh … you know …. We all have one. The thing is to clear up some of the mis-information so that people can have a more clear opinion without that stinkin’ political fog clouding people’s judgement.
I’ve chided over and over before to my fellow fans not to get sucked into the political gamesmanship and be pawned by the politicians / bureaucrats in power. That is why I don’t understand the “Tea Party on LI” position on this. Have they been hijacked by a specific movement (AFBLI) faction?
I’m an unapologetic Libertarian, and hate to see public funds (tax dollars) misused for nefarious “public works” projects and special interest groups without any clear benefit to the community at large, and seem only to target a certain group that enhances a run for re-election.
That being said some projects are just to large, to be funded privately. Massive projects like the Manhattan Project, Hoover Dam, Interstate Hiway System and bridges and tunnels are examples of such projects that are costly but provide massive economic and public use benefits.
Although the NVMC is no where near that scale … it does provide a massive benefit to the immediate community that also draws in tides of economic activity from outside Nassau’s municipal borders. This new lease deal would gaurantee Nassau receives a 11.5% return off of Gross Revenue … in addition to the gauranteed lease payments. Show me where I can invest my money and gaurantee me an 11.5% return on revenues. You don’t get that from a savings account, you typically don’t get that from the stock market. You may get a good chunk of that in profits … but 11.5% return on Gross Revenues? NEVER!
The kicker is that Charles is going to pay for cost overruns … and knowing New York (see the Yankees / Mets) … Things never come in under budget. All this on County owned property / building. Wake the —- (fill in your choice of words here) —- Nassau!!
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isles71 says:
If I am not mistaken…its sounds like the “fat lady” is warming up…just sad & embarassing! Monday August 1st…Black Monday approaches,it is gonna take a miracle to keep them here…VOTE YES!!!
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Nobigwhup says:
If the referendum does not pass, it is the end of another era on LI. The Islanders will join the likes of the FreeportnRace track, Roosevelt Raceway and the Flea Market. Do not kid yourself. This is not a vote about Wang. It is aboutnthe NCC and whether we want hockey on LI. A no vote means the end of this blog as well bc we will not be enjoying the Quebec Islanders How sad and pathetic it will be when the likes of JT, Stome, Grabner get to raise the cup in Quebec and all of us in Nassau can just sit in front of the TV and blame Wang. Shame on all of you who vote no and take away the only good thing left in Nassau.
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corey says: someone want to tell me how building a new colliseum would be bad for the county? This is crazy. Please everyone who can go out and vote yes.
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Kevin says:
Tired of people complaining that this
is not privately funded. Wang offered
the LH project and was denied. -
The Rock says:
On the plus side 2 of my moms friends who are NO voters now have to go away that weekend. Atleast thats 2 no votes gone away. My clan of 4 mom gf brother me are all voting yes.
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dan says:
PLEASE VOTE YES!!!!!!
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CB. What are you going to do when the Isles pack up? Mets blogger? How many more of those do we need Maybe PR for a co in NYC SNY? It will not be about the Isles? No income on that front. So you may be out. Resume ready. I say this so all u pundits get the picture. Stop the whining abOut Wang, Snow or use the Yashin excuse. It is about jobs , this blog, our team, the local business, the college communication course at Hofstra, the community services offered, the role models and a destination point for LI. Stop being vindictive or plain stupid. Vote YES for our future and to keep ournIslanders on the Island
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AL #97 be careful what you wish for. I think we were asking Wang the same thing in 2000 and look where it go us.
19 Isle in NJ 22. The number one rule of politics is if it is perceived true, then it is no matter the real facts. If Wangano saw this as such a no brainer and were caught off guard by the opposition then shame on them. You never go into a political campaign and that what this is folks nothing more or less taken it for granted and expecting the people to get it. No matter how strongly you believe in it you have to campaign like nobody gets it and keep putting your info out there all the time. Wang did not do that and I’ll say it again should we be surprised? He doesnt run his businesses or the islanders professionally so why would he do this any different. What a shame.
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I know this is a little off topic, and I apologize, but I think it would really be best for Nassau to not only approve the new arena but let Wang develop the surrounding area. If you ever went to an arena in another state or Canada, there is so much to do in the surrounding area. How many people having taken trips to Montreal or Boston for an Islander game? There is so much to do and spend money on within walking distance. Give the Isles a new arena and develop the parking lot around it, you may have visitors come and spend their money while they are here for a weekend to watch a hockey game. Nassau’s financial crisis was not caused by the Islanders, but the Islanders could be a part of a solution. Put it together people.
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KBelanger33 says:
Two things:
1)Is this rally being advertised anywhere besides this website? if not it will be a sad turnout
2)Jay Jacobs-we will remember this in November bud!…and thats even if this vote passes! -
jisles 94 — I don’t want to turn this into a workshop on polling, however, the difference between registered voters and likely voters is potentially huge, especially in a low turnout election. On top of that, 20 percent of the small sample is worthless as they self identify as being unlikely to vote. Polling ended on July 19, prior to the news stories that identified the likely tax increase should the bill be defeated, prior to the push supporting the vote beginning, and prior to Wang unambiguously saying that if the bill goes down, the Isles move out. And none of that matters. If all you do is hang your hand and wring your hands and say we are cooked, we are. Instead, work to make sure the only poll that matters (Aug. 1) turns out the way we want it.
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Isles2011 says:
CB, assuming we get the Yes vote on August 1st, how long will the rest of the process take? How long does NIFA and any other people have before this deal becomes official? Is their a certain timeline or are we going to have to go by Wang’s June 2012 deadline? I would hate to see us get the Yes vote and then it take another year for us to wait on a decision.
I hate politics but thanks CB for breaking it down so even those of us who don’t live in Nassau have a better understanding of whose who.
It’s sad but this thing has dragged out for so long that I think everyone, Isles fans especially, just want it to be done with. There was a lot of excitement before when this proposal was announced and KO and Grabner signed extensions. Since then, not much has happened on the Isles roster to really get the fans excited again. It would be great if Snow could make a good trade prior to August 1st to get that excitement back for the fans and remind them why they should be voting yes.
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Marc says:
I have to reiterate my disappointment over the word not being spread wide enough. So many residents don’t know about the referendum. I suggested to the Isles and Eden Laiken’s group to post ads EVERYWHERE including in gyms, on e-mails sent to members, on LIRR trains, at LIRR stations, in Penn Station (in the LIRR area), and was assured it was being done, yet it hasn’t. Quite disappointing when you do the multiplication and come up with the number of residents not aware and/or solicited. The vote should not be close, yet there is quite a bit of concern over whether or not it will even pass at this point. One more point I’ll make now — if the vote doesn’t pass, Wang is not paying for the referendum. How much will that cost each homeowner in Nassau County? Let someone add that number, albeit a small one, into the equation.
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Mike says:
jacobs and ALL politicians SUCK and are NOTHING but CROOKS with there own agenda in mind!!!! This country has become a COMPLETE F’n MESS thanks to politicians!!! When the Isles are in Quebec I HOPE Nassau copletly falls apart and the site becomes littered with Crack heads and Gangs and Hookers!!!!
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Looks like I will be sporting that Winnipeg Jets jersey in 2015 or Quebec Islanders!!!!
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D in Big D says:
People are sheep.Plain and simple.People who do not follow hockey nor care about the Isles are clamouring they will vote no I have one ? for you all.What about all the previous tax increases for projects that only affected a certain demographic w/ its services but yet received no public backlash from likes of you?!Why all the bitter hate?Even if the vote is no and the land is developed it most likely will be developed in a way where all you might be allowed to do or can AFFORD to do is drive down the new streets and wonder whats its like to live like a billionaire.I’m starting to pull for the naysayers so I can witness you all wallow in your own sh*t!And people actually wonder whats wrong in this country.We as a public can never seem to agree on anything.C’mon YES voters show these pom-pom wavers what your made of.
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IslesHostage says:
Very simple:
If you’re a Republican, you want to get reelected. If you’re a Democrat, you want to prevent that. So….The Democrats can’t BLOCK this or they’ll pay in the long run. People want lower taxes, not a one time $13-56 rebate. Put out an effort to say the Democrats WILL ONLY PASS THIS IF THE REPUBLICANS SHOW SPENDING CUTS.
That makes them look smart (using GOP TACTICS!) and will win them votes mext election.
The GOP gets their way, the minority party gets their way and it passes.
Oh, but most importantly, taxes go down.
Thanks, I’ll be here all night. Try the veal.
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VLo brooklyn says:
#95 love ya bro
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Billy Joel to perform goodnite saigon in coliseum parking lot…chorus…”and we would all go down together”…
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WE ARE SO VERY FU@KED!!! The whole world laughs at Nassau county today. The highest concentration of personal wealth in the world is on Long Island and we have to go through all this bull$hit to get an arena that is badly neded? HOPELESS!
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kabbage19 says:
If the No votes wins, it is the telling story of whether the Islanders belong on Long Island. When push came to shove in Edmonton, the fans shelled out thousands of dollars of their own money to save the Oilers. This to was in a time of economic downturn so don’t use that as an excuse. The fans of the Islanders have only to go out and vote and then have a tax increase of less than $14 dollars. Do the fans of the Islanders want them to stay on Long Island. August 1 will tell more of a story than most think.
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Hows the housing market in Quebec? They are about to inherit about twenty millionaires dressed sharply in Orange and Blue!
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P.S. Your taxes are going up regardless of the arena deal, wake up Nassau residents, you pay the highest taxes in the nation and will continue to do so, blindly! Therefore, you deserve what you get!
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so tax payers it would come out to be a average of $1 a month. wow
anyway i definitley see the vote passing by a landslide even though you have major retards living in nassau county. -
jack says:
Wang better start looking for sites in other parts of NY cuz this pig ain’t going to fly even if the yes vote wins which at this point I think is doubtful. Wang will NOT go to Quebec.
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Cold Spring Harbor says:
Will the season ticket holders refund checks be cut on August 2nd? If your report is true and Charles Wang has lost Scott Rechler as an advocate, it is over.
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Cary says:
What 95 said…
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@jisles 102
I hear ya. I guess that’s part of the problem. Wang / Pickler see what’s obvious right infront of their face because they’ve been involved in the Hub struggle for so long. The uninformed need to have it thrown right infront of their faces so as not to assume that they are receiving the message because it’s so obvious. Heck. I see even some Islander fans pass on information that they misread. For instance. Quoting the tax as if it’s per person vice per household.
Part of politics is manipulating the information to be consumed by the general public. Charles should know better by now … and I’m kind of disappointed that he and Nassau seemed to come awkwardly out of the gate, opening up criticism of the plan before it was even presented.
That got this whole campaign off on the wrong foot … and like a breakaway with a defender slapping against your elbow with his stick as you enter the slot with the game clock ticking off the final seconds… he’s running out of time and space to make his move on the goalie.
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CB, why don’t the Islanders then send out a mass mailing to the County to get the details out of the Coliseum out? If people say they are not informed then inform them!
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A Real hockey fan. says:
.. Politics is a CRAZY thing, the democrats who are usually pro unions and love to spend tax $$, should BE ASHAMED ASHAMED ASHAMED at their outrageous behavior, disguisting!!
.. Dont give up hope, simply go and talk/encourage everyone who u know to vote YES!! – Talk to family, neighbors, co-workers, strangers – be polite and state why this is a win-win, use facts + rational!! STAY POSITIVE
., Get the vote out, TELL EVERYONE u know, dont take 1 vote for granted, i have 3 people i know voting yes (I commute to LI) but i have coworkers voting yes!! KEEP THE FAITH!!
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anthony c says:
I have a horrible feeling the death of the islanders is a week away. If this fails, then I wish nothing but pain and suffering upon the desmond ryan, the ABLI, nassau democrats, jay jacobs and everyone they know and love. As well as every no voter in that wasteland called nassau county.
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The new isles gm says:
CB, you get over a million hits a month….why don’t you host an Islanders rally. Lord knows you’ll attract attention and dominate that rally. We’re all PB supporters and although we don’t always all agree…we got your back when it comes to anything relating to our Islanders. Your our leader, take us to the promise land! Set it up Chris!!! Compton, you can come too!!!
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Mike R. in Wantagh says:
Get up on Monday and get as many friends, family and Islanders Fans to:
VOTE YES!!! VOTE YES!!! VOTE YES!!! VOTE YES!!! VOTE YES!!! VOTE YES!!! VOTE YES!!! VOTE YES!!! VOTE YES!!! VOTE YES!!! VOTE YES!!! VOTE YES!!! VOTE YES!!! VOTE YES!!! VOTE YES!!! -
Everyone complaining that the numbers of the poll are skewed because of the demographics of the sample population, you have to realize something: Nassau County is old, and there are slightly more females. That is the accurate sample of Nassau.
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#120 you are 100% correct Wang will not go to Quebec, But the Isles being sold to Jim Basille will be in Quebec!!!!
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bleedorange&blue says:
#130 but do you think Wang wants that to be his legacy? you can argue that he tried and tried. but seeing him as a long islander and a new yorker, i dont think he wants to be remembered for selling this historic franchise to Canada. IMO
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Can you all see what has happened here? The gloom and doom and defeatest attitude is exactly the climate these politically driven slimeballs aimed to create,hoping apathy would keep all of you home Aug 1st!
Get out and vote YES on Aug 1st!! That should be your only focus and hope that remains. Anything subsequent is basically beyond your control! -
DT says:
Hey Isles fans. I know that Chris doesn’t want us to post website addresses on here, so i will not do that. There is a site called Shwartz Report which has a bunch of open forums. There is one thread titled Vote No on the New Nassau Coliseum – August 1st. I think it’s a good idea to check it out and show some Isles support on there. There are a lot of anti coliseum proponents on there who are very much misinformed.
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I misspelled it it’s the Schwartz Report. Forgot the c in Schwartz. Sorry.
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Let me get this straight: If the Islanders stay, you’re looking at a tax increase of $15-$50? If the Islanders LEAVE, guess what people?…YOU’RE STILL GETTING A TAX INCREASE!!! and it will be WAAAAAAAYYYYY MORE THAN $15-$50. WAKE UP!
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Kbulger22 says:
I could be wrong, but it seems to me that Wang keeping this vote a little on the down low is a good idea. Islander fans and hockey fans in general who will vote yes already know about it. Residents of Nassau who don’t like or follow hockey would be the ones voting it down. Why create a media frenzy and invite the naysayers? Letting the sleeping dogs lie seems like a good plan.
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Joyce says:
It wouldn’t surprise me if Wang signs a new contract to stay at Nassau Coliseum another 10 years.
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sean says:
I am just going to be positive about this vote and everything going through. I hate politics because they are scum.
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Double Chili says:
For all the people who “Want a new Coliseum but DONT want tax dollars to pay for it” would someone please explain that Wang offered first to finance the entire $3BILLION Lighthouse Project without tax dollars but TOH/Murray SHOT IT DOWN. And BTW, NY State just reported on Friday an $800Million sales tax surplus for 2nd qtr. Gee, can we maybe use $23 for the first year costs from that $800M?
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jt says:
Everyone should also place a call to their nassau legislators and let them know that you plan on voting yes, and if they vote against the new coliseum that you will be voting against them in the next election.
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tom 27 says:
Call the Nassau County Democratic Committee @(516)-294-3366 (from their website) and tell them to save the Isles pass the # around and let’s besiege them with phone calls.
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You have to love these politicians saying “Don’t bail out a Billionaire”. Meanwhile that Billionaire bailed out Nassau County’s ass in 2000. Crooked Corrupt politicians. Their word is worth the toilet paper you wipe your ass with.
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Jim Basille will never own an NHL team as long as Bettmen is the comish.
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Dave says:
The Old generation never ever likes change…if the young come out and vote we can win this VOTE! Like I have mentioned several times everyone will need to do there part and inform all their friends and family to VOTE YES. You know the nayers will come out and VOTE. If you don’t live IN NASSAU INFORM ANYONE YOU KNOW TO VOTE!
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John P says:
Full LH project= billions
Coliseum/ballpark only= 400 million
Private money available for full LH project but not available for a project half the size? = Priceless.
I am a die hard Isles fan but you cant blame others for saying no when this basic premise still hasnt been answered.
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THIS IS THE LAST STAND AND CHANCE TO VOTE SO MAKE IT COUNT. MR. WANG has tried and reached the end of the LINE! TAXES GO UP EVERY YEAR NO MATTER WHAT IN NEW YORK! DON’T start complaining if you don’t VOTE this time!
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NYI 16 says:
#11–couldn’t have said it better..Jay Jacobs has no plan, he doesnt care about taxpayers..his whole thing is getting back into power and then enriching himself and his friends…its disgusting. And also it’s the reason Nassau is such a mess. Cuomo is no better..and this is coming from a registered Democrat.
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jdun89 says:
John P #145…the difference is that with the Lighthouse Project Wang would have taken ownership over the land and the building itself. With this new plan the county will still own the land and building. Why should Wang pay to develop land and a building he doesn’t even own? That would be like telling someone to build you a house and then pay your rent for you. Why would anyone do that?
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ISLES FANS–This is it..don’t just post on this blog, SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT VOTING YES.. Every day for the next week do something to help this pass, organize your friends, family, neighbors..call the filthy crooks we call politicians..lets not be lazy and let the Jay Jacobs of the world beat us!!! PLEASE!
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No need to look any further than this when exposing the sheer stupidity of Nassau County Politicians: The county is FLAT BROKE…so let’s make sure we keep it broke by turning down a revenue generating project. Brilliant!
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Hockeytime says:
I moved off LI a few years ago and wish I could vote. My whole family does as a matter of fact. However saw some inlaws this weekend who live in plainview and word is going around that the tax increase is 600 dollarsper household. That’s absurd, he is a hockey fan a said he was going to vote no because of that. I manage to talk some sense into him and now be is not voting either way. Battle half won. What concerns me is people playing telephone and the cost of the deal goes up everytime someone talks to the next person. God if you are out there…..please save the isles I love this team and don’t want to see them move.
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JT27 says:
CB is right! All this negativity should galvanize us & get to the polls. Its a numbers game! We just have to get out our voters.
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StevieL says:
After the Yes vote and final approval of a new NVMC, we must never forget these politico hacks who will line up to capitalize and get their pictures taken at the groundbreaking. murray and jacobs ( lower case on purpose!) will be the first to line-up to have their faces front and center. Never let it happen. They are a disgrace to fairness and vision. They can never be associated with a new NVMC.
I am also praying for 98 degrees and humidity on Aug 1. A tropical storm would also be nice!! Are you listening Lord ?Vote Yes!! -
The Pork Chop Express says:
The politicians are killing Nassau!!!! All of them. They are destroying everything that made Long Island great. There are so many people with their own personal agendas it is sick!!! They all need to be removed from office and from running from office. I think we need a new SAVE NASSAU PARTY!!! One that speaks the truth and works for the people.
It is funny, people say Wang should pay for it himself. Where have these people been for the last 10 years? The man was going to spend his own money but the County want to share in the revenue. How American is that? If the county wants the revenue then they have to pay for it otherwise they should have no part in it.
If this fails I am scared for Nassau. That area will go to hell expecially when they put HUD homes there.
Also where is the community and charities out there?? They should be pushing for a YES VOTE. The Islanders do a lot for the community and for Long Island charities. If the Isles go so do their great work!!!
Push hard and get everyone you know to Vote YES!!!! This is our last hope!!!
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wtf? says:
John P-
This is pretty simply IMO. Under the lighthouse agreement, Wang and his partners would be able to develop the property leading to a ton of revenue streams generated by several different types of outlets (housing, Colisseum, shops etc.) making it a highly profitable (and therefore highly attractive) to potential investors.
This deal, on the other hand, is much less profitable (it is still profitable, but just much less so) making it less attractive to investors.
Another thing, Nassau County owns the Colisseum. If you rented an apartment would you put up all the money for your landlord to knock down an awful building and build a new one?
Without the ability to develop the land, the profit is much less, and as an investor would you want to invest $100 million dollars into something that will return a profit of 5% or more like 15-20%?
Obviously the one that returns moreIf I am missing anything please let me know.
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jzruggie says:
I just want to point out a couple of misconceptions that seem to be repeated here with some frequency. The first is that Wang said a No vote on Aug. 1 means the end of the road. What he said in the Newsday interview was that if doesn’t get approvals to get a shovel in the ground by next June, he will have reached the end of the road. This is an important distinction vs. if the referendum is voted down, it’s the end of the road. Wang also mentioned in an interview that a deal gets done by compromising ….which leads me to believe that the deal as it has been presented is not what the ultimate deal will look like. So while I think it is important that we get out the vote and make a strong showing on Aug. 1st, it is likely that Wang will need to make some major concessions in order to get a deal in place that is acceptable to both the Democrats and NIFA.
As for some people’s wish that Wang would simply screw Nassau and build an arena in Queens, as a Queens resident I am quite confident that will never happen. If you don’t believe me, Google Willets Point project and look for the slightest mention of a hockey arena among the plans ….well don’t waste your time …there isn’t any.
My best guess is that you guys will make a strong turnout on August 1 and get a Yes vote, but the deal will be rejected by NIFA. Then after much brinksmanship, Wang will make a back room deal with the Democrats, NIFA and the Association for a Corrupt (er …I mean a Better) Long Island, whereby Wang basically pays for the new building and divides up the development rights to the rest of the property. The Isles and Nassau agree to extend the current lease until the new building is built (probably in the year 3000 …or more likely 2017).
Just my prediction …but if you’re looking for a satisfying resolution and the relief of knowing the team will not be moved, you’re not going to get that relief for a while. But I think it will come eventually. -
BryanG says:
Wang would have been a lot better off making that Newsday story about a mandate to have the deal approved this year and a shovel in the ground in the offseason of 2012. By doing all that stuff about how he’s doing it for Long Island, all that does is piss the naysayers off even more. Very few people buy into a billionaire telling them he’s doing something for them.
The story should have been about how the Islanders are gone if this doesn’t pass. Like CB wrote, all those other quotes are just rehashed from the Lighthouse days. Few people bought into it then and they’ll buy into less now.
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CC says:
The idea that only 2/3rds of Nassau residents want the Isles to stay is not promising. Its actually very, very depressing. Think about it: 33% couldn’t care less if the team comes or goes.
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bergie says:
This should have been a “tap in” like CB said when the deal was first announced. Mangano is clueless and Wang and the Islanders have made a ton of mistakes that they’re paying for now. I can’t believe they may lose a vote that was obviously fixed in their favor from the start.
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With the vote quickly approaching, I don’t think Wang has done nearly enough to get the word out. It looks as if he’s throwing in the towel. Maybe once the LH became a pipedream he really lost a major part of his motivation. It’s depressing. It may really come down to an 11th hour save or losing the Isles. Same thing with the debt ceiling and NFL lockout as examples. Sometimes things only seem to get hammered out when there are absolutely no alternatives to put them off further.
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Ray says:
Its real real sad that we are going to Lose the Isles and the Arena because of politics….This place blows…Im still voting yes, but Jacobs and NIFA will never see this thing thru
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d says:
I don’t live in nassau, more like connecticut. I can’t vote but for lords sake get anyone who can(who will vote yes. Offer people 20 bucks to vote on the added condition that they only get paid if it passes. That should give incentive for people to vote yes) to a voting place. I don’t want to lose another hockey team. trust me, it sucks. If it doesn’t get passed there is no guarantee mr wang will go to brooklyn or queens or suffolk.
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People…..if you were buying a restaurant and had to pay a landlord, would you spend the money on upgrades and equipment and design and finishing and the outside facade if you were only leasing the building but owned the business? Yep.
So should Wang if the County does not pass this. He gets a 50 year, 30 year, 99 year lease? He’d OWN the building and pay taxes or lease the building and write off every cent. It’s smart business if he just refurbed the NVMC and got a sweetheart 30 year lease or 50 year lease in return. No ballpark, no new building and all the costs associated….just a large investment for a substantial return.
IF he doesn’t get the vote going his way, I mean.
Or does this not make sense to anyone? Any business owners want to chime in on the idea? It merits strong consideration. Return on investment in 20 years would be nice. If he could do it sooner? Even better. The team isn’t dead if this doesn’t pass with most other owners; it might be with Wang, I fear.
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Jake says:
If this gets voted down, I will NEVER spend another dollar in nassau county.
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#159 the 1/3 rd that doesn’t want the islanders are 140 year old senior citizens that are half in the grave that don’t want their taxes raised! Fossils!
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Ross says:
It’s Monday, it’s a week away. What will the Islanders do? We really really need to pull something bigger then a Wednesday rally.
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Isles81 says:
Come on everyone – get out there and talk this up! Vote “Yes”. LI needs this to get done. We need the jobs this will create, the tax revenues and the destination that a new building will create.
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Politics on this island are low life and scum. It’s pathetic really because in any other place they would have a new building already. If it gets voted down I hope he sticks it up nassau’s a**. Chris you may be right about that the islanders have to be half way out the door to get a new arena built in nassau. Jay Jacobs is basically voting the islanders to leave long island.
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Brian G says:
As much as I do not like Wang – I love the Isles and will vote YES….this will probably pass but tied up in political red tape for 2 years. Wang has no other options to move the team or they would have been pursued moths ago to use as a powerplay against Nassau…so you can forget about Queens, Brooklyn, & Suffolk. Its Nassau or he sells the team and they move the team out of NY…
PS: Will Wang be charging $20 to park for the rally on Wednesday? When they charged $20 for the concert last week, I thought to myself, they raise the parking from $7 to $10 to $20 in a year and a half….how could they be charging that for this crap arena – that price will discourage people to walk up and buy tickets this season! There will not be many people attending this year. That is the reality…..
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io20720 says:
Maybe the Isles DON’T want this to pass?
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BabyBear says:
Time to face a reality check. The vote is going to be voted down. Isles will barley make cap floor for the next couple of years and then are gone.
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Stumpy32 says:
Listening to Boomer and Carton this morning – exactly what we need here. After the 20/20 update was sponsored by “VOTE YES 2011″ Carton asked what that was. The update guy discussed it for a short while, and Carton busted in and said “if Nassau County doesn’t vote for this, they’re idiots.” Boomer went on to discuss how the “crappy” arena won’t stay open without its anchor tenant.
We need more talk like this. Good for the Isles to sponsor the 20/20. Get Picker on all these shows all week. This is what people listen to. Get Picker on Bloomberg as well – make a financial, non-sports, case for the project.
We’re in the home stretch of saving our franchise. All hands on deck.
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Does anyone know what Judy Jacobs said on News12 this weekend, which CB referred to in his post? I left her a message to discuss her stance. Hopefully next week she will vote YES!!!
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Willie says:
SUFFOLK COUNTY!!!
im petrified