When I read the headline "Steel seek $125K subsidy” in Saturday's St. Albert Gazette I was shocked, then angry.
The Steel (formerly the Fort Saskatchewan Traders) orchestrated the move from the supportive community of the Fort to relocate to St. Albert. As often happens, the grass is not always greener on the other side. After gaining concessions from the city of St. Albert, the Steel now have the audacity to ask for taxpayer money because in St. Albert they have not enjoyed the financial success that they thought they would.
Well that is business — if you cannot show a profit, you must resign yourself to move or close up shop. Here again we have another example of a special interest group that thinks it deserves special treatment. This kind of behaviour has to end! Obviously the Steel are not as important to the community as they think they are with an average of 450 fans per game. Of those 450 fans, how many are taxpayers? Do the math — less than 450 fans for 125K per year.
How can council justify giving the Steel any money when we have a mayor who is concerned that not enough revenue is being generated for city coffers from photo radar and speed on green. Do we need to speed so that the city can reap the rewards? It is sad that St. Albert has to rely on obtaining money from photo radar and speed on green. We also have learned that Servus Place has hit the wall in gaining new memberships. So how long will taxpayers be on the hook for close to $800,000 per year? I suppose forever. How can council even think of granting the Steel money when there are so many other items that need attention?
When a business fails or a sports group needs additional money to survive, they possibly could make a request to city council for a subsidy. After all they are an important part of the community. At least businesses do not begin with concessions from the city and they pay hefty taxes! I vehemently shout no!
Linda Hennigar, St. Albert
