Just as a heads up, Riz has to take a step back from helping with the grassroots efforts for the time being. She still has the paper petitions and is of course keeping an eye on the online one, but sickness in a close family member is precluding her from spending any time on this for right now. I'm sure she'd appreciate if you all would please keep her family in your thoughts and/or prayers.
That's the way to keep support for a stadium, put down the state where a good portion of the supporters come from.
no, i've just done the one. Fenty, Keep united in DC... I have looked to him, Paul and RIz for guidance. And chico for duct tape.....
Make sure to send a message to all the group members periodically, it worked wonders in the Barra group for getting people to sign. Having that reminder and link in their Inbox works way better than anything else.
QFE. It also doesn't hurt to ask admins of other groups to message those in their group regarding the stadium situation.
Just remember that the Sunday paper has a broader reach and the Outlook section is used to address issues like this with more depth. Turn it in Friday, there's a chance you'll get that. Turn it in Monday and we've missed it. Not that I'm complaining, whatever you can do is great. Honest. Just stating the facts.
It is probably already too late for the Outlook section this Sunday. There will be opportunities to get it out there.
Buddy, You can do whatever you want. I am far from in charge and would never want to be. I just wanted everyone to try to make sure that were pulling in the same direction, that's it.
ok Virginia sucks, thats it! on a more serious note, how bout we put stuff in these publications? hill rag on tap
Moving on... Saw this story on the news this morning. Reminder of what could potentially get in the way of a major project in Maryland. Washington Post Metro Section More Funds Urged For Roads as Navy Hospital Expands
Over the last few weeks, there have been at least two supportive editorials in the outlook section from residents of Ward 8. While I agree, that you don't want to come across telling them what would be best (they have Now Anacostia to do that). I think it is perfectly appropriate to ask the Mayor in a public forum, why he is neglecting a campaign promise that he made in front of thousands of voters. Not only that but citing the public statements of the Ward 8 and Ward 7 council members and the previous letters to say "yes, I live in Ward 2, but I want to see my city do right by all our residents." Yes, there are three jurisdictions that make up the fan base for DC United, I don't think any of them represent the MAJORITY (i.e. over 50%) of the fan base in toto.
To get away from the silly chest-thumping, I just listened to an interview with Franchot on 'Maryland Morning' on FM 88.1. He talked enthusiastically about the winning tradition of the team and the tax benefits to MD should they relocate there. When asked how he could justify making the request when MD faces a budget deficit, he said something along the lines of "the budget will be fixed. We need to investigate projects that will bring in money." He talked about the growth of youth soccer and his own love for the sport. He compared it very favorably to the use of slots as a revenue enhancement strategy. He said that his thought would be to have the stadium somewhere close to the DC beltway since the team would retain the name 'DC United' and that it was imperative that it be near public transportation. He also mentioned the need to be near transportation from Baltimore. He mentioned that DCU was willing to pay the cost of building the stadium but was caught up in DC politics. He acknowledged that there would be infrastructure expenses, but that the tax revenue would overshadow that. He said that the MD Stadium Authority was a way of fast-tracking the investigation process, so that the team didn't have to get bogged down as they have in DC. He said that he has broached the subject to lawmakers and other officials and has received very positive feedback. The interview will be available on archive on the web site fairly soon.