Home Mobile Archives Reader Blogs Register Login

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

Election Time in Fargo

ND NEWS

I just got back from voting in the special election here in Fargo on the proposed Renaissance Center in downtown that I posted on here. The only measure on the ballot is the proposed 1/2 cent sales tax extension to fund the Center so I would safely say that voter turnout is going to be very low today. At the polling station in my neighborhood this morning I only saw 1 other voter in the time that I was there.

A poll out by the Forum suggests that although 60% of Fargoans opposed the tax extension, those most likely to vote are in favor of the extension. A 60% majority is needed to pass the proposal. My guess is that it will fall to defeat but get around 50% of the support from today's voters.

Polls close at 7 PM Central and I will be updating this post as soon as the results are in tonight.

More info on the Renaissance Center here.

UPDATE:
As I predicted earlier in the day, the proposed 1/2 cent sales tax extension to fund a Renaissance Center in downtown Fargo fell to defeat--big time. With 100% of the polls reporting it looks like a 71-29 landslide against the extension. Nice move Fargo.

I had a hunch that the measure lacked enough support for the 60% majority needed to pass, but by no means did I expect such a lopsided blowout. And the good news is that the cost of this special election ( reportedly $30,000+) wasn't paid for on the taxpayer's dime.

As I posted on a couple of weeks back, there wasn't a viable tenant to ensure consistent revenues for the Center. That's why this project never got off of the ground. The people of Fargo realized that a $40 million facility in downtown could not be held afloat by a bush league minor league hockey team. It simply wasn't worth placing a $40 million bet on minor league hockey to succeed in Fargo.

Comments

Avatar for Joshua

The 60% figure is drawn from the general population. In the same poll a question along the lines of “Do you intend to vote?” was asked. Those that said they were likely to vote showed support for the tax extension.

They base their prediction by the opinions of those “likely voters” and not the population as a whole.

Joshua on May 3, 2005 at 07:05 am
Rob
Rob
17408 comments
Send a private message

60% of Fargo opposes the tax extension...yet the Forum thinks most people will vote for it anyway?

How does that work?


When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.

-- Thomas Jefferson

Rob’s recently listened-to songs:

robport.gif border=0

Rob on May 3, 2005 at 07:06 am
Page 1 of 1        

Post a Comment


Before commenting, please recite:

Grant me the serenity to ignore the trolls,
the courage to debate with honest opponents,
and the wisdom to know the difference.

Name   
Email   
URL   
Human?
  
 

Upload Image    

Remember my personal information

Notify me of follow-up comments?

Note: Notifications will only be sent to confirmed email addresses.