Anyone see Kalkhoven With a Hand Out Lately?
I can’t say for sure if Kevin Kalkhoven, co-owner of the CCWS, has done much in the way of begging for dollars of late. But one thing is sure, whether he hit up “passersby” or not, he was just given a $4 million dollar handout from the San Jose City Council courtesy (maybe that’s the wrong terminology to use) of the City’s taxpayers.
After a heated debate Tuesday, the San Jose City Council voted to spend $4 million to subsidize the Grand Prix auto race. The inaugural Champ Car event run last summer drew more than 150,000 people, but lost money.In approving the subsidy, the council insisted on an audit of the expenses and an explanation of how local businesses will be involved the festivities surrounding the race weekend.
The 8-3 vote came amidst charges that the subsidy plan was a backroom deal that was sprung on the council and the public at the last minute. Details were first posted on the city’s website Monday morning.
Backroom, under tables, or the “traditional” smoke filled room the deed in done now.
Full Throttle welcomes the San Jose taxpayers to the world of open wheel racing promotion. Enjoy your stay now!
Technorati Tags: Champ Car World Series, Motorsports, Auto Racing
While I consider myself an economic conservative with a profound belief that tax dollars should not be used to feather the bed of private industry, I also recognize the need for public investment in society’s chosen sphere of influence.
What the hell does that mean? My take is if the politico’s of San Jose (in spite of their carping) voted the subsidy, then they must have recognized a potential benefit to the economy of the city/region. In other words, they acknowledged their own contribution to the problems of the inaugural race (Mea culpa, here’s 4 million large!) and are VERY optimistic over the race’s future, ala Long Beach.
Either that or it’s the same old corruption game, which I doubt very much. Either way, I don’t much care as long as it means more racing for us all!
It comes down to what ever floats your boat, or in this case, whoever pushes the button marked “promotion.”
I normally sit on the fence in regards to gov spending for private enterprises. There have been various studies with varying results that “prove” the point for both sides.
One thing is for sure this isn’t an stamp of approval by a washed up bassist from KISS, it’s from people that are attempting to good for their City.
Nice tie in to Simmons!