Stadium debate branches off in ugly directions

Although I appreciate the challenges and risks posed in the stadium debate, and while I, like many Minnesotans, love having professional football here, I cannot envision a credible argument that would link a Vikings stadium to Legacy Amendment funding in any manner consistent with the intent of the amendment and the public support for it.

The Legacy fund was established to help protect the environmental and cultural/arts legacy in our state.

The currently proposed Vikings stadium supports neither, and taking money from this fund would result in having less funding available to the organizations and causes for which the fund was established -- organizations and causes that are already struggling mightily in a down economy and unsupportive political environment.

I would argue, in fact, that the Vikings stadium proposal runs directly counter to the intent of the Legacy Amendment.

In choosing the Arden Hills location, the Vikings have eschewed a central city location with existing investment in infrastructure and public transportation to and from the stadium site in favor of a suburban location, accessible only by cars, that will require significant construction and environmental impact to create the necessary infrastructure.

That certainly is not contributing to Minnesota's outdoor heritage, parks, trails or clean water.

As to the cultural and artistic heritage of the state, though well-loved in the state, the Vikings are not an artistic institution, and they do not share a commitment to the cultural heritage of the state or a commitment to the communities.

And, if team officials don't get their way? They threaten to take the team out of state.

Arts and cultural organizations, on the other hand, generally do share a commitment to this state, to these local communities. Arts and cultural organizations create jobs for local communities. They support other local businesses.

Many artists are active in their communities, and they are committed to creating, preserving, educating and enhancing the cultural legacy of our state and its citizens.

Many of these organizations -- especially many smaller grass-roots organizations that are fortunate enough to receive small grants made possible by Legacy Amendment funding -- are entirely dedicated to work created in and/or based in Minnesota, and their work contributes to the economy and quality of life for residents of this state even beyond their direct audiences.

Less than 20 percent of the Legacy fund is earmarked for arts and cultural legacy. Many, many organizations -- large and small (the small not necessarily any less deserving than the large) -- must compete for this limited pot of funds.

Utterly. Shameful.

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