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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

UW stadium plan a bad idea

The Spokesman-Review

Logic assumes that neither Washington Legislature House Finance Committee Chairman Ross Hunter, D-Medina, nor House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, attended the University of Washington for their higher education.

It appears both are intelligent enough to know the $150 million that good ol’ U-Drubbed is asking state taxpayers to cough up to build more luxury suites and fan amenities in Husky Stadium can be far better used for sorely needed statewide safety net services for our destitute elderly, the mentally ill, the handicapped and our children’s health care.

Rather than grossly overpay unproven new football coaches to try to resurrect a hapless program, shouldn’t A.D. Scott Woodward and his Husky henchmen hop off their high horses and tap the shoulders of all those wealthy UW alums?

The WSU Martin Stadium remodel is being totally funded via private donations, not any state tax funds, and that’s the way it should be.

Woodward says his stadium remodeling plan is “shovel-ready” to start, and I couldn’t agree more. It’s high time for the governor and the state to grab every shovel they can find and fully bury this ludicrous stadium financing plan … forever.

Jeff Clausen

Spokane