Kotek scrambles to stop Blazer exit (Her businesses bashing didn’t help)

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

The Oregonian article and headline this weekend explained that Oregon Governor Kotek is working to make sure the Portland Trail Blazers do not leave Portland.  Kotek is feverishly pushing a $600 million multi-government bailout package for the Blazers to spruce up the arena.

The Blazers are getting a new owner at a time of great transitions and unknowns, such as a Blazer coach scandal, economic decline around the Blazer arena, a derailed traffic relief project for the arena, and a bad omen in the fact that Seattle is clearing hurdles for a new team.

Usually a sports team is supported by a pool of local entrepreneurs to help provide big sponsorships, big high-ticket sales and strong local support.  All of Kotek’s and Portland-area taxes over the past decade have driven some of the biggest businesses out of state. Oregon start-up champion Dutch Bros. coffee has moved their headquarters to Arizona.   McKormick & Schmid’s, founded in Oregon, has closed all locations in Oregon while thriving outside of the state.

The media praises the left-leaning protestors who actively demonize entrepreneurs and vandalize their businesses (Tesla, timber companies).

We are at the point where government has replaced the entrepreneur.  The City of Portland has bought the Blazer arena property and pays no property tax.  The $600 million bailout for upgrades would come from taxes.  There is a push to exempt Blazer player’s salaries from income tax going into the general fund and instead allow it to be diverted to paying expenses related to their arena.

This is an abuse of taxpayer dollars and not the proper way to run a private multi-billion dollar sports team.

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