Two years ago the city sought funding by means of a local operating tax levy. The last levy passed by a margin of two votes. Many small towns rely upon expansion of their tax and fee base through development, but the mood of the citizenry of St. Paul toward expansion appears to be mixed. Although a strong link to history and a small-town atmosphere are strongly valued by many local residents, others are interested in seeing the city grow and are willing to litigate for changes in the city plan. Twenty-first century growing pains are requiring the city to find room in the budget for fees to lawyers and experts in city planning.
Citizens also have a concern with the length of the contract under discussion.
The interests of the city have been bound up in the interests of the Rodeo Association for generations. The question that must now be considered is whether or not the interests of the next generation are the same as the last generations. Choosing to enter into a 20 to 30 year contract means that the present council is making a decision that effects a future and very different generation. The new rodeo contract may be a bellwether that sets the direction the city will take for the next 20 years. Copyright 2000 Eagle Newspapers, Inc ., and may not be republished without permission.