Daniels hears stadium funding complaints

Greenfield, Ind. -- Gov. Mitch Daniels found plenty of complaints about the funding plan for a new Indianapolis Colts stadium as he started a series of town hall meetings to pitch the plan.\nDaniels made stops Monday in Hancock and Shelby counties in his tour this week of the seven suburban Indianapolis counties where the state wants local officials to approve a 1 percent food and beverage tax to help fund the project.\nDaniels told those at the Greenfield meeting that he agreed with their concerns about taxes and spending priorities but that he expected an economic boost from an expanded Indianapolis convention center, which is part of the more than $900 million plan.\nDaniels said participation by the suburban counties was "absolutely pivotal" to the plan. Marion County restaurants and bars, which face a bump to a 2 percent tax, will provide the bulk of the funding.\n"I honestly believe that central Indiana, including Hancock County, is better off if there is such a facility than if there is not," Daniels said.\nThe deal allows the surrounding counties to keep half the revenue from the restaurant tax, an arrangement that John Priore called "legalized extortion" aimed at tempting local officials with more money.\nFellow opponent Bill Yozipovich told the governor he believed alternatives other than taxes should be considered.\n"I mean, we got wheel tax, we got this tax, we're gettin' dollared to death," he said. "Why don't you legalize land casinos, slot machines?"\nSeveral people at the Shelbyville meeting also opposed the tax increase, saying more money should be spent on schools and wondering why the Colts were not paying more for the stadium.\n"If we're going to spend an extra 1 percent, I would much rather it be spent on education," said Betsy Treon, who was recently laid off from her job as an elementary school teacher.