Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
I think it's more analogous to two firms competing to get a top notch worker to come work for them, as opposed to the consumer goods market.
Originally posted by le sonick:
Originally posted by Seth Hurwitz:
Originally posted by bull930:
more bands coming to DC!!!!!
same bands coming
higher tickets after bidding wars [/b]
its strange that sometimes competition is good for prices, in other scenarios it is bad.
of course, i guess seth isnt really the "consumer" here. [/b]
[/b]
It is important to remember that this is just the beginning of the process. There are plenty of opportunities for either the government agencies or Live Nation to fuck this up. I have seen huge deals turn to dust (ok, so maybe i was doing a little more than just watching) because of something as simple as someone failing to give notice of a required public meeting, or because the power exercised by a local government to grant funds exceeded the scope of authority delegated to it by the state legislature (i.e., either the way they granted the funds or the grant itself was unconstitutional).
If someone(s) was really curious about what is behind this deal, he/she/they might submit requests under the Maryland Public Information Act to the Montgomery County Department of Finance and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, and request all: letters of intent; applications; correspondence, including, but not limited to electronic mail; reports and studies submitted to the agencies; reports and studies created by the agencies for internal and external use; and all other records, which term is to be given the most expansive and inclusive reading, relating to the dedication of state or local funds, however generated, to the development of a live music venue in Silver Spring. The Act will contain deadlines for the agencies' responses and conditions under which they may withhold the requested information.
Also, look at the statutes and regulations that might govern this process (which regs apply depend on the exact source of funding), and start asking loaded questions when engaging in the debates -- either directly with government officials or members of the media.
For instance, if the $4 million coming from Montgomery County is coming through the County's Economic Development Fund, the Code of Montgomery County Regulations ("COMCOR")20.73.01.03(a) states that an eligible entity is "any private employer (including nonprofits) which is located in the County that plans to substantially expand or retain operations in the County, or an employer that plans to locate in the County." I.M.P. is a private employer incorporated under Maryland law with offices in Montgomery County and operations in Montgomery County, and by submitting its letter stating an interest in developing the Silver Spring site, it expressed an intent to expand, or at a minimum retain, its operations in the County. Does the regulation really intend to treat all "private employers" equally or should an existing county business receive priority?
The answer may be in the following regulations. COMCOR 20.73.01.04 states that "priority will be given to assistance that will materially improve the County's economy and advance the County's economic development objectives and strategies." Well, Montgomery County houses an entire section about its commitment to small local businesses on the same webpage that it provides information about the economic development fund. I.M.P. is a small local business operating in Montgomery County. Wouldn't supporting -- or at least seriously considering -- I.M.P.'s proposal "advance the County's economic development objectives and strategies"?
Further, the same regulation states that "HIGHEST consideration will be given to assistance that brings significant employment growth either by CREATING new jobs, EXPANDING existing operation, or by RETAINING jobs at an EXISTING operation." COMCOR 20.73.01.04(c). I can't say for certain, but if I.M.P. were to open a venue in Silver Spring, it would be reasonable to assume that it would create new jobs. Certainly, it would expand employment opportunities with an existing Montgomery County operation.
Moreover, "special consideration will be given to private employers whose activities, products, research or services enhance the County's quality of life, or if appropriate, have demonstrated a good record of citizenship." COMCOR 20.73.01.04(k). I.M.P. has been a tax-paying corporate citizen of Maryland for over 20 years. Accordingly, I.M.P. has been promoting shows and improving the quality of life for residents of the state throughout that time and wishes to apply its expertise specifically to an enterprise in Silver Spring. Live Nation doesn't even have offices in the state.
The point is -- whenever this much money is being handed over to a private enterprise by government bodies, there are a lot of i's to dot and t's to cross (and if tax incentives are part of the deal, whew ...) Lawyers sift through this shit and argue until they are blue in the face. Government officials expect that. They do not expect the public to get in their face about it. Elected officials everywhere pee their pants at the thought of having their own regs thrown back at them by constituents with questions about why they didn't do or consider XYZ. Whether or not you feel obligated to advocate specifically for I.M.P. and the 9:30 Club, if you are a Maryland resident, you should want your government to use your money in a way that AT LEAST complies with the black letter law and legislative intent of their own rules. Regardless of what ultimately happens, there is nothing wrong with making them be accountable for at least that.
