Will Voters Remember?

The Channel 4 poll says 87% of people who oppose the MCC are going to remember that going into Council re-elections. Pretty damning stuff. Someone responded in the comments of a Tennessean story that people remember. I agree, some will remember, but I believe the average voter has a short attention span. However, the MCC is like the Jelly of the Month Club (go to 2:39 HERE) "That's the gift that keeps on giving the whole year."

If Dean were to withdraw MCC - or the Council were to reject it - the average voter would forget about this debacle and most would get re-elected.

But, if the MCC passes, we'll first deal with how to make up for lost $14 million in services (for the Sommet Center (which is legally binding); the Historical Commission; Police Overtime; MTA; etc). Then we'll learn the taxpayers are funding one or two new hotels, or there is no hotel. Then we'll hear about all the eminent domain against property owners. Then we'll raise property taxes (which the Mayor has not ruled out when asked). Then the cost overruns will start. Then the delays. Then we won't meet the minority/woman owned business quota. You get the picture. Anti-MCC folks will use this expenditure as THE reason Davidson County can't meet it's budgetary and service needs (fairly or unfairly).

So to the Mayor and Council, I don't offer this as a threat, but advice - reject it and people forget. Heck, use this as a way to show your constituents you're fiscally responsible. Pass it and answer questions until the day after you lose re-election. You've seen how well the Mayor's office has done in explaining the need for MCC, and they have 7 PR firms on board. Will you be able to explain it in your re-election campaign?