Sale of Unproductive Assets Strikes Cord with Sports Fans

Apparently the idea of selling non-revenue producing assets owned by the City of Mesa has found favor with supporters of Proposition 420 which would authorize the proposed new Chicago Cubs spring training facility to be built somewhere in Mesa. As has been extensively reported, the city hopes to pay for the debt incurred in building this new Cactus League complex via the proceeds from unloading city-owned land in Pinal County which has been on the market since 2007. Perhaps the thinking here is that the land will sell faster now that some really worthwhile use has been identified for the money.

In any case, avid sports fans are encouraging Mesa to liquidate other property with no history of generating income. A plan which recently surfaced envisions a championship stickball arena funded by the sale of libraries and parks within city. Advocates say libraries are superfluous because residents can learn everything they need to know from TV and parks are unnecessary since kids can play in the public streets. In fact, many people believe dodging cars to be both a sport and a skill. While local politicians are always willing to consider spending other people’s money on frivolous ventures, how far this idea advances may well depend on the outcome of the Cubs ballot measure this fall.