Response to newspaper article

After reading it a couple of times, I would like to respond to David Morris’ “Be suspicious of megamall subsidy” published on May 2, 2008. I respect his opinion, and I know he echoes a few other voices. However, I've talked to lots of people about Phase II and they are all excited and supportive of the project. But I would like to clarify a few points from my point of view.

This project is about jobs, new tax revenue and tourism.

There were many pessimists 20 years ago when Mall of America was first proposed and built. Many voices said the project would never fill with tenants, that it wouldn't generate the expected tax revenue and that it won't draw millions of visitors. These claims were proven false then, and the same concerns will be shown to be inaccurate again with Phase II.

Like some others, he argues against the use of fiscal disparities as part of the funding mechanism. My understanding is the legislation would exempt Phase II from fiscal disparities until the public parking infrastructure is paid off. This is no different than the dozens of other metropolitan properties – including many in downtown Minneapolis – that have been exempt from the fiscal disparities pool for decades now.

Finally, many have sounded the alarm that other developers will be lining up to use the same funding tools. By creating 7,000 construction jobs and 7,000 permanent jobs, increasing annual tax revenue by more than $80 million, increasing tourism to the state by millions and keeping Minnesota top of mind throughout the world, Phase II is an unprecedented opportunity for the state. No state money will be used, and private owners are willing to invest nearly $2 billion into the state’s economy. If any future project can provide such positive impact to the region and the state, I think our elected officials should do everything they can to make it a reality.

It is time to stop sounding alarms and to be a state of innovation and vision again. A new exciting day is dawning for Minnesota… and it begins with the jobs, tax revenue and tourism generated by Mall of America Phase II.