Bad Deal

In a guest editorial by former county commissioner Ed Rouseau, it was revealed that the Hardball Capital investment is $250,000 per year spread over 20 years. This is the type of "gift" that worries me.

This payment plan system makes this a private/ public partnership in name only. It makes the public responsible for almost all of the construction costs.

Here are some other things to keep in mind about this deal:

• The Wizards have not existed for 20 years but have had multiple ownerships. Ownerships change hands often in minor league baseball. Ownerships usually last 10 to 15 years. It is unlikely that Hardball Capital will buck this trend. If they don't own the Wizards in 20 years they won't fullfill their financial promise.

• $5 million upfront is worth more than $5 million spread out due to inflation. A rough estimate would make this $5 million investment have the purchasing power of approximately $3.5 million.

• By spreading out their $5million dollars, the taxpayer will have to fork out nearly all of the construction costs.

• Hardball Capital has less motivation to see this project through to the end because they don't have a great financial stake in it.

There is only one word to describe this financial package.

Unacceptable