Rhonda, thanks for your kind words.. Apparently people read my blog comments enough to have moved the bar just a bit -- there would not have been the consideration by KJ's 'A-team' had I not mentioned (or beat them over the heads with) several comments to rebuild ARCO as at least a part of the strategic consideration of the emerging proposals... And a 'little bird' told me that there have been 'references' -- some more 'colorful' than others -- to my comments here and elsewhere in the offices of some 'high and mighty' among those I am critical of... it's just a bit interesting... A long time ago someone very wise told me that citizenship require vigilence for there are inevitably hands in all pockets of the public purse... and a watchful eye is helpful in avoiding the likes of some who intend harm on this fair town... Thanks again for your kind words -- carry on!

Clearly no consideration was lent to the 'do nothing' option, which is fundamental in a true strategic plan... Though the Committee consulted with the original architect of ARCO, who stated that the building could be expanded and renovated to suit, they expressed questions regarding the cost and feasibility of such an effort, which was never really given a chance to perform equitably with the other proposals. Further, Kamilos had a two year lead on alternative proposals, and was the most polished and prepared... But whether even IT is feasible is in question, for it teeters on the backs of two firms steeped in commercial mortgage debt, with a portolio that is likely to be downvalued over the next two years as trillions in such debt matures and will no doubt fail around the globe. So, the question is whether the Kamilos financing proposal is even viable, even if they were more prepared than any alternative... THIS issue will require CONSIDERABLE scrutiny BEFORE any decisions are made, because IF IT FAILS (and there is some question among more deliberate people in the financial industry (than Goldman Sachs, whose record has been a bit sullied by its prior and continued use of credit default swaps as a profit center) that any large build based on commitments from such firms that have the potential of being financially compromised) the result could be catastrophic -- either resulting in yet another big empty hole in the ground OR a necessary tax increment to support this arena thing.... At a time when people are losing their homes, forced to live in tents, and eat from food banks, an arena is a ridiculous expense, and those seeking this build to support irresponsible team owners and overpaid team players have their priorities in the wrong place, especially if just one of the elements of the house of cards upon which this deal is constructed collapses...

Hi Susie! I'm sure by now you saw the WashPost article on "KJ's winning streak" -- but what's interesting about that NAUSEATING article were just how many people LOATHE Michelle Rhee - they're not NEARLY as 'polite' as commenters here in Sac -- they HATE HER GUTS for the most part... I was STUNNED at the virulence with which they hold her, and no doubt her shill intended, since this has GOT to be a marriage made in hell... It seems child sexual abuse allegations and fraudulent misuse of federal funds are virtues these days, at least in the warped minds of WashPo and SacBee editors who CONTINUE to put forth puff pieces at will on behalf of this guy.... If it wasn't so serious it would be like living in a topsy turvy 'bizarro' world... All that being said, I wish this new guy good luck -- he's going to need it.... To quote the late great Zero Mostel in Woody Allen's THE FRONT, "The waters are full of sharks".... and KJ seems to be their current gang leader....

When encountering little dribs and drabs pitting state workers against those in the private sector, especially those that deliberately lie about such differences in order to skew 'data' (though I'm sure precious little actual data was used in making Mr. Knapp's assertions) to suit one's point, I'm reminded of a little Barbara Walters anecdote way back when she became the first female anchor, albeit a shared gig, for ABC, after her salary was released to the public and *some* were somewhat stunned that her pay was in the 7 figures.... Babs was reputed to respond to such kvetching, "I upped my income -- up yours..."....

I hope the new guy has the testicular fortitude to stand up to KJ and to challenge the mayor on some of his pet projects (Nestle) and procedures (faux 'volunteers' supplied by local real estate developers), among so many other things...