Anoka County wants $2M from state for Vikings stadium legwork

Article by: PAUL LEVY and ROCHELLE OLSON , Star Tribune
Updated: November 22, 2011 - 11:08 PM

Anoka County is seeking $2 million in compensation for a package it created to try to land a Vikings stadium in Blaine five years ago — a playbook the County Board’s chairwoman says Ramsey County used to lure the team to Arden Hills.

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ziggymNov. 22, 11 1:01 PM

More information, please. Why should Ramsey Co., who may very well be stuck with a sales tax increase to pay for the stadium, pay Anoka Co. anything for some "package"? Anoka Co. walked away from the Vikings, not the other way around. Hennepin Co. has spent more than anyone, paying urban planners to look at multiple downtown sites (incl. current dome site) for years- should Anoka Co. pay them? This is ridiculous.

mitchrapp27Nov. 22, 11 1:18 PM

Nice try Anoka Co. Don't call us we'll call you..

sheepdoggedNov. 22, 11 1:27 PM

Grow up, Anoka County. You lost. Deal with it.

kivirl4Nov. 22, 11 1:37 PM

and the plot thickens. This is what happens when government bodies get into business they have no right to be in to, that of promoting, developing, or building stadiums for a private busines

olsensNov. 22, 11 1:38 PM

Seems there is always disreputable people looking for a profit. I live in Ramsey county. Tax statement indicated property taxes up 11%, and have yet to take the sales tax hit. Thank you Tony Bennett.

vikes79Nov. 22, 11 1:43 PM

I must be missing something here. Anoka county pushed to get a stadium built a few years ago and they weren't able to get it done so now they want someone else to pay for their failed efforts? I don't blame Anoka county for not getting the stadium built but to expect reimbursement from another county seems absurd.

TomacltdNov. 22, 11 2:35 PM

Ummmm........no? Like any other entity that attempts to develop a project, if you fail, you are out your investment. That is called risk - normally preceded by risk assessment. Business 101

rshacklefordNov. 22, 11 3:13 PM

"Anoka Co. walked away from the Vikings, not the other way around." Yep. And, you would have better luck getting that money from Commissioner Erhart and Division Manager Novak. They were the two very proud 'point people' prior to their risky adventure's total implosion. They should take the blame for screwing it up. But, as usual, they won't be held accountable, right?

gking2mnNov. 22, 11 4:00 PM

Anoka didn't lose the deal Wilf walked away search his news conferences and you will find out he walked. so don't blame ankoa cty heck I would help them file the claim. Wilf has run down this promise road before

roundy1945Nov. 22, 11 4:07 PM

The Vikings ran from the deal when Mpls looked like they would offer more, then the love boat indecent ttok place and no politician i his or her right mind would support them. If Rasmey Co can waste 650 million on retiring the stadium debt they surely can pay for the leg work to screw their constituents.