7 heroes of the people!!!

Reading their individual comments in another story it looks like any change would be only in one direction - more opposition to the plan.

As s City of Mineapolis resident and taxpayer, I'm grateful for our seven heroic public servants who refuse to be intimidated by Governor Dayton and Mayor Rybak.

OR maybe just 7 non-sport council members? I'm not saying they don't run around in tennis shorts all weekend, but being in politics leaves little time for chasing golf balls and angling, let alone having heart-felt involvement in understanding the importance of maintaining pro football in MN. The Vikings have honored the 30 year lease at the Metrodome. They originated the new stadium talks years ago, but there were others in line ahead of them and other priorities. Now, the lease is up. Time is up. Time to get something underway. In reality, the city is behind. This plan should have addressed and a final site decision should have been made years ago. The state is mistaken in viewing the team's patience as an understanding of the foot-dragging going on in the legislature. The time to get it done is now. There are very few politicians/reps that are diehard pro football fans and it's too bad that you would have to favor football to see what the stadium plan means to the state. I see people making decisions with no vision and offering no explanation for their stance. Why do I get a feeling that unless you put a glorified shopping plaza at top of the proposal, there is little interest in making it happen? The answer is simple. They don't have a true understanding of what a new pro stadium means to the state. The city and state have the responsibility to participate in providing quality facilities to help maintain a competitive nature with other cities and states across the Country. It's good to know the state of MN reps seem to think the state can run on an internal engine because it's obvious the people that occupy government seats have no understanding what pro sports and events bring to our economy in terms of out-of-state visitors. And as far as public opponents? Stop making claims this is hurting your pocketbook. Not one of you itemize out where your state tax dollars go. Don't support pro football? That's ok. Your dollars can go to highways and storm sewer systems if it makes you feel better. Your just dining on the song and dance politicians are feeding you with claims of this project taking a bite out of your wallet. Nonsense. Build it now. Personally, I prefer the Arden Hills site. And I ask those residents there that don't want to see the stadium, what better plan do you have for that vacant area in need of clean-up?

SuperVikingman, ask Bloomington if they would prefer the Mall of America or a Vikings stadium? If stadiums mattered, Minneapolis would be swimming in money. We're not. I have to pay to park at Lake Harriet or Boom Island for pete's sake and that's after I pay taxes to maintain those parks. When the hell does Minneapolis get to do something for its own citizens? Minneapolis should worry its own and not how to enhance an already artificial and manufactured experience like a Vikings game. If a Vikings stadium drew people more than 8 to 10 times a year to downtown, it might, might be worth it. But Vikings fans don't come downtown unless they have a ticket. Build it yourself. If Minneapolis dies because it doesn't have the Vikings, I'll deal with that when it happens. My guess is we'll be just fine.