“Hope is Not an Economic Strategy,” Says House Minority Leader Morgan on PawSox on LIVE

“Hope is Not an Economic Strategy,” Says House Minority Leader Morgan on PawSox on LIVE

House Minority Leader and Republican gubernatorial candidate Patricia Morgan appeared on GoLocal LIVE at the Rhode Island State House, before the House Finance Committee took up revised legislation to provide taxpayer support to a new Pawtucket Red Sox ballpark at the former Apex location in Pawtucket. 

“I just question the basic premise that government should be investing in a baseball stadium - and that’s the only way we can get economic development — or economic expansion in Rhode Island —  is to have a stadium? It’s ludicrous, the foundation of the thought that Pawtucket is going to be roaring in just a few years if only we spend $83 million on a stadium,” said Morgan.

“Their original premise is wrong. It’s a private business — what are we doing creating a huge put of money for a private business. Let them create their own pool of money."

“The whole thing is built on hopes and dreams, and hope is not a good economic strategy,” said Morgan. “We can hope as much as we want. We look at 195, how long have we been hoping now? It’s been 8 years. Now we’re going to spend $83 million — and we know it will be much more in the end with borrowing cost. Hope is not a strategy.”