Mar 27, 2008 5:46 pm US/Central
Blagojevich Lays Out Plan To Keep Wrigley For Cubs
Governor Would Like To See Fiery Mark Cuban As New Owner For Team
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Just back from a trip to spring training in Arizona, lifelong Cubs fan Gov. Rob Blagojevich laid out new plans to make sure the team will play ball at Wrigley Field forever.
CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery reports after discussing new help for homeowners trying to avoid foreclosure, Blagojevich was asked by reporters about behind-the-scenes negotiations for tax breaks to help the Chicago Cubs renovate Wrigley Field.
With the team and stadium for sale, the governor claims it's in danger.
"The Yankees tore down Yankee Stadium," Blagojevich said. "The Cubs oughta play baseball at Wrigley Field forever."
The governor said that, as a lifelong Cubs fan, he'd love to see fiery basketball franchise owner Mark Cuban take over the Cubs.
"Look, I like him as an owner," Blagojevich said. "I think he'd be a very hands-on owner who cares and would spend money to put a winning team out there."
Former Gov. James Thompson is the point man for the thus far largely secret Wrigley renovation talks. He persuaded Illinois taxpayers to build the White Sox a new home two decades ago.
While Thompson declined CBS 2's request for an interview Thursday, in the North Side neighborhood around Wrigley Field, debate about the issue rages on.
"If you look at Wrigley as a national landmark, then the state does have an obligation," said Sarah Clark.
"There is no way they won't make money. Everybody loves the Cubs," Billy Lawless said. "But I do not believe that the taxpayers should pay for it."
Wrigley renovation could be debated in the general assembly this year.
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