How Suite it is!!!!

The city of St. John’s should terminate its rental agreement with St. John’s Sports and Entertainment (SJSE) for the corporate box it has at Mile One Centre.

There is no need for the city to rent the box. It is a perk for some councillors. Coun. Keith Coombs’ explanation that it enables city councillors to see “what’s happening at Mile One and see the events” is disingenuous and self-serving. If he or other councillors wish to see what’s happening then all they have to do is pay for their own ticket and enter the stadium. Or they could ask their representative on the SJSE board (Deputy Mayor Ron Ellsworth) to provide them with relevant information. I wonder if Coombs applies the same logic to other activities of the city such as Metrobus, snow-clearing, garbage collection and recreational centres. When was the last time he visited these departments to see “what’s happening”?

Coombs’ other justification for the city having the corporate box is also questionable. He says the city is helping SJSE to balance their books by paying for the box. This assumes the city needs the box. Yes, they should pay for a box if they need it, but it is the need, that is the issue. The city already helps SJSE balance their books by giving an annual subsidy of $2 million.

The annual fee of $18,500 for the rental of the box should be reallocated within the city’s budget to enhance the recreational programmes of the city. An example of this would be the R.E.A.L. (Recreational Experiences and Leisure) programme. This would see the funds benefit children and youth rather than cater to the entertainment pleasure of a few councillors.

Ellsworth should put forward a motion at an upcoming council meeting to cancel the rental on the corporate box at Mile One and have the funds reallocated for next year’s budget. It will be interesting to hear what councillors have to say about this perk they enjoy at citizens' expense.