Norm Member Username: Norm
Post Number: 61 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 206.173.166.4
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 2:56 pm: | |
Following up on the success of the Super Bowl, Detroit should bid to host the 2008 Democratic National Convention. We showed we can throw a good party for the NFL - let's throw another one that could also bring the city more good national press coverage. The city hosted the Republicans at their convention in 1980, why not the Democrats in 2008? The host city isn't picked until 2 years prior to the event, so there is still time to prepare a bid. Also, Sen. Levin is trying to get the DNC to change the order of its caucuses and primaries so that Iowa and New Hampshire don't always go first. Levin feels that states like Michigan, Illinois and others are more diverse and representative of America than Iowa and New Hampshire. It is an uphill battle that won't be decided for several months. If he loses his fight, why not push the DNC to award Detroit the 2008 convention? The party desperately needs Michigan to stay in the Dem column, why not give an incentive for metro Detroiters to get out to the polls by giving them the convention? |
Ray1936 Member Username: Ray1936
Post Number: 261 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 207.200.116.139
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:00 pm: | |
With all due respect, I don't know why ANY city would want the headaches that go along with a major political convention, be it the Dems or the GOP. |
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026
Post Number: 466 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 71.10.63.140
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:04 pm: | |
The Republican party has apparently already showed interest, and the SBXL Host Committee and the mayor hinted that they will be tackling the 08 Convention, Annual Winter Blast, and another super bowl by 2016. Archer also hopes to make a bid for the Olympics |
Norm Member Username: Norm
Post Number: 62 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 206.173.166.4
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:17 pm: | |
That would be great if Detroit hosted the GOP convention. I think we should partner with Windsor for any Olmpic bid we make - could be the first joint country bid. An annual WInter Blast is a great idea. They should talk with the folks in St. Paul about their annual winter carnival and people in Milwaukee about their annual Summerfest. Granted, summerfest is in warm weather, but they must have good ideas about getting people to repeatedly come out for an event. |
Jsmyers Member Username: Jsmyers
Post Number: 1406 Registered: 12-2003 Posted From: 209.131.7.68
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:19 pm: | |
quote:Archer also hopes to make a bid for the Olympics
It would have to be spread all over SE Michigan and SW Ontario. It is not a bad dream, but it would require a high-quality, relatively high-speed rail system out to at least the major urban center in every direction. (Toledo, Jackson, Lansing, Flint, Port Huron, and Chatham, maybe even London, Kzoo, Grand Rapids, Cleveland, and Bay City) btw - Is Chatham a major urban center? If somebody wants to make the donation for that investment I'm all for it, otherwise, I think the olympics is a pretty stupid idea for almost any city. |
Danindc Member Username: Danindc
Post Number: 1238 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.100.158.10
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:20 pm: | |
Who needs education, transportation, and economic development when you can just party all the time? |
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026
Post Number: 471 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 71.10.63.140
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:22 pm: | |
Well, these events force the city to have transportation, and create economic development. Economic development means jobs and taxes, which fund schools. |
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026
Post Number: 472 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 71.10.63.140
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:24 pm: | |
Yes Norm, Archer wants to partner with Windsor (and will have too) for an Olympic bid. I agree that Olympics are not good for most cities, but I think it would be good for detroit. It would force detroit to develop mass transit, result in many many construction jobs, billions in development, and the WORLD spotlight |
Detroit_stylin Member Username: Detroit_stylin
Post Number: 2448 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.202.227.12
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:27 pm: | |
MCM Dan was just pandering to the idiotic, he is one of the biggest mass transit advocateson this forum... |
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026
Post Number: 475 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 71.10.63.140
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:28 pm: | |
i figured he was just being negative towards detroit's momentum as he has been in the past... |
Merchantgander Member Username: Merchantgander
Post Number: 1550 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 150.198.164.127
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:30 pm: | |
I believe the 2008 Democratic National Convention site has already been chosen. I remember KK being pissed when the Dems didn't pick Detroit. |
Sharmaal Member Username: Sharmaal
Post Number: 693 Registered: 09-2004 Posted From: 136.2.1.103
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:31 pm: | |
My guess is that both parties will be falling over themselves to come to Detroit. Michigan is not necessarily a lock for either party. Granted we've gone Democratic, but it wasn't by a huge amount. Bring them on I say! |
Norm Member Username: Norm
Post Number: 63 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 206.173.166.4
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:35 pm: | |
Merchant, I don't believe the DNC has picked a site yet. They didn't pick Boston as the 2004 site until late in 2002. I could be wrong, but I think the host city is still to be determined. |
Wilus1mj Member Username: Wilus1mj
Post Number: 28 Registered: 05-2005 Posted From: 216.111.89.3
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:40 pm: | |
Site selection timeline This is the timeline for the 2008 Democratic National Convention site selection: January 13, 2006 Deadline for cities to respond to an invitation to bid for the 2008 Convention February 2006 A formal Request for Proposal (RFP), containing detailed specifications for hosting the 2008 Convention, is sent to interested cities May 2006 Deadline for interested cities to submit formal responses to the RFP Summer 2006 Site visits Late summer 2006 Finalists named Late Fall 2006/Winter 2007 Announcement of 2008 Convention Host City I would expect 10-20 cities to show their interest by January 13 in hosting the convention, with 5-10 cities formally responding to the RFP. |
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa
Post Number: 173 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 198.103.184.76
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:43 pm: | |
I wouldn't call Chatham, Ontario a major urban centre -- although it is the largest city between Windsor and London. The Windsor-London corridor would not require a high speed line for an Olympic games in Detroit-Windsor. Via Rail runs 4 trains from Toronto to Windsor each day. For an Olympic games Via could double (or more) the number of trains between Toronto and Windsor to capture the increased demand. The money for a high speed line could be better spent on rapid transit in Windsor and Essex County and on integrating Windsor's system with any new rapid transit built in Detroit (complete with customs, etc.) |
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026
Post Number: 479 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 71.10.63.140
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:45 pm: | |
"January 13, 2006 Deadline for cities to respond to an invitation to bid for the 2008 Convention " I sure hope Kwame responded. Merchant, Kwame was pissed that the 2004 Conv. didnt come to detroit |
Atperry Member Username: Atperry
Post Number: 240 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 69.241.224.152
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:46 pm: | |
http://demconwatch.blogspot.co m/ |
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026
Post Number: 482 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 71.10.63.140
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:51 pm: | |
well, from that site, detroit meets the initial requirements "Bowl" seating arena of at least 340,000 sq ft, with seating for 25,000 100 sky suites Minimum of 250,000 sq ft of indoor workspace in immediate proximity to Convention Complex for Media Workspace |
Danindc Member Username: Danindc
Post Number: 1239 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.100.158.10
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:51 pm: | |
No, idiotic is worrying about hosting The Next Big Event instead of a lingering $300 million budget deficit. |
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026
Post Number: 484 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 71.10.63.140
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:38 pm: | |
blah blah blah.... the deficit for this year is now down to something like $38 million last I heard. I am pretty sure we can multi-task here in Detroit |
Morena Member Username: Morena
Post Number: 395 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 216.45.2.138
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:41 pm: | |
Detroit needs money, not a bunch of broke liberals beating down capitalism and advocating handouts. |
Detroit_stylin Member Username: Detroit_stylin
Post Number: 2451 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.202.227.12
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:45 pm: | |
Dan that wasn't a shot @ u but it was moreso to the person u were responding to with that post... |
Metrodetguy Member Username: Metrodetguy
Post Number: 2284 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 69.221.34.35
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 3:52 pm: | |
Motorcitymayor, who told you that? |
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026
Post Number: 486 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 71.10.63.140
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 4:00 pm: | |
Metro- sure looked like we did a fine job of it this past week |
Bob Member Username: Bob
Post Number: 749 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 205.188.116.137
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 4:05 pm: | |
We should definitely bid for a political convention....this is all tourism dollars that our region desperately needs. Money is money. We need to not only bid for large things like that, Super Bowl, etc, but smaller conventions as well. I would imagine since we are now on the map as a fun city, more conventions may be in the works. Add in a renovated Book-Cadillac, and you have a another nice hotel, add in larger permanent casino's and you really have a destination. Just look at how we landed the Sweet Adelines convention from New Orleans, and they had a great time in our city, and it was half torn up getting ready for the Super Bowl. |
Danindc Member Username: Danindc
Post Number: 1240 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.100.158.10
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 4:18 pm: | |
Sorry. Jacksonville has been Fun City since last year's Super Bowl. |
Upinottawa Member Username: Upinottawa
Post Number: 174 Registered: 09-2005 Posted From: 198.103.184.76
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 4:18 pm: | |
Democrats may also be drawn to Detroit for the Windsor Ballet and Cuban cigars..... |
Southwestmap Member Username: Southwestmap
Post Number: 365 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 64.79.90.206
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 4:27 pm: | |
A bid for the Democratic National Convention requires the ability to put many millions in hard cash into DNC coffers, in addition to putting millions of dollars of city services in play. Detroit could not assuredly raise the many millions last time (and so lost the bid to Boston - which also struggled)and has less ability now. Also, the Dems have distanced themselves from KK lately. Not to say that won't turn around, but he is famously in Republican debt now. Also, a political convention is all about very low hotel rates (as opposed to the Super Bowl) and catered affairs for the delegates (no restaurant effect, then). Couple that with the cash money the DNC demands and the free services the City would have to put out and you have a recipe for disaster. I am fairly certain that the City did not send a letter requesting to bid. |
Metrodetguy Member Username: Metrodetguy
Post Number: 2285 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 69.221.34.35
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 5:12 pm: | |
Motorcitymayor, I was talking about your deficit numbers. |
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw
Post Number: 1194 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 141.213.173.94
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 5:20 pm: | |
The Republicans really want to focus on Michigan, the swing state they haven't been getting but realistically could. I bet they'll have the '08 convention in PA or MI, I just hope they don't piss me off by using the Palace. I don't think they would because the lodging/entertainment situation up there is pretty scant. Someone said "another SB by 2016." Are the host committee authorities actually saying that? I think that's almost too soon, but I think the every 20 year circuit is reasonable, since there are/will be probably about 20 Super Bowl-worthy venues. Every place except Buffalo, Foxboro, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Chicago, Seattle, Kansas City, Baltimore, Philadephia, Carolina (nice place but the weather is cold enough in Feb. to rule out that outdoor venue). I'm guessing NYC will build a new retractable roof stadium soon and will make a bid, and Minnesota should eventually have a new indoor stadium. DC might rebuild within 10 years, but who knows if that will be outdoor or retractable. Florida venues get about 3 out of every 5 Super Bowls haha. |
Danny Member Username: Danny
Post Number: 3678 Registered: 02-2004 Posted From: 141.217.174.238
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 5:30 pm: | |
Yes Detroit needs a good Democratic National Convention. |
Mrjoshua Member Username: Mrjoshua
Post Number: 671 Registered: 03-2005 Posted From: 69.209.162.3
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 5:46 pm: | |
I think the Democrats would be somewhat reticent and embarrassed in setting up shop here. Detroit was supposed to be the city where their ideology would be vindicated via the Great Society's massive social welfare spending programs. Would you want the Dr who killed you the first time try to bring you back from the dead nearly a half century later? |
Danindc Member Username: Danindc
Post Number: 1241 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.100.158.10
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 5:57 pm: | |
quote:I'm guessing NYC will build a new retractable roof stadium soon and will make a bid, and Minnesota should eventually have a new indoor stadium. DC might rebuild within 10 years, but who knows if that will be outdoor or retractable.
Really? I was certain that the new Jets stadium (proposed as open-air) was DOA. At least that's what the New York Times reported several months ago. I'm interested to know that the Redskins will be replacing the 10-year-old FedEx Field within 10 years, as well, perhaps with a retractable dome, no less! God knows they're only the most profitable team in the NFL with the largest stadium. Seriously. You guys all need to settle down. |
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan
Post Number: 3160 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.172.95.197
| Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 6:00 pm: | |
This doesn't even need to be made political. Detroit simply needs to bid for any and every big event it can, not for events sake, but because we have seen all of the money the city is able to capture from the Feds and the state and private investment to drive positive and meaningful change in dilapidated cities. Yes, Detroit needs to party as often as it can for the sake of its own citizens if it hopes to see large-scale overhauls of key city compnents. These engines to push and accelerate the change that is already happening. Detroit needs to be competitive as possible. The other benefit it has is forging and forcing regional partnerships so the region can stop competing against itself. Eventually, it will forge not only a paring of city and suburban interests in the private sector, but will HAVE to lead to the pairing of ideals in the public sector (i.e. forcing some kind of meaningful regional cooperation between Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties). So, those saying that these things are all for show must recognize that these things go much deeper than a party. |
Psip
Member Username: Psip
Post Number: 1028 Registered: 04-2005 Posted From: 69.246.13.131
| Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 1:30 am: | |
Although a political convention would be good, they are no longer the media circus they once were. Very little coverage of the actual convention, and at the last 2, the host city was focused on the security. My opinion would be to pass on it. Too little return for the cost. What would help right now, would be the return of the Ethnic Festivals downtown. With shuttle service. |
Crash_nyc Member Username: Crash_nyc
Post Number: 511 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 24.193.39.60
| Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 5:12 am: | |
The DNC in Detroit would be a cake-walk: a total love-in, great publicity, with nary a protester in sight. However, a GOP convention would be an absolute nightmare. The DPD and Sheriff's Dept were so taxed during the Super Bowl that they had to deputize cops from Macomb County to help out -- to handle happy football fans. If the GOP came back to town, it would be one of the biggest law enforcement crises in Detroit's history. I "lived through" the RNC in NYC, and this city was on a lock-down like I haven't seen since 9/11. Even the formidible NYPD had difficulty at times controlling the massive throngs of protesters. Even though I took part in a couple of the protests, I still felt bad for the cops at times. They were just doing their crowd-control jobs, with spit flying in their faces (literally). I wasn't one of the spitters (got a little more class than that), and wasn't rounded-up (got out before violence escalated), but all along I couldn't stop thinking about what a quagmire this was for NYC, which is largely Democratic. A GOP convention in 2008 would be the worst idea EVER for Detroit. That's a headache this city doesn't need. DNC in 2008? GOOOD!! Where's that bid, Detroit? |
Mackinaw Member Username: Mackinaw
Post Number: 1196 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 141.213.173.94
| Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 10:12 am: | |
Well that was NYC and that was George Bush. While I agree that protestors will find some excuse to come here, I think that with this being the election of a new president from, more than likely, outside the current administration, the tensions will be much lower. As long as the protestors don't do any Seattle-style damage and spend some money here, bring them in. And who's to say that there won't be anti- Democrat protestors? (Yeah I guess a party without a platform doesn't make you want to protest very much...) |
Detrola Member Username: Detrola
Post Number: 1 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 69.14.28.209
| Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 10:34 am: | |
The DNC sould come to detroit in 08. The party owes detroit/wayne county/southeast MI for the zealot like support they receive from our region. In the 2000 election gore received 98% of the vote in detroit. Based on that alone, the 04 convention should have been held here. Consider also the strength of the union vote. Michigan and in particular, ohio, are key states in presidential elections. Yet the dnc looked elsewhere. Perhaps detroit was not ready in 04. What will be the excuse in 08? Detroit represents a conundrum for the DNC. The success and failure of their policies/ideals are embodied by detroit in a manner unlike any other city in america. There is, I am sure, a flip side to this coin. Somewhere in our land is a conservative city that is representative of all that is good and bad about the republican platform. For the dnc, bringing their convention to detroit would be like looking in the mirror. I'm not so sure they have the fortitude to do that. Let us hope. |
Rberlin Member Username: Rberlin
Post Number: 354 Registered: 06-2005 Posted From: 192.203.222.62
| Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 12:25 pm: | |
Putting the convention in Boston was stupid. I really think putting it in Detroit would be worse. It would be way too easy for the media to attack both the party, and the city. I think both conventions will be held in New Orleans. |
Southwestmap Member Username: Southwestmap
Post Number: 367 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 64.79.90.206
| Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 12:32 pm: | |
And, again, Detroit would have to raise hard cash to give to the DNC, about $50 million, in addition to the money it would cost to host the event. The year would be 20008 and, then more money will need to be raised from the community to host the Men's Final Four in 2010. Is there enough money here to do justice to both? |
Brian Member Username: Brian
Post Number: 3299 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.37.84.106
| Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 10:03 pm: | |
The anti-KK folks are here preaching doom and gloom for the city. I guess since they did not get their way the city cannot have anything. The Superbowl events and services so impressed many naysayers, mostly those folks from the burbs, that its hard for them to get back on the attack Detroit bandwagon. Perhaps that is why L. Brooks is so crabby. This superbowl got a better reaction than the last superbowl held in Oakland County. Detroit is in a good position to host either conventions. There is no worry about money, the city doesn't 'give' any money. But party patrons do kick in and get the funds to pay for the expenses. The UAW and all those unions which many here want to go away is in a strong position to influence a convention location. The dems need the union vote and the republicans, after getting rid of shrub, may decide to do a reagan and try and recruit those same union votes. |
Norm Member Username: Norm
Post Number: 64 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 138.88.224.253
| Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 10:24 pm: | |
Uh Brian, I'm not a Kwame fan, but I'm not doom and glom about the city. In fact, I started this thread because I thought Detroit could follow up the success of the Super Bowl with another major event like a convention. You may want to drop the sterotype about the anti-Kwame crowd, some of whom supported Hendrix, some of whom got behind McPhail. |
Irish_mafia Member Username: Irish_mafia
Post Number: 331 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.221.79.80
| Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 10:52 pm: | |
Let's go for the Republicans. They have money to spend. They actually tip. Unlike the Dems, they actually want our vote as opposed to the "expectation" of our vote from a party that doesn't back it up with investment. They give outstanding blacks great opportunities unlike the lip service provided by the Dems. Great opportunity for Detroit! |
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan
Post Number: 3164 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.172.95.197
| Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 10:57 pm: | |
"They give outstanding blacks great opportunities.." Well, I'll be damned; I've heard it all. You sure know how to flatter, don't you? |
Ray1936 Member Username: Ray1936
Post Number: 262 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 207.200.116.139
| Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 11:15 pm: | |
Hope it happens. Would bring back lots of nice memories.
|
Eric Member Username: Eric
Post Number: 324 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 35.11.210.161
| Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 11:41 pm: | |
Brian, only you could twist not wanting the convention into predicting doom and gloom and being anti-KK. God forbid people have a dicussion on the PROS AND CONS of hosting the convention Back to the topic I agree with crash nothing good can come from the GOP covention it's still going many more pissed protesters far too much trouble The DNC is better although there are risk. My only worry is the media getting stuck on whole declining democratic midwest city angle those stories aren't going to have very flattering shots of the city. Of course, the coverage could be like SBXL postive and focus on the improvements in the the city While I think there is an increased risk of negative converage given the events political nature I think we should bid for the DNC. KK and Penske far exceded everybody's expectations I think would give us a very good chance of success
quote:They give outstanding blacks great opportunities unlike the lip service provided by he Dems.
Yeah cutting student loans because you have to pay for an ill-concieved war spells opportunity (Message edited by eric on February 09, 2006) |
Lmichigan Member Username: Lmichigan
Post Number: 3166 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.172.95.197
| Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 11:58 pm: | |
Maybe I just really can't concieve the difference between the two, and what effects each may have on the city, but I really don't care what Detroit bids for. Let me back-track on that a little; as long as it is not the annual Al-Queda Conference I'm all for it. I some times think we over think these things. There are a million different scenarios (good and bad) that could be played out in the event either party ends up being in Detroit. I guess I just don't get the supposed controversy seeing as how things can change in politics at the drop of a dime. Now, if we were talking about a G8 Summit, which almost never go off without a hitch, I could see some serious argument. But, even within the current turmoil this country is in, this still isn't 1968 Chicago. |
Brian Member Username: Brian
Post Number: 3300 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.37.84.106
| Posted on Friday, February 10, 2006 - 12:29 am: | |
Norm, I think if you read your own posts it does not sound like the doomsayers from the anti-kk crowd. Eric, I didn't recall any cons in the naysayers/anti-kk posts only reasons why the city should not try to host a convention. If folks here want the BC to succeed, they need all the conventions they can get. then perhaps some real investors, instead of govenment tax dollars, can be used to develop the BC and perhaps it will actually get developed. |
Fnemecek
Member Username: Fnemecek
Post Number: 1498 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 69.212.63.6
| Posted on Friday, February 10, 2006 - 12:59 am: | |
quote:This doesn't even need to be made political. Detroit simply needs to bid for any and every big event it can, not for events sake, but because we have seen all of the money the city is able to capture from the Feds and the state and private investment to drive positive and meaningful change in dilapidated cities.
On this, we are in complete agreement. Detroit should bid for every major event that it can. Not only does bringing large events to town drive tourism and economic development, the act of putting together a bid, with its formal proposal process, forces key decision makers to think their decisions through. I've experienced the same thing putting together grants for a non-profit. It would be great if I get the grant money, but the simple act of going through the process has made me and my organization stronger. |
Matt_the_deuce Member Username: Matt_the_deuce
Post Number: 487 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.14.248.252
| Posted on Friday, February 10, 2006 - 1:08 am: | |
Why would the Dems come here? They don't need the Detroit/Michigan vote as much as they might need it other places. How about Ohio or other swing states that they need to gain more ground in. These decisions are completely political. GOP in 1980 made total sense for them and catapulted the Republicans and Reagan into the White House. I think the GOP would like to do it again in Detroit. It's all about potential votes. |
Crash_nyc Member Username: Crash_nyc
Post Number: 512 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 24.193.39.60
| Posted on Friday, February 10, 2006 - 5:55 am: | |
GOP Convention in Detroit in 2008: One step forward, 41 years back. Pros: Lots of rich Republicans spending their money downtown, and lots of TV cameras. Cons: Busloads of protesters rolling into Detroit from around the country, with anarchy-on-the-brain. Reality: The short-term revenue would be obliterated (and then some) by the renewed negative image of people once again rioting on the streets of Detroit in front of national TV news cameras. Wouldn't matter a bit that the rioters were political protesters from out-of-town. The images would be too similar to the nation's false perception of Detroit, make it more real, and grossly reaffirm Detroit's negative image. |
Southwestmap Member Username: Southwestmap
Post Number: 368 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 64.79.90.206
| Posted on Friday, February 10, 2006 - 10:46 am: | |
Again, Brian is quite incorrect about the issue of a city needing to make a cash committment to the DNC as part of a bid to get the convention. He denies it (with no personal knowledge, never having seen the bid requirements. But I have seen them. I have picked up this article from Boston Herald, December 11, 2002 (Ellen Silverman) in which she details some of the contributers being tapped for the Boston DNC Host Committee. After reading this, tell me if you think Detroit would have the money to host two huge events two years apart: the DNC and then the Men's Final Four (which is confirmed for 2010). "Boston 2004, the host committee that is responsible for bankrolling the four-day party at the FleetCenter, already has pledges for $20 million from some 60 donors. Menino, U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), Menino's former chief of staff David Passafaro, the president of Boston 2004; and developer Alan Levanthal made the calls that brought in the cash and helped woo Democrats to Boston. Levanthal's Beacon Capital Partners, which promised $250,000 for the convention, needs only a permit from the Inspectional Services Department before it can break ground on its $350 million residential, office and retail development in the Fort Port Channel section of South Boston. The new owners of the Boston Red Sox, who have repeatedly asked the city for help improving Fenway Park so they don't have to build a new ballpark, pledged $100,000." I can tell you that there was no corporate enthusiasm to raise $20 million for a Detroit DNC bid for 2004 and there is none now. The money needs to go to the Final Four hosting. And, believe me, the Final Four will give much more back to the community. As far as Boston went, the Ted Kennedy and the Host Committee really struggled. It sucked a lot of money and energy from their community. |
Eric Member Username: Eric
Post Number: 339 Registered: 11-2004 Posted From: 35.11.210.161
| Posted on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 6:26 pm: | |
Detroit among 31 cities asked to seek 2008 GOP convention February 15, 2006 WASHINGTON -- Detroit, which hosted the Republican National Convention in 1980, is among more than two dozen cities asked to submit bids to be considered for the 2008 convention. The 31 cities were released Wednesday by the Republican National Committee. The host city will need to provide security, a convention facility with seating of at least 20,500, and make available 20,000 hotel rooms and 2,000 one- and two-bedroom suites. Rene Monforton, a spokeswoman for the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the bureau had not had any discussions as to whether the city will seek the convention. Sarah Anderson, a state GOP spokeswoman, said she was hopeful the city would put together a proposal. The selection is expected to be made by Feb. 1, 2007. Detroit's Joe Louis Arena was the site of the 1980 convention, at which Ronald Reagan was nominated for president. http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.d ll/article?AID=/20060215/UPDAT E/602150447&template=printart Not suprising given that we're a swing state |
Norm Member Username: Norm
Post Number: 65 Registered: 08-2005 Posted From: 138.88.225.190
| Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 12:26 am: | |
Detroit is supposedly one of the 11 cities picked by the DNC to bid for the Democratic convention. |
Fnemecek
Member Username: Fnemecek
Post Number: 1511 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 68.255.167.104
| Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 1:20 am: | |
Coolness! Bid for both the GOP and Democratic conventions. See who loves us the most. |
Ilovedetroit Member Username: Ilovedetroit
Post Number: 2065 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 66.192.63.5
| Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 10:57 am: | |
I have it on VERY good authority that we are bidding on it. One of the reasons they are considering us is our hotels and convention centers are unionized. Yay Detroit! |
Ray1936 Member Username: Ray1936
Post Number: 281 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 207.200.116.139
| Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 1:25 pm: | |
I think either convention will be more headaches that they are worth. Forgive my pessimism. |
Fnemecek
Member Username: Fnemecek
Post Number: 1512 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 70.227.13.43
| Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 1:46 pm: | |
Your pessimism is forgiven, Ray. One of the things that Atlanta, Las Vegas and other cities have learned is that the more conventions you host, the quicker you develop the infrastructure to support them without it posing a significant headache. |
Jimaz Member Username: Jimaz
Post Number: 147 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 68.2.191.57
| Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 1:58 pm: | |
Aide: Chicago Not Interested In 2008 RNC : http://cbs2chicago.com/topstor ies/local_story_047082857.html Apparently they're focusing on the 2016 Summer Olympics. |
Msn1 Member Username: Msn1
Post Number: 1 Registered: 02-2006 Posted From: 192.19.195.27
| Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 3:32 pm: | |
Hey folks, I've been wanting to post on this board for 10 days, but just got my account activated today. I'm the owner of the blog mentioned above: http://demconwatch.blogspot.co m and I have some comments: 1) Southwestmap wrote on 2/7: "I am fairly certain that the City did not send a letter requesting to bid." Can you comment on where that information is from? 2) Southwestmap is quite right that the DNC requires a cash committment. From the DNC document for the 2008 convention: "The Host City should develop a financial package consisting of cash and in-kind services to cover the cost of facilities, communications, construction, hospitality, transportation, security, insurance, and other factors associated with hosting the Convention." 3) As I've posted on the blog, there is published information that Detroit is one of the final 11 cities in the running to host the Democratic Convention, but there is no confirmation from Detroit or the DNC. But I have a gut feeling Detroit is still in it. 4) More generally, I think Detroit is one of the favorites to get the 2008 Democratic Convention assuming it wants it. It's location in a swing state gives it a big boost. The other major contenders seem to be Denver, New York, with New Orleans having special status. It's hard to know how a 2008 New Orleans convention will play politically looking at it 30 months earlier. You can track the site selection process at my blog at http://demconwatch.blogspot.co m. Matt |
Gistok Member Username: Gistok
Post Number: 1781 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.72.205
| Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 6:45 pm: | |
By 2008 will the casino hotels be finished? I have a feeling MotorCity and MGM Grand will be done, since they are currently under construction. But not Greektown Casino hotel. They still have to relocate and demolish that one apartment building. So Detroit should have an additional 800 (out of 1200) casino hotel rooms. |
Motorcitymayor2026 Member Username: Motorcitymayor2026
Post Number: 514 Registered: 10-2005 Posted From: 71.10.63.140
| Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 7:53 pm: | |
there is a crane up near the Blue Cross Blue Shield Building, i assume for the Greektown hotel...so it may be underway |
Matt_the_deuce Member Username: Matt_the_deuce
Post Number: 498 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 69.14.248.252
| Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 10:22 pm: | |
Probably the garage for BCBS - If it's on the south side of the main tower. |
Metrodetguy Member Username: Metrodetguy
Post Number: 2307 Registered: 11-2003 Posted From: 71.144.119.72
| Posted on Thursday, February 16, 2006 - 10:33 pm: | |
"I have it on VERY good authority"...sorry "Ilovedetroit" once again you lost it right there. |
Fnemecek
Member Username: Fnemecek
Post Number: 1513 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 70.236.176.126
| Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 1:21 pm: | |
quote:Apparently they're focusing on the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Screw, Chi-town! Detroit and Windsor should do a joint bid for the 2016 Olympics. |
Jimaz Member Username: Jimaz
Post Number: 153 Registered: 12-2005 Posted From: 68.2.191.57
| Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 1:28 pm: | |
Yea Detsor! or Windroit! Seriously, spanning and international border really does sound like an exceptionally appropriate idea for Olympics. |
Fnemecek
Member Username: Fnemecek
Post Number: 1514 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 70.236.176.126
| Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 1:51 pm: | |
There has never been two countries to put forward a joint Olympic bid. Detroit & Windsor are one of the few cities capable of doing it. We're also the only one to have any experience with a major sporting event. If we go for it, we'll be light-years ahead of Chi-town. |
Ilovedetroit Member Username: Ilovedetroit
Post Number: 2070 Registered: 02-2005 Posted From: 66.192.63.5
| Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 3:25 pm: | |
Wow! What an amazing idea of having both cities host the Olympics in 2016. Very cool! |
Danindc Member Username: Danindc
Post Number: 1254 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.100.158.10
| Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 3:31 pm: | |
quote:Let's go for the Republicans. They have money to spend. They actually tip.
Hah! That's not what I heard from people in the service industry in New York. Based on experience, people from the middle of nowhere do not know how to tip, and a large constituency of the RNC is from the middle of nowhere. A lot of the Republican party delegates aren't rich--just a bunch of small-town yahoos. Of course, I'm not exposing my own political leanings, am I?
quote:One of the things that Atlanta, Las Vegas and other cities have learned is that the more conventions you host, the quicker you develop the infrastructure to support them without it posing a significant headache.
Au contraire. Atlanta has had the convention infrastructure for a long time. Delta Airlines promoted development of a large convention center back in the 1940s. The idea was to get more people to come to Atlanta, which means more people flying in, which means Delta Airlines makes money. The convention business wasn't intended to make money for the City of Atlanta. As long as Delta made money off the deal, everything was gravy. I'm still not sure I understand the strategy of redeveloping a city exclusively for the use of nonresidents, while the needs and wants of the people who live there go completely ignored. I guess it's sexier to get your city's name in the paper than to do something stupid like raise employment and educational levels. |
Southwestmap Member Username: Southwestmap
Post Number: 376 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 64.79.90.206
| Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 3:40 pm: | |
"One of the things that Atlanta, Las Vegas and other cities have learned is that the more conventions you host, the quicker you develop the infrastructure to support them without it posing a significant headache." I would also like to respond to this comment. Detroit's convention marketing initiatives date from 1896 when the first cvb in the world was established here by businessmen interested in the economic impact of conventions. Until roughly 1986 Detroit was considered one of the top ten convention destinations in the U.S.. Only since then has Detroit slid to what's considered a second-tier convention city, largely due to increased competition from other cities and due to Detroit's lack of hotel rooms in the central city. So, its a little patronizing, and a little ignorant, in light of Detroit's history and expertise, to suggest that Atlanta and Las Vegas and "other cities" have more knowledge about how to host a convention than Detroit does and has possessed for a century. |
Skulker Member Username: Skulker
Post Number: 3563 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.103.104.93
| Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 3:52 pm: | |
quote:I'm still not sure I understand the strategy of redeveloping a city exclusively for the use of nonresidents, while the needs and wants of the people who live there go completely ignored. I guess it's sexier to get your city's name in the paper than to do something stupid like raise employment and educational levels.
I certainly hope you do not mean to imply that Detroit is has adopted this strategy or that it is completely ignoring the needs of its residents. Tourism is one of the largest economic sectors in the United States. In Michigan tourism ranks third behind automotive manufacturing and agriculture as the largest employment sector. Tourism ranks ahead of other key sectors such as medical and non-automotive manufacturing. Looking to actively expand the tourism sector creates jobs and opportunites for residents. If done remotely competently, spending money to incent tourism creates a greater return in terms of job creation than what was expended. I hardly see the City of Detroit adopting a stratgey of redeveloping exclusively for the use of non-residents. I certainly don't think thats what GM, Compuware, Redico, AAM, EDS, PWC, E&Y and others were thinking when they made their investmesnts int he City of Detroit. I see developers building homes for residents while I also see other developers working to make hotels prfitable. Is it a facet of the effort to diversify Detroit's econom and tax base? Certainly. Is it the only or even main strategy? Not even close. |
Danindc Member Username: Danindc
Post Number: 1255 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.100.158.10
| Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 4:07 pm: | |
It certainly seems that way, skulker. Not to discount the investments that were made by the companies you mentioned, but it seems like everything Detroit does has some kind of implication to "draw" suburbanites or out-of-towners. Maybe these are the only things that get the press--I don't know. How much tax revenue does Detroit really make off conventions, though? The City doesn't have its own sales tax, and rental cars would be handled at the airport, so a hotel tax (I'm not sure if Detroit has its own hotel tax--does it?) would be the only direct benefit. All other supposed fiscal benefits of conventions would be diluted and shared with other political entities, while the City gets exclusively stuck with the albatross of Cobo around its neck. |
Gistok Member Username: Gistok
Post Number: 1796 Registered: 08-2004 Posted From: 4.229.186.106
| Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 4:51 pm: | |
Oh yes, metro Detroit (Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties) has its own hotel and bar tax to help pay off the debt on the Cobo Center expansion. |
Danindc Member Username: Danindc
Post Number: 1256 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.100.158.10
| Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 4:58 pm: | |
Thanks, Gistok. I wasn't sure. Since that money is dedicated toward funding Cobo, though, it's nothing more than a self-perpetuating cycle. In tother words, any of this tax revenue collected isn't "new" money--it just goes back to paying for the facility that was required to host the visitors paying said tax, creating a zero-sum game. Any other benefits realized isn't much more than a "trickle-down" theory. |
Southwestmap Member Username: Southwestmap
Post Number: 378 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 64.79.90.206
| Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 5:11 pm: | |
How does the City of Detroit benefit from convention spending? Let me count the ways. 1. Thousands of Detroit residents working in hotels, in Cobo, for caterers, for lighting companies, for Cobo unions, for transportation companies, in exhibit & display, etc. pay income taxes. Also, non-Detroit residents in the same jobs pay income taxes. 2. Convention delegates eat approximately 9 meals in restaurants during an average three-day stay in the city. In turn, the butchers in Eastern Market, the dairy suppliers, even Avalon Bakery, are impacted 3. Exhibiting companies spend thousands of dollars each on setting up and marketing their exhibits. They use flowers, professional presenters, etc. They have phones and DSL lines installed. Aren't phones taxed for the City of Detroit? And, think about it. All this benefit comes without the need to staff schools, add water lines, increase fire staffing, or any of the other expenditures of tax dollars. Except for some added police protection expenditures, the financial impact is hugely positive and that's why cities compete for conventions. |
Danindc Member Username: Danindc
Post Number: 1257 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 67.100.158.10
| Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 5:35 pm: | |
Is that also why many cities lose money on their convention centers--because they're such fantastic cash cows? |
Southwestmap Member Username: Southwestmap
Post Number: 379 Registered: 01-2005 Posted From: 64.79.90.206
| Posted on Friday, February 17, 2006 - 5:39 pm: | |
They are understood to be loss-leaders. Not to say that the City wouldn't like to break even, making as much in rental income as is expended by the building, but often cities will provide the building rent-free to get the related income into the city, which is over-all the greater impact. |
Fnemecek
Member Username: Fnemecek
Post Number: 1515 Registered: 12-2004 Posted From: 69.212.54.123
| Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 12:35 am: | |
quote:So, its a little patronizing, and a little ignorant, in light of Detroit's history and expertise, to suggest that Atlanta and Las Vegas and "other cities" have more knowledge about how to host a convention than Detroit does and has possessed for a century.
I stand corrected. |