Sweet Deal--but for Whom?

* As chairman of the Anaheim Parks and Recreation Commission and an Anaheim city commissioner for over six years, I rise in support of the Disney/Anaheim baseball deal. I may be 22 years old, but I know an awesome deal when I see one.

I asked myself, who is willing to give $70 million to remodel Anaheim Stadium? I don’t see any corporations or individuals knocking at Anaheim’s doors. Therefore, when Disney is eager to enter into a “public-private” partnership with the city of Anaheim, I’m all for it.

I am awe-struck when I see citizens who object to this deal. This is Anaheim’s best deal since the opening of Disneyland.

MANNY TONY ONTIVEROS

Anaheim

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* Here Disney goes again with another Mickey Mouse deal for the taxpayers of Anaheim. In this “fantastic deal” for the city of Anaheim, Disney would pay $70 million for its share of the remodeling cost but would maintain 100% of the stadium’s profits, not counting the merchandising, as the Angels’ logo will join the Mighty Ducks’ in Disney’s souvenir blitz. And if things don’t work out for the Big A during Disney’s 33-year lease, it can invoke an escape clause after 20 years, leaving Anaheim high and dry.

And what do the city taxpayers get out of this sweetheart deal? They must pay $30 million for Anaheim’s share of the project, in addition to $23 million in Disney tax subsidies and money the city still owes in the 1979 stadium remodeling for the departed Rams. For the average citizen of Anaheim that means higher taxes, reduced public services and jacked-up ticket prices you can almost bet on once Disney takes the reins of power. All so that the Angels can stay in town for at least 23 years longer.

Sound like a fantastic deal? Well if you’re Tony Tavares, president of Disney Sports, the answer is yes. The rest of the citizens of Anaheim may find it a bit goofy.

ROBERT SCHULTZ

Villa Park