Friday, May 12, 2006
Hammons Hardball
I sure don’t want to mess things up for Jonesboro, but what is going on with John Q. Hammons. The Springfield, Missouri multi-multi-millionaire has gotten stinking rich building and running some really nice hotels. I have stayed at several and they are first class.
If Jonesboro were looking for a private sector partner for its’ long dreamed about convention center, it would be hard to imagine a better friend than Hammons. That is why the latest developments are so troubling and just plain mystifying.
Hammons promised to build a hotel and kick in part on the convention center if the city would finance part. That may or may not be a good idea. It is a purely philosophical judgment and I am more than willing to leave the outcome with the good people of Jonesboro. The problem is that Hammons abruptly killed the deal after he caught wind of a couple of local city council members doing their jobs and sticking up for the taxpayers.
Understand, the council unanimously put the new tax measure on a fast track for a June election. Hammons not only wants cooperation, but, apparently, complete submission to his will. Now, he says he might be ready to get on board again if the city gets its’ act together. It is hard to imagine exactly what more might be needed.
Hammons ought to be grateful for the opportunity to have a slam-dunk opportunity to make some good loot in a town that needs his services. I’m Pat Lynch with News and Comment on the Arkansas Priority Radio Network.
(Broadcast May 12, 2006)
UPDATE: The Jonesboro Sun reports that the property previously purchased by John Q. Hammons for a Courtyard by Marriott hotel and Convention Center was listed for sale Wednesday afternoon by John White Real Estate.
If Jonesboro were looking for a private sector partner for its’ long dreamed about convention center, it would be hard to imagine a better friend than Hammons. That is why the latest developments are so troubling and just plain mystifying.
Hammons promised to build a hotel and kick in part on the convention center if the city would finance part. That may or may not be a good idea. It is a purely philosophical judgment and I am more than willing to leave the outcome with the good people of Jonesboro. The problem is that Hammons abruptly killed the deal after he caught wind of a couple of local city council members doing their jobs and sticking up for the taxpayers.
Understand, the council unanimously put the new tax measure on a fast track for a June election. Hammons not only wants cooperation, but, apparently, complete submission to his will. Now, he says he might be ready to get on board again if the city gets its’ act together. It is hard to imagine exactly what more might be needed.
Hammons ought to be grateful for the opportunity to have a slam-dunk opportunity to make some good loot in a town that needs his services. I’m Pat Lynch with News and Comment on the Arkansas Priority Radio Network.
(Broadcast May 12, 2006)
UPDATE: The Jonesboro Sun reports that the property previously purchased by John Q. Hammons for a Courtyard by Marriott hotel and Convention Center was listed for sale Wednesday afternoon by John White Real Estate.
