Richard Brodsky's commentary ("State must stop subsidizing sports venues," April 8), which concerns the investment of $54 million to assist owners of the Buffalo Bills in renovating their stadium, confirms why taxpayers should just say no to using public funds for any new or renovated major sports stadiums.
In ancient Rome, government attempted to curry favor with the masses by offering free bread and circuses. Today, we have sports pork.
How sad that taxpayers are continually asked to pay for new stadiums. Public dollars are being used as corporate welfare to subsidize a private-sector business. The only real beneficiaries of these expenditures are team owners and their players who earn far more than the average fan.
It is impossible to judge the amount of new economic activities that these so-called public benefits will generate. Between selling the stadium name, season sky boxes and reserve seating, cable, television and radio revenues, refreshment and souvenir sales along with rental income for other sports, concerts and other commercial events, it is hard to believe that any owner can't finance his own new or renovated stadium.
Larry Penner
Great Neck