Not in favor of a new Coliseum

If Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano is so confident that the proposed financing of the Nassau County Coliseum will be lucrative over the course of the public bond issue, why not offer the Islanders an economic participation deal ["Put arena proposal in play," Editorial, May 22]?

The county could agree to be responsible for all interest and principal payments up to 50 percent of the documented economic benefit it receives from the venture. If the benefits exceed the interest and principal payments, the county could pay the Islanders the difference. If benefits are not realized in a given year, the Islanders reimburse the county for the shortfall.

This way, the Islanders would assume the risk if projected economic benefits are not realized, and the team would participate in the gain if benefits exceed expectations. In turn, county taxpayers would be guaranteed a return on their investment.

Given Islanders owner Charles Wang's confidence in the team to produce a favorable return for itself and the county, he should jump at such an opportunity -- unless, of course, he can find someone in another state willing to blindly subsidize his business venture.

John Volpe, Seaford
 

As a Nassau County resident and taxpayer, I don't feel that Mangano is looking out for my best interests when he promotes a referendum to borrow $400 million.

Number one, we do not need a minor league baseball team in Nassau County. When I want to see minor league games, I watch pee-wee teams or attend high school or college games. This gives me the chance to cheer and support many outstanding young players.

Number two, even if the Coliseum is in poor condition, it doesn't appear to affect the acts that play there. Last, I firmly believe the Islanders should leave New York. They haven't won a Stanley Cup since 1983.

Ethell Smith, Freeport