As a die hard fan of one of the greatest sporting franchises in the world, it's easy to shake your head and maybe even let out a lough at what happened on August 1st. On the flip side, as a fan of one of the greatest sporting franchises in the world, it's just as easy to be upset about what happened that very same day. What was quoted as being an 'abysmal' turnout could lead to the departure of the New York Islanders from Nassau county, and along with them one of the rivalries I've been able to drive 5 minutes to enjoy since I was a kid.
I understand that Ranger fans are spread throughout this entire state, as well as in New Jersey and Connecticut, but I think it's time you all heard exactly how this went down from a resident of Nassau county. For those of you who aren't aware, Nassau county is one of the highest taxed (if not the single highest) counties in the United States. Now while we can all agree that our taxes are ridiculous no matter where you are in the state, try to keep in mind that Nassau county is not a place where recent college graduates such as myself reside. Simply put, we can't afford to live here. If you aren't living at home, you are struggling to make ends meat as a young member of this community. While I really don't care too much about that because I don't intend on sticking around Nassau county much longer, it just goes to show you that the only people who reside here are the working class, and the elderly who are pushing retirement (if they haven't already done so). Any time you say the words "tax increase" to anyone over the age of 40 (generalizing of course), the response is always an overwhelming no.
Due to the aforementioned problem, Charles Wong opted to hold the budget vote for the new arena and minor league stadium in the "off" season, knowing that voter turnout would be minimal. He did very little to campaign to the residents of Nassau county and really did only stress the vote to Islander fans. While there truly were reasons for non Islander fans to vote for this arena, publicizing this vote would have produced a worse turnout than the 57% Yes 43% No turnout it was, so I really don't blame him too much for that. As it turned out, less than 15% of Nassau county registered voters showed up at the polls to cast their vote.
Having worked 10-7 on the day of the budget vote, I went straight to my local polls to cast my vote as soon as I could. Arriving at 7:20, I put on my Lundqvist jersey and went in to vote knowing that the budget was already being crushed. I can say with confidence that I was the only person in that gymnasium under the age of 50. After bullshitting with the people at the table, I knew that it was over.
I don't care if you are from Nassau county or not or even if you voted yes or not, but just realize that the no vote really puts the Islanders organization in some trouble. It goes without saying that Charles Wang has a plan B up his sleeve. If he went into that budget vote expecting the highest taxed county in America to accept another tax increase, he will be right there with Mike Milbury as the dumbest people to ever be in the Islander organization.
The selling point to a lot of people who voted yes in this county was the creation of jobs and the stimulation of the local economy (other than Islander fans). Clearly that wasn't enough to get this budget to pass. I wouldn't be surprised if they restructure the plan for the new arena so the tax increase is not as drastic as it previously was. Charles Wang will have to eat some of the financing for this project which I'm sure he won't mind considering he was willing to privately finance the Lighthouse project. If and when there is a re vote for the construction of a new arena, I think it's in every Ranger fans best interest to vote yes, and here's why...
1) While it hasn't been as heated in recent years, the Rangers Islanders rivalry is one of the best all time. With the Islanders finally putting together a decent team, it'll pick up again over the next few seasons. There's nothing better than starting shit with fans of a rival team, especially when that team is in your own backyard.
2) How can you honestly not enjoy beating up on this team? It's anywhere from 8-12 extra points in a season, and this past season has shown us that every point counts.
3) And probably the most important reason of all, POTVIN SUCKS! The significance of that will die out over time when they become the Cleveland Clevelanders.
Plain and simple, the New York Rangers NEED the New York Islanders. WE WANT THE CUP
No comments:
Post a Comment