VOTERS DISAPPROVE SALES TAXES FOR NEW TIGERS STADIUM

     Fifty-three percent of Wayne County voters oppose a
"financing plan" that could include "new taxes on restaurant
tabs, car rentals and hotel rooms" to build a publicly-owned
baseball stadium for the Tigers, according to a poll commissioned
by the Michigan Restaurant Association.  Tigers owner Mike Ilitch
wants a new stadium to replace the aging-Tiger stadium in
downtown Detroit.  Under legislation passed in '91, the county
has the ability to levy, with voter approval, a 1% tax on
restaurant food and beverage sales, a 2% tax on car rentals and a
1% hotel tax.  The tax on restaurant food and drink is the most
unpopular, with only 29% in favor.  Recent interest in public
financing comes as Ilitch and the Tigers "rework" financing
plans.  Although he "initially wanted to build and own the
stadium," Ilitch has "indicated" recently he is not "averse" to
public ownership (Amy Lane, CRAIN'S DETROIT BUSINESS, 12/5-11
issue).