WINNIPEG CITY COUNCIL VETOS TAX EXEMPTION FOR JETS DONORS

     The Winnipeg City Council defeated a motion to grant
charitable tax status to an endowment fund set up by the Spirit
of Manitoba to cover losses for the Jets until a new arena is
built, according to today's WINNIPEG FREE PRESS.  Mayor Susan
Thompson, warned the vote could cost taxpayers nearly C$18M, as
the team may now be sold and moved with the city responsible for
next year's debt.  Councilman Jae Eadie, a one-time supporter who
voted against, said his vote was symbolic of Spirit's failure to
live up to a promise to raise the necessary money to buy the team
in exchange for public arena financing (WINNIPEG FREE PRESS,
7/28).
     IS THE SPIRIT WILLING?  Spirit President Cam Osler, whos
group claims to have over C$42M raised towards an endowment, said
they will proceed with three options:   continue to raise funds
without a charitable ruling and approach the council at a later
date; find another vehicle for getting a tax break; or admit the
attempt to save the Jets has failed (WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, 7/28).