HOUSTONERS GO TO THE POLLS TO DECIDE ON STADIUM REFERENDUM

     Harris County voters decide today on Proposition One, which,
if passed, would authorize construction of a new $265M downtown
baseball stadium and $200M in Astrodome renovations, according to
John Williams of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE.  Williams notes
proponents, "who believe a large voter turnout will help their
cause, are hoping for beautiful weather today."  The National
Weather Service predicts patchy clouds with a high near 80
degrees.  If the proposition fails, "most officials believe the
Astros will follow the Oilers' lead and head to a city willing to
free public funds for a new ballpark" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 11/5).
Mark Maske of the WASHINGTON POST writes that if Proposition One
is defeated, Northern Virginian telecom exec William Collins III
and his partners "plan" to make another attempt to purchase the
Astros and move them to the Washington area (WASHINGTON POST,
11/5).  Milling & Williams of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE note the
debate over the referendum "got a little ugly" over the weekend
with both sides "hurling verbal barbs."  Mayor Bob Lanier, a
supporter of Proposition One, called opponents' arguments
"garbage."  Radio personality Dan Patrick, an stadium opponent,
called the referendum "lunacy" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 11/4). The
CHRONICLE ran a full-page ad in Monday's sports section urging
voters to vote "yes" for Proposition One (HOUSTON CHRONICLE,
11/4).