There "was a time" when the referendum on a 0.5% Brown
County sales tax to help pay for a renovated Lambeau Field
"looked like a lock," but now the September vote looks like
"a very interesting election," according to Michael Bauman
of the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL. Early polls showed the
proposal at one time having 65% support, but the latest
numbers show the question leading "only" 49%-46%. Bauman:
"What is going on? ... The Packers seem to be ideally
positioned, if anybody ever is ideally positioned in
requesting public funds, to prevail." Bauman said three
factors are "making this referendum an apparent horse race."
One, "raising taxes is an unpopular move, no matter what."
Two, the team has faced a "spate of off-the-field problems,"
including charges of sexual assault against former TE Mark
Chmura. Packers President Bob Harlan: "We have been hurt by
recent off-field situations. ... Our numbers have fallen.
I've had people tell me: 'Bob, it's hurting you more than
you think it is.' We need to counter that. ... There are
groups out there fighting us and we have to counter them."
Finally, the team could face "voter apathy." Harlan: "What
worries me is the guy who waves his hand and says, 'Bob,
don't worry, it's going to pass.' That guy, we've got to
get him to the polls" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 6/11).
