Voters in Detroit facing two March 19 ballot questions on
using city money to help build a new Tigers stadium "are confused
by the questions, but lean slightly toward favoring the ballpark
money," according to a poll commissioned by the DETROIT FREE
PRESS. The city's contribution toward the stadium depends on the
outcome of the vote, which was forced by the Tiger Stadium Fan
Club which supports renovation. From The survey (January 10-11,
500 voters, 4.5% margin of error): 84% want to keep the team in
the city; 45% are in favor, 44% against and 11% undecided on
whether the city should spend tax money on a new stadium;
"probable" voters support stadium funding 48-41%, 56% said
"they're confused about how to vote on the two proposals to get
the result they want," and confused voters tend to vote no. Ed
Sarpolus of EPIC/MRA, which conducted the poll, said confusion
will help stadium backers, "because a no vote on the only binding
measure on the ballot would allow the city to spend money on the
stadium. The simpler measure is merely advisory" (Tina Lam,
DETROIT FREE PRESS, 1/15).
LION-HEARTED? The poll also shows Detroit voters would like
to have the Lions move back from Pontiac, but they don't want to
use city funds for a new stadium. Voters favor a Wayne County
tax on hotels, restaurant meals, and rental cars as one way to
finance a new Lions facility -- which the team has proposed
(DETROIT FREE PRESS, 1/16).
