The Twins have established a 120-member citizens
committee to recommend steps "to ensure the long-term
viability of the team" in MN, according to Aron Kahn of the
ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, who notes that the team did not
mention the words "stadium" or "ballpark" in its
announcement release, "although the team continues to say in
all other forums that it can't survive financially without a
new place to play." New Twins consultant & former Northwest
Airlines General Counsel Ben Hirst said that "he's the only
member of the committee who's on the Twins payroll, although
the Twins will pay the committee's budget and provide staff
time." Hirst worked with new Twins CEO Chris Clouser at
Northwest. Hirst said that members "have been asked to
develop an understanding of the challenges facing the team,
consider solutions for keeping" MLB in MN and issue findings
and recommendations (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 6/15). In
Minneapolis, Rochelle Olson writes that the volunteer
committee, known as "Minnesotans for Major League Baseball,"
will consist of 118 people, including "many prominent
business and civic leaders." The group's report is due "by
the end of this year" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 6/15).
