The Alexandria Stadium Proposal Violates the Virginia Republican Creed
There's no doubt about it -- subsidies for stadiums do not align with Republican principles.
The debate over taxpayer-funded subsidies for professional sports stadiums has reignited in Virginia, drawing fierce criticism from across the political spectrum, including many Northern Virginia Republicans and Republicans in the General Assembly.
My friend and colleague in Northern Virginia Republican Politics
penned an excellent letter a couple weeks ago outlining Republican opposition to the proposal.
This opposition is not merely a matter of fiscal conservatism but a principled stance deeply rooted in the Virginia Republican Creed:
Virginia Republican Creed
We Believe
That the free enterprise system is the most productive supplier of human needs and economic justice
That all individuals are entitled to equal rights, justice, and opportunities and should assume their responsibilities as citizens in a free society
That fiscal responsibility and budgetary restraints must be exercised at all levels of government
That the Federal Government must preserve individual liberty by observing Constitutional limitations
That peace is best preserved through a strong national defense
That faith in God, as recognized by our Founding Fathers is essential to the moral fiber of the Nation
As we navigate the complexities of this issue, it's essential to reflect on how such subsidies align—or, more accurately, fail to align—with the core values espoused by Virginia Republicans.
Adherence to Fiscal Responsibility and Budgetary Restraints
The Creed's call for fiscal responsibility and budgetary restraint at all levels of government directly challenges the notion of stadium subsidies. Allocating nearly $1.5 billion in state funds, as proposed for the relocation of major sports teams to Potomac Yard, starkly contradicts this principle.
This expenditure, purportedly justified by long-term economic benefits, demands scrutiny through a lens of fiscal prudence. History and research consistently show that the promised returns on such investments rarely materialize to the extent projected, often leaving taxpayers to bear the burden of optimistic forecasts that fall short.
Preserving Individual Liberty and Constitutional Limitations
The principle of preserving individual liberty, including the safeguarding of taxpayers' hard-earned money against unwarranted governmental expenditure, is at the heart of the Creed. Stadium subsidies, by their very nature, entail significant public financial support for private enterprises.
This raises questions about the appropriate use of government resources and the prioritization of corporate interests over the public good. The Creed champions the ideal that government should limit its involvement in the economy, allowing free enterprise to flourish unencumbered by preferential treatment to select entities.
Promoting Equal Rights, Justice, and Opportunities
The Creed's emphasis on equal rights and opportunities speaks to the heart of the stadium subsidy debate. These deals often represent a transfer of wealth from the public to wealthy team owners and investors, undermining the principle of economic justice. By favoring the financially privileged with taxpayer dollars, the government strays from its role as a fair and impartial arbiter of opportunity, tilting the playing field in favor of the well-connected.
Faith in Free Enterprise and Economic Justice
The free enterprise system, celebrated by the Creed as the most productive supplier of human needs and economic justice, is compromised when the government intervenes in the market to the benefit of specific interests. Stadium subsidies distort the market by providing an unfair advantage to sports franchises at the expense of other businesses and consumers, who receive no comparable support. True economic justice requires that businesses succeed based on merit and market forces, not through government largesse.
Opposition to stadium subsidies is not just a fiscal argument but a moral stance rooted in the foundational beliefs of the Virginia Republican Creed. These subsidies represent a deviation from the principles of fiscal responsibility, limited government, economic justice, and equal opportunity.
As Virginia Republicans, it is incumbent upon us to advocate for policies that align with these core values, ensuring that government actions promote the general welfare, not the interests of a privileged few. In doing so, we uphold the Creed's vision for a free, just, and prosperous society, guided by the prudent stewardship of taxpayer resources and a steadfast commitment to the common good.
UPDATE (Thursday, March 7th at 12:43pm) from ABC7 News:
With Virginia's proposed state budget expected to be released Thursday, Monumental's proposed arena and entertainment complex in Alexandria will face another hurdle, with a lawmaker confirming to 7News that language enabling the relocation would not be in the legislation.
At this point, state support for a Washington Wizards and Capitals move to Alexandria's Potomac Yard is hanging on by a thread. It's not completely dead despite Virginia's Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee chair Sen. L. Louise Lucas said a proposal wouldn't be brought up in her committee.
 | A guest post by
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Matthew is right that taxpayer subsidies are contrary to conservative principles. And Isabell is right that the stadium is a bad idea as a practical matter because of the traffic problems that it will cause.
Dear Matthew and Andrew Loposser; LET me COUNT the ways that your argument about violating the GOP CREED is totally circuitous and not the way to convince people or approach people in the 8th district in the democratic City of Alexandria who don't give a DAMN about the GOP CREED. I grew up in the City of Alexandria and the 8th district where I held my breath until I turned blue.. whatever and was surrounded by the Democrats all around. Glenn Youngkin whom I do support got it through. As a long time Alexandrian I am opposed to use of the former Potomac Yards and everyone I know and grew up w/ including Democrats and GOP who NATIVE ALEXANDRIANs are opposed to this just like I went to TC Williams H.S (yes) and GMU but when Alexandria changed the name of TC Williams to Alexandria HIgh School, I stopped donating to the "Alexandria H.S" fund. The reason it is a bad idea has to do with the further traffic jams and local destruction of the local community: I haven't looked at the plans but that area which is part of what used to be called Arlandria and Del Ray is a mess.. and has always been a huge traffic jam mess: also located near National Airport.. routes. If you think that that TRAFFIC is a huge mess and road block now: WAIT UNTIL THAT STADIUM is put in there. HOLY TRAFFIC JAM! it will be like a mini Los Angeles parking lot.
That is the reason why it is not a good idea. Taking the approach that it "violates the Republican Creed" is very disingenuous in my opinion because no one, including Justin Wilson, and the Alexandria council clowns who are systematically destroying the City of Alexandria, including the Torpedo Factory Art Center and other local establishments to Californicate Virginia is the reason that long time residents like myself.. from all walks and parties are opposed to the "ALEXANDRIA STADIUM. We agree.. I just think the argument against it should be based in reality. :) I didn't even mention the money .. either.
have a great week. Isabell. Mt Vernon 8th district.