The idea of using $75 million from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund when Portland Public Schools is facing a $50 million deficit (and eliminating up to 300 positions) shows exactly where the state and local governments’ priorities reside — namely at center court, not in a classroom, (“Portland leaders look to city’s cash-rich climate fund to help keep Trail Blazers in town,” Feb. 5). If Portland is going to move money around, shouldn’t it be for its schools?
The Portland Trail Blazers rank ninth in the NBA Western Conference. It’s been six years since the team made the playoffs and nearly 50 years since they won the championship. Portland seems to be like that athlete from high school who clings to glory days and just can’t let go.
Tickets to a Blazers game range from about $30 in the nosebleed sections to several hundred and sometimes thousands nearer the floor, depending on resale price. I may be going out on a limb here, but most of the basketball fans I know can’t afford seats close to the floor, let alone entertain the idea of bringing the family to a game.
I love Portland. However, in my opinion, the city’s priorities should include schools, revitalizing downtown, filling empty office and retail space and providing affordable housing for residents — not on remodeling a sports arena.
Michelle Myers, Milwaukie