Sioux Falls Network Opposes Event Center

SIOUX FALLS, SD - With the event center election just more than a month away, a Sioux Falls network is coming forward with concerns and questions.

Bob Barclay isn't calling the Citizens' Network Against the Event's Center a group, but a network. In fact, he says he's the only member. But The University of Sioux Falls social studies instructor says his concerns need to be heard before voters cast their ballots.

"This network is going to be used to get information out and educate another point of view," Barclay said.

In front of more than 17 attendees, Barclay said his goal isn't to criticize the proposed event center but to point out major concerns he says aren't being addressed.

"I feel really strongly that this is a want. We don't really need this right now," Barclay said. "I am opposed to the financing of it. I think it is poor timing."

Barclay said it would be a "major mistake" for the city to take on more debt to build the $115 million event center. In this weak economy, Barclay said the burden will be too heavy on the taxpayers, no matter where it's built.

On Wednesday, Barclay said is signing the paperwork to make the network an official campaign finance group.

"Just so people know there are others out there that are opposed to it and we are active in discussing it and asking tough questions or raising concerns, not criticisms, but concerns," Barclay said.

On November 8th, a simple majority is all that is needed to approve the new events center. According to the most recent KELOLAND News-Argus Leader poll, 50 percent of registered voters say they would vote for a new events center and 36 percent are opposed to the plan.