In the April newsletter put out by the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 39, two authors make it a point to warn that the City of Sacramento is (was?) partaking in a risky gamble by pursuing a Downtown arena for the Sacramento Kings. Here are some choice quotes:

“The City of Sacramento is near the brink of financial disaster and without an infusion of millions of dollars in additional revenue in the next 24 months it could be facing the same problem that is plaguing other large California cities – higher costs and lower tax revenues…”

“It is a cruel and sick irony that while the mayor jet-sets around, schmoozing with the one-percenters about his arena project, city employees are on a path that will ensure they can never afford to buy a ticket to any event held at this arena…”

“The City of Sacramento is hanging on by just a thread… If the City does not get its priorities in order soon, a bankruptcy judge will do it for them, and Sacramento will join the ranks of other infamous cities such a Vallejo, Stockton, and perhaps San Jose.”

You can read both arena-critical articles in the field below.