Columbus Blue Jackets team president Michael Priest is opposing the Greater Columbus Arts Council's proposed ticket tax.
Jim Letizia reports.
Details of his letter sent to City Council earlier this month have been made public. Priest voiced concern in the letter the seven-percent tax would harm the team's business and lead to revenue losses due to a cut in the team's season ticket base. Priest also offered to work with city leaders on a revised plan. The current plan exempts venues with 400 or fewer seats, and events that charge admission of 10 dollar or less. Supporters says the tax would help improve the Columbus arts scene and keep it competitive with other cities. Opponents say it is an unnecessary financial bailout of struggling Nationwide Arena. The Jackets do not pay rent at the arena, which was purchased by the city and Franklin County without a vote of the people.
