Real Salt Lake owner/investor David W. Checketts released the following statement on Friday:
We are obviously disappointed by the Debt Review Committee's decision. However, we are not all that surprised. Throughout their review of our proposal the committee has undervalued our experience in building and running professional franchises and entertainment venues. Further they have overvalued a pessimistic view that Salt Lake County really doesn't have the people and the market to make this sort of "major league" project a reality. We continue to disagree with this sort of attitude.
Critical to their analysis was that Sandy is only good for 50% of their commitment. However, Sandy City Mayor Tom Dolan has as always been firm in asserting that he and the Sandy City Council will commit the entire $15 million to the project that they have always intended.
Regardless, it really all boils down to this: There is little to no risk for the taxpayers of Salt Lake County. County Mayor Peter Corroon has negotiated an agreement that leaves the county holding substantial assets in the unlikely event that the team were to fail. All of the real risk, all of the operational responsibility, is on our side.
We have already proven a fan base in Utah. We have already found investors that believe in this project. We have already purchased land. We have already designed a world class stadium.
We remain hopeful that Salt Lake County Mayor Corroon and the county council will look beyond politics and have the vision to do what is best for Salt Lake County.
