NHL lockout: Ohio senator makes pitch for Columbus

[limpyhobbler]

Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, read reports last week that the cancellation of the NHL All-Star Game will cost Columbus and central Ohio an estimated $12 million in revenue and $50 million in media exposure.

Brown is looking for ways to help business in and around the Arena District that have been hurt by the lockout, now in its third month. The Dispatch obtained a letter sent from Brown’s office to Karen Mills of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

“This is not a natural disaster in the sense that everything is wiped out,” Brown said. “But it’s been an unexpected blow to small businesses. Maybe they need a bridge loan to help them get through this. But we’ll do whatever we can to help the business and the SBA to get together on something that can help.

“I suspect we’ll hear back from the SBA fairly soon. We need to get going on this.”
...

via http://bluejacketsxtra.dispatch.com/content/stories/2012/11/30/ohio-senator-makes-pitch-for-columbus.html

[Springslips]

1. Of course

If we could get light rail in this town economic development would explode downtown. I would send a lot more time in the arena district, short north, and the entire area if it wasn't for finding parking. COTA is nice, but the buses stop too early and I am a paint the night red kind of guy.

Anyways, is this a typical thing for cities under going a strike in pro sports? I'd rather have the NBA here.

[limpyhobbler]

2. yep

Public transportation is seriously lacking around here.

[semillama]

3. I feel exactly the same

I've started taking the bus downtown at times, but otherwise I avoid downtown as well. I will go to the Claddagh now and then, but haven't been to the Arena District since last hockey season for a Red Wings game (took the bus there and back).