July 02, 2012

Judge rules Coyotes deal not illegal, but referendum still likely

A Maricopa County judge has dismissed the Goldwater Institute's lawsuit charging that the Phoenix Coyotes lease with the city of Glendale was illegal because it violated competitive bidding laws. "The Court finds that the arena management contract calls for the provision of professional services and therefore falls outside the scope of the Purchasing Ordinance," ruled Judge Dean Fink.

This clears one hurdle for the $200-million-plus Coyotes subsidy deal, leaving only the threat of a November referendum, Goldwater's promise to challenge the subsidy as a violation of the Arizona state constitution when and if the arena management plan goes into effect, and prospective owner Greg Jamison not having enough money put together yet to make the purchase. Details...