Posted by Phil Andrews
Guelph Royals president Jim Rooney is to appear Thursday before the Exhibition Park neighbourhood group to discuss the club's intention to sell beer during its games at Hastings Stadium.
Here's a copy of the email Rooney sent to the group seeking to appear before it this week:
Thanks for the opportunity to chat and meet with the neighbourhood association on May 17th. To prepare for the meeting, I would like to share some information.
The Guelph Royals Senior Baseball Club, a member of the Intercounty Baseball Association since 1919 is a NOT for Profit community team that wishes to offer the sale of alcohol at some of our games. In working with the city of Guelph, it is our intention that this would be a pilot project for 2012. It would be evaluated at the end of the season. Our loyal fans have repeatedly requested the option for beer for a number of years. Be assured that we will comply with the existing Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario and the Alcohol and Risk Management policy of the City of Guelph. Any proceeds from this pilot will allow the Guelph community to reach some of the broader goals it hopes to achieve.
Sincerely,
Jim Rooney
President, Guelph Royals Baseball Club
Is it true that the city is deliberately screwing over Mr Rooney because they feel that they got screwed on the downtown rink? Might explain why we had a summer of no baseball, but it seems kinda sad to lose thousands in rent just to make a point.
Posted by: Dis-a-Ray Antiques | May 16, 2012 at 10:42 AM
I assume the meeting with the neighbourhood group just a polite courtesy on Mr. Rooney's part. Surely they don't have any decision-making authority in this matter, right?
Posted by: Steve | May 16, 2012 at 10:52 AM
I certainly would not underestimate the influence that some people in that neighbourhood possess, Steve. All it takes is one self-righteous know-it-all to ruin the fun for everyone ... ;)
Posted by: D C | May 16, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Actually, the tail really wags the dog on this one. Guelph had the opportunity to shine about 20 years ago when Larry Grossman (?), a former premier, wanted to bring an A-Ball team to town, something anywhere else would have killed for. It would have put us on the map, brought in millions in revenue, and allowed us to watch young ballplayers before they hit the major leagues. But of course the Exhibition Park "neighbourhood" was against it, citing too loud noise at night (?!), and of course council weenied out and voted "No." Guess we had the "Guelph Factor" back then too.
Posted by: Dis-a-Ray Antiques | May 16, 2012 at 11:39 AM
I just know from my own so-called "neighbourhood association" that they typically consist of a handful of unelected self-righteous nuts with extreme opinions who don't represent the neighbourhood in any way.
Posted by: Steve | May 16, 2012 at 12:42 PM
what they should do for those running for the neighborhood groups is put it to a vote.
My requirements would be
Anyone who doesn't have a degree in social studies, urban planning, and hasn't lived in the neighborhood they are representing for atleast 2 years need not apply.
Posted by: Louis | May 19, 2012 at 07:49 PM
Whoa guys. Talk about being opinionated. Yes we have all sorts on community associations, but that's what gives us the diversity. Louis, I would not want to discourage people from getting involved. The only elected official for these associations, I would consider more important, would be the president, or whatever you want to call them. In this capacity I would want to see someone who is strong with people, fair, open, motivating, without personal agenda, a better listener than talker, organized, patient, knowledgeable in life, accommodating, whoaa, I think I am describing what a Mayor should be. Sorry Karen, you missed the boat on this one.
Posted by: Jim | May 21, 2012 at 12:14 PM