McCain calls for mediation and talks to keep Coyotes
Apr 13, 2011, 3:23 PM | Updated: 8:56 pm
PHOENIX — Sen. John McCain says it’s going to be “extremely difficult” to keep the Coyotes in the Valley unless the Goldwater Institute resolves its opposition to Glendale’s deal which would have the NHL team bought by Chicago businessman Matthew Hulsizer.
“Right now, unless something changes, I’m very concerned,” the Republican senator said Wednesday on the Doug & Wolf Show on Sports 620 KTAR.
The Goldwater Institute, a conservative think tank and watchdog group, has said it will file suit if Glendale goes ahead with an incentive package for Hulsizer and the Coyotes. Without the city’s financial help, the team probably would move.
McCain repeated his call for the Goldwater Institute and Glendale to negotiate face-to-face and suggested a mediator might be helpful in talks.
McCain said he doesn’t understand the Goldwater Institute’s involvement in the Coyotes matter.
He said Barry Goldwater “believed in the fundamental principle that it is elected officials who should make these decisions because it’s elected officials who are accountable to the voters…”
If city of Glendale officials make a mistake in the Coyotes deal, the voters will decide what should happen, McCain said.
“Who elected the Goldwater Institute to have the impact they have on the economy of our Valley, our image, who elected them?” McCain asked.
