Sep 12, 2009

DETROIT--With the State Fair completing operations Monday, Senate Democratic Floor Leader Buzz Thomas (D-Detroit) today called on the legislature and the governor to save the State Fair and State Fairgrounds, located in his senate district.

"The State Fair is a microcosm of Michigan and a healthy place for Michigan's kids to go to," Thomas said. "It is a celebration of agriculture, and people from throughout the state attend the Fair and have a great time. I realize that the state is facing tough economic times, but the amount of money it would take to keep the Fair while we find a permanent solution is minimal."

Thomas stated that he spent the spring and summer talking to businesspeople and nonprofits regarding the importance of the Fairgrounds and of keeping the nation's oldest fair in Detroit. Thomas said there are numerous incentives that the legislature can give interested parties, including:

--Tax incentives;

--TIFA; and

--Bonding.

Thomas also expressed serious concerns with the governor's plan to shutter the property September 30 and auction off material in October. Thomas is seriously concerned that once the governor closes the property that it will be stripped, stolen, trashed, and attractive only to the homeless.

"The governor says she wants jobs at the Fairgrounds, and I agree, so let's get serious and work together on a plan for this property," Thomas said. "I asked for a delay on closing this property and for a serious short-term and long-term plan on this property."

Thomas also noted that the Fairgrounds are part of the gateway to the city of Detroit. He said that having an eyesore at the corner of 8 Mile and Woodward will be the responsibility of the State of Michigan, but will just become another burden to the city of Detroit.