City Controller Annice Parker finally gets involved in the debate.

“My first concern is for the land acquisition. While there has been public speculation about the use of the land, the request for council action identifies no specific public purpose. That is backward public policy,” the controller stated. “The city is not in the land speculation business. Council should know for what purpose the land will be used.”

“TIRZ dollars are property taxes. This is a legitimate use of TIRZ monies, but to say there will be no public dollars, or tax dollars, used for this purchase is simply inaccurate,” she said.

“I am concerned about the use of public utility revenues to help make this deal possible. Our water and sewer customers should not be helping to subsidize a professional sports facility, no matter how much we want it,” the controller said.

Just so you know, your water and sewer rates will be going up 1.8% in April, whether or not this passes. And the Zoo Development Corporation will still get their service for free.

Edit: Hat tips to Off the Kuff and blogHouston.