McKelvey gets the better of Meshel

Youngstown Mayor George M. McKelevy and former Youngstown state Sen. Harry Meshel went lip-to-lip one day last week over the issue of the proposed arena project and Meshel's (lip) quivered. (Had they been in the same room during the heated exchange on Dan Rivers' talk show on WKBN radio, the description would have read, "eyeball-to-eyeball and Meshel blinked.") But last Monday, McKelvey was on the telephone in his regular first-Monday-of-the-month appearance and was answering questions from Rivers about the proposed arena when Meshel decided to call in and take the mayor on. Big mistake. McKelvey does not suffer political dinosaurs kindly.
Those who have followed his government career will recall the way he took the late Mahoning County Treasurer Mike Pope apart like a cheap suit after he won election to the office and conducted a top-to-bottom review of his predecessor's long tenure. Bottom line: Pope had overstayed his welcome.
The mayor wasn't that crass with Meshel, former president of the Ohio Senate, former chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party and a long-time Valley politico, but he certainly didn't pull any punches when he sought to set the record straight about his and city council's involvement in the project.
And when Meshel had the temerity to suggest that the lack of local private sector investment was due to a distrust of City Hall -- read that, mayor and council -- McKelvey responded with guns blazing. After the smoke cleared, he elicited a commitment from the former senator that he would become involved in the project. For his part, Meshel demanded that city government officials to back off.
Conditions
In agreeing to this condition, McKelvey reiterated his oft stated position: He will write a check for $25 million (compliments of the federal government) to any private sector individual or group willing to bring a like amount, or thereabouts, to the table, take total responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the arena/convocation center, including covering the annual debt, and maintain the structure for at least 10 years.
Meshel, his instincts not as sharp as they once were, agreed.
Thus, on Monday afternoon, the mayor sent the ex senator, who is president of the Mill Creek Metroparks Board, a letter thanking him for his interest in the project and inviting him to City Hall to begin negotiations that would result in the park board's talking over the arena/convocation center project. With the metropolitan park system supported by a special park levy, the mayor believes there would be a guaranteed revenue stream.
Asked by reporters for a response to McKelvey's invitation, Meshel again quivered. He explained that the park system had its own projects to finance and, therefore, could not make any sort of a commitment to a project in downtown Youngstown. He then accused the mayor of playing games.
Duh.
McKelvey called Meshel's bluff, knowing that the Mill Creek Metroparks Park Board would never take on a project of the magnitude of the arena/convocation center. He just wanted to make the point that talk is cheap -- and he did.
So, now what? First, the city will not lose the $26.8 million that former Congressman James A. Traficant Jr. secured for a "convocation and community center" (wording in the legislation.) Traficant was of the opinion that a sports arena, featuring ice hockey, arena football and other events, such as Disney On Ice, was exactly what the Valley needed and fit the federal government's definition of the project.
Lack of financing
However, the failure to date of FaulknerUSA of Texas to secure a loan for its investment is proof that McKelvey has taken the right approach. The city is willing give FaulknerUSA more time, but will also determine whether other companies that responded to the city's request for proposals are still interested.
While that is taking place, the mayor and council would do well to explore other projects that would meet the federal government's definition of a "convocation and community center."
McKelvey should seek the advice of three world renowned architects who have designed buildings in downtown Youngstown: Michael Graves, the steel museum; Charles Gwathney, the McDonough Museum; Robert A.M. Stern, the second federal courthouse. All three have studied the city and the region. It would be instructive to hear their opinions on how the $26,8 million should be spent.
Local architect Paul J. Ricciuti is willing to facilitate a visit by these three giants of architecture.