Sugarland Figures In Campaign

3-12-10

Press Conference’s Timing Questioned


By JIM KEVLIN : COOPERSTOWN

Everyone, it seems, loves Sugarland, the country music star duo that will perform at Doubleday Field on Labor Day Weekend.
But the timing of the announcement – by Democratic mayoral candidate Jeff Katz, who has made bringing concerts to the historic ballpark a major campaign plank – is raising questions.
“I think the timing speaks for itself,” said Republican Trustee Eric Hage, who is leaving the village board after the March 16 elections.
“The timing of the announcement gives the impression of impropriety,” said Trustee Joe Booan, Jr., the Republican mayoral candidate, although he noted, “I appreciate Jeff’s connections with a promoter and value the opportunity to have a top-name band play on our field.”
Asked if she saw any impropriety, Katz’s runningmate, Trustee Lynne Mebust, said, “No, I don’t,” adding, “It was done in collaboration with the promoter.”
The debate was set in motion Monday, March 8, when Mayor Carol B. Waller – Katz has been her protege – called a press conference for noon at 22 Main to discuss “exciting things” that are happening at Doubleday Field this summer.
Katz, who presided, called Sugarland “a really great band,” and expressed assurance the poor turnout – 3,000 fans – at Crosby, Stills & Nash last summer would not be repeated.
Stu Green, president of Magic City Productions, the promoter, agreed, saying CS&N was routinely drawing 5,000 fans, while Sugarland is performing at major venues and attracting 12,000.
The duo consists of Jennifer Nettles, lead vocalist, and Kristian Bush with vocals, mandolin, acoustic guitar, and harmonica.  Its hits include “Baby Girl” and “All I Want To Do (Is Love You).”
The price per ticket rose from $60 for CS&N to $64, and ticket will go on sale this Saturday, March 13, at the Cooperstown Chamber of Commerce.
The mayor had convened a special village board meeting 15 minutes before the press conference with barely a quorum to approve the contract.
Trustee Willis Monie, Jr., who provided the critical fourth vote, said later “the thing that concerned me a little bit was we did not get to see the revised contract before today.”
Asked why things were done in a hurry, given the trustees’ monthly meeting is coming up Monday, March 15 (the evening before Election Day), Monie responded, “I can’t answer that.
“I wasn’t the one pushing at it,” he continued.  “Looking at it, maybe there were political ramifications to it.  I don’t know that for a fact, so I wouldn’t want to say so.”
At the press conference, when Katz was asked if there were any political implications to the timing, he responded, “absolutely not.”