Photo via Rick Dikeman / Wikipedia.

I’ll cut straight to the point:

We don’t need to have a conversation on whether Columbus should spend a dime of taxpayer dollars on a new soccer stadium for the Columbus Crew SC, and our elected officials would do wisely to swiftly end the chance of any conversation pertaining to that. It is an election year and voters are watching closely. If Anthony Precourt wants to hold this city and fans hostage, then he knows where 71-S is and he can hit the road. Contrary to popular belief among our city leaders, we can say no to rich people asking for taxpayer money.

Here’s why:

1. More than 25,000 people are waiting on affordable housing.

2. The city is one of the most economically segregated cities in America.

3. We have one of the highest infant mortality rates in America.

4. We’re in the midst of an unprecedented drug epidemic.

5. Our air quality was recently given an “F” grade.

We should not spend tax dollars on sports. Not soccer, not hockey, not football… not a damn thing sports-related. Let’s get our priorities straight, Columbus.

We strive to be a city of the future, but how can we be when we’re not a city of the present?

— Atticus Hannel Coulter Garden