A San Jose City Council committee today passed a measure calling for a poll to gauge support among residents for a pursuit of the Oakland A’s.
A San Jose CIty Council committee today passed a measure calling for a poll to gauge support among residents for pursing the Oakland A’s.
While this may be premature — managing owner Lew Wolff says he’s not ready to talk with anyone about a new ballpark, especially with the obstacles he’ll need to overcome — the three councilwomen on the council committee say the poll will be a useful tool in helping them decide whether to move forward.
Of course, exactly what would be polled is up in the air, given the fact there’s been no dialogue between Wolff and the city over a move. Would residents like to see pro baseball in downtown San Jose? Sure. They’d like to see free chocolate milk-shake dispensers at every street corner as well. Would they pay for the privilege of hosting the San Jose A’s? There’s the rub. Sans plan, a poll is way too premature.
The full city council will discuss the proposal in April.
UPDATE: The poll will not come from the city, but rather from a private group called A’s to San Jose Study Group, made up of local businesspeople. The group privately raised funds to conduct the poll and presumably take other actions to pursue the A’s.
RELATED STORIES: Could Oakland Coliseum work as baseball-only venue?; Wolff: Goal is team in "Northern California"; A’s officially drop Fremont ballpark plans; Wolff says there’s no backup plan; A’s suspend Fremont plans; will reevaluate future home for club; A’s: No new ballpark until 2014; Wolff: A’s still committed to Fremont ballpark; A’s cancel community meetings as opposition to new ballpark plan accelerates; New A’s ballpark opposed by hundreds of protesters; Oakland admits original plans for Cisco Field are all but dead
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