Who is at fault? Blame for the long years of squabbles over the Coliseum can be hung on the Democratic and Republican politicians on Long Island. Both parties have played a significant role along the way in their never-ending struggle with one another to rule Long Island.
They played this game as Nassau crumbled to pieces.
Angry? If fans wanted to teach politicians a lesson it should be through polls and voting booths.
Town of Hempstead's head, Kate Murray, who was holding out for a shot at bigger pastures being the good Republican in her role in stifling the Lighthouse Project, is planning a campaign for Nassau DA.
Will voters remember her part? Will it matter? That is up to Isles fans and all hockey fans in Nassau County.
Al D’Amato, former Senator, now a lobbyist, is still a part of the Republican Machine that derailed the Lighthouse Project. His lobby money has piled
the coffers of Nassau Executive
Edward Mangano.
Even Bruce Ratner, who is fighting to get the Coliseum done as a smaller venue, gave money to Al’s lobby.
D’Amato is the guy behind the terrible lease agreement with SMG in the first place. It was a lease agreement that gave SMG all revenue from the arena. Nothing went to any team playing there.
Never forget it is the SMG lease agreement that first caused the cracks to the NY Islanders demise in Uniondale. It caused the NHL to warn Nassau County over 15 years ago…
"Without a change in circumstances in the very near future ... a new arena, a new lease ... the New York Islanders cannot and will not be a viable franchise.”
– Bill Daly, NHL Vice President & Chief Legal Officer, 2000 addressing Nassau County's politicians who promptly ignored it.
Who Should the Long Island fanbase blame?