By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Local businessman Mark Hamister will continue to reach out government officials in his quest to buy the Buffalo Sabres.
Hamister says he is planning to meet this week with the Buffalo Common Council to present his financial package to purchase the team. He says he still would like the city to consider waiving the ground rent at the arena, even though Mayor Anthony Masiello has already indicated that might not be possible.
Hamister says he will also make a presentation to the Erie County Legislature. He wants government assistance in paying for some improvements to HSBC Arena.
"We have to go to our public partners and ask them to assist us with arranging the financing for these particular entities," Hamister said, "because banks don't loan to businesses that have a history of losing money."
Hamister is expected to deliver the same presentation to the city and county that he offered last Friday to members of the Western New York state Legislature delegation. It outlines a request for about $30 million dollars in assistance in government funding.
State lawmakers say Hamister is not asking for a cash hand out, but is seeking loans under the state's Empire Zone program. The Western New York delegation has vowed to urge Governor Pataki to approve the loans.
"I'm only interested in being part of the positive solution in this community," Hamister said. "I am not interested in engaging in a transaction that I know is going to run into trouble in the next three years.
"I won't have anything to do with that. So I would respectfully withdraw if we can't establish financial footing for this Arena that makes economic sense in the future and gives us all an opportunity for long term success."
Hamister says he is hoping to present his plan to the governor's staff. Last week, County Executive Joel Giambra proposed $7 million in funds to pay for a new parking facility outside the arena.