Ricketts shouldn't get his way again

Cubs owner Tom Ricketts is exhibiting his spoiled rich boy traits. Two years ago, he threatened the city of Mesa, Ariz., with relocating Cubs spring training to Florida if the municipal government of Mesa did not provide a new, state-of-the-art spring training facility for the Cubs. He would just take his toys and leave. The city of Mesa reluctantly agreed to build a new facility and, in these difficult economic times, attempted to fund the venture by charging an additional tax on tickets at the other 14 teams' spring training ballparks in the Phoenix area.

This was, of course, totally and completely rejected by the owners of the other clubs. Now Mr. Ricketts wants a $300 million redistribution, in his favor, of taxes to improve Wrigley Field which is part of his personal business venture. If this were to be implemented, taxpayers in Chicago, Cook County and the state of Illinois would be responsible for replacing this tax money to pay the bills, which will still be there regardless of redistribution. Hopefully it will be a cold day in . . . Phoenix when this happens.

Richard J. Piagari

Des Plaines