Mere idea of Wrigley deal irks legislators

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois lawmakers balked Tuesday at the idea of the state purchasing Wrigley Field, believing there are more pressing needs.

"It is stunning to me that we are dithering around with this issue, wasting one second of time, talent that we have in the state that we could put anywhere else," said Sen. Christine Radogno, a Lemont Republican, during hearings at the Capitol.

Those hearings were supposed to focus on the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority's budget. The authority is the state agency used to build the White Sox stadium. Instead, Wrigley Field talks dominated the discussion.

Perri L. Irmer, the stadium agency's chief executive, told lawmakers the authority has been in discussion with Tribune Co. officials about purchasing Wrigley Field, but no formal deal is on the table.

"We intend to do this deal without burdening the taxpayers," she said.

Tribune officials hoped to have a deal done by Opening Day but have recently said it's unclear when a sale will be finalized.

The Tribune Co. has owned the Cubs since 1981.

Recently, Tribune owner Sam Zell suggested he'd sell naming rights to the stadium.

The team and stadium could fetch $1 billion. A state deal would involve only the ballpark.

State Sen. James Meeks, a Chicago Democrat, joked that he couldn't understand why the state would want to keep the team.

"You mean we actually have a chance to get rid of the Cubs, and you all are saying to come up with a plan to save them," Meeks said. "I can't believe that."

Meeks, striking a more serious tone, also suggested the state's priorities are misplaced in pursuing a Wrigley deal.

"We have to pay pensions -- that's what we have to do. We have to pay schools -- that's what we have to do and we have to have pay our Medicaid bill," he said. "And then to go on and find something that we don't even have to do, that's just what alarms me."