Leader Sundareshan Taps Senator Epstein to Serve on the New Maricopa County Stadium District Board for Chase Field; Senator Epstein Pushes for Transparency Ahead of First Meeting of The Board

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Senate Democratic Leader Priya Sundareshan has chosen Senator Mitzi Epstein (LD12) to serve as the Senate Democratic Caucus' pick for the newly reconfigured Maricopa County Stadium District Board which will work with the Arizona Diamondbacks and other users of Chase Field to use taxpayer dollars for capital repairs and improvements to Chase Field and its adjacent buildings. Senator Epstein released the following statement about her appointment to the Board:

"I am honored to serve on the board and recognize the significance of this Board's decisions ahead. Our whole state loves to attend events at the stadium, and we want it to be a great experience! I made it clear during the legislative process that taxpayer dollars must produce benefits for the public. Our Arizona Constitution includes a ‘gift clause’ that ensures that a public benefit is received whenever public dollars are being paid to a private entity.

It’s as clear as daylight that the plans to renovate the stadium must be discussed transparently with public involvement and with accountability to taxpayers.

The legislation that passed was careful to require the Board's conformance with Arizona's open meeting, public record, and conflict of interest laws. I am excited to ensure that the public can observe and be involved in the process moving forward.

Good stewards of taxpayer dollars must hold themselves accountable, I am looking forward to working with the Board to make sure that our future negotiations reflect the transparency and public accountability that Arizona taxpayers deserve.”

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