The next Governor might have to budget for a St. Louis football stadium. Governor Jay Nixon (D) says he doesn’t need voter approval to extend current bonds to pay for the proposed $1 billion stadium. GOP gubernatorial candidates say there should be a vote.

John Brunner said he trusts the public’s decision.

“This should be brought to a vote of the people,” said Brunner. “For me personally, as a candidate for Governor, it’s a matter of priorities. Our roads and our schools come first. We have a lot of things that we need to do before we get a second stadium.”

GOP candidates for Governor say funding a St. Louis football stadium needs voter approval

GOP candidates for Governor say funding a St. Louis football stadium needs voter approval

Eric Greitens calls the stadium project a special interest insider deal.

“The terms have not been disclosed to the public,” said Greitens. “If you’re going to spend public money, then you need to have a vote of the people. It’s the epitome of what’s wrong with Jefferson City.”

Catherine Hanaway said the proposal is one of the worst examples of crony capitalism.

“I can think of lots of ways to better spend more than $400 million of taxpayer money than for a playground for millionaire players and billionaire owners,” said Hanaway.

Senator Bob Dixon said a public vote would give the project credibility.

“I just believe that there should be some sort of a vote and not have it done in what appears to many people being a very small government agency working in the dark of night,” said Dixon.

Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder said the stadium’s fate is not the Governor’s decision.

“Lawmakers should fight this Governor and his attempt to do it unilaterally as much as possible and prevent him from ever issuing these bonds,” said Kinder.

Governor Nixon contends that a vote of the people isn’t required to extend the bonds but several legislators have filed a lawsuit to prevent the Governor from using state money for the project.