Come on Goldwater, fess up: It's about enriching you, not protecting taxpayers

I write this editorial as an Arizona taxpaying citizen; proud hockey-dad of two boys, 8 and 10; and rabid hockey fan who unconditionally supports MY Phoenix Coyotes.
During the day, I am a health care professional. After hours, and on weekends, I am either attending Coyotes games in Glendale with my family of four (season ticket holders) or lacing up my boy’s skates at the Ice Den in Scottsdale (Coyotes Amateur Hockey Association – CAHA). Televised Coyotes games, the NHL network, roller-blade street hockey, carpet mini-hockey, and travertine hallway-hockey are all consistent motivators/rewards for nightly homework completion. Kid’s room Coyote’s décor, trading cards and memorabilia complete this image of my family eating, sleeping, and breathing hockey… in the desert!
Therefore, I feel compelled to respond to the "Almighty Goldwater Institute" and their false claims of supposed protection of the AZ taxpayers’ interests as they relentlessly attack my team, my sport, and my community. I must speak out, not only for my family, but for the many other hockey families that we have had the privilege of bonding with via CAHA. After my son’s Squirt tournament, the hot topic was not about what took place on the ice last night, but how helpless and hopeless all of the kids, parents and coaches felt regarding the probable loss of our beloved Yotes. Hundreds of kids, who play youth hockey at The Den will be heart-broken if their team, and possibly their entire CAHA program, is torn from them. Likewise, many, if not all of the CAHA teaching/coaching/support staff are completely dependent upon the Coyotes for their livelihood.
The relentless GWI assault stretches well beyond our local youth and their families. Their assertion that the current terms of sale places the Glendale taxpayer "at risk" is so near sighted as to be almost comical. If Ms. Olsen and her band of elitist-snob media-mongers believe the bond-interest burden on Glendale taxpayers is expensive, wait until they unleash the economic catastrophe that will ensue once the Coyotes depart. Westgate, along with all restaurants and shopping venues, will be rendered unviable. Pair this with the pending NFL lockout and you have a massive loss of revenue (sales and sales-tax) for the City of Glendale. The domino effect of this local economy in peril will certainly spread to the rest of the Valley and hundreds of millions of dollars (and thousands of jobs) will be lost.
GWI, we the citizens know of your ulterior motives, your thirst for political gain, and understand the games you are playing. We know of your links to the Diamondbacks (conflict of interest), your support for Winnipeg, and your underhanded backroom deals that must be taking place. Your misinterpretation and misrepresentation of AZ law is egregious and irresponsible. I call on all of my fellow citizens to demand an investigation into GWI and its practices. When the smoke finally clears, "We the People" will prevail and justice will be served. You, my friends, are NOT above the law and must be held accountable for your actions.
And to all of the naysayer Coyote-bashers out there that believe hockey does not belong in Phoenix, think again. We currently have a playoff-bound group consisting of an extremely talented young core of players, outstanding veterans, and a world-class goalie… all paired with perhaps the finest coach in the NHL. Add a strong ownership presence and you have the perfect recipe for a stable long-term hockey franchise that thrives in the Valley. We are a cohesive, resilient team with a bright future. Although a small voice, my family and I want to shout from the rooftops "We believe in our Phoenix Coyotes!!!!" PLEASE lend your voices and howl in support of our team. We are the Phoenix Coyotes.
Brent Silver, MD
—with loving support from Susan, Noah, and Evan
Scottsdale, AZ