A month ago, Tom Galvin hangs a carrot of hope in front of oppressed coyote fans. The day he was sworn in as chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in Galvin. Announced its intention to establish an advisory committee of political and business leaders dedicated to bringing the NHL back to the Phoenix Metro area.
Late last week, I caught up with a busy lawyer and politician and chose his brain for the Genesis of the idea and the steps ahead.
What led you down this path?
Garvin: “I’ll start by saying I’m a very frustrating sports and hockey fan, but it’s multifaceted and there are some points. I built up my previous coyote leadership and political capital. , I saw a lack of things that I thought had accumulated. But I am political leadership and political because of the coyotes as a company and the concept that we live in the Valley of the Sun. We were also very frustrated by the lack of support.
“It’s not just a sporting issue. It’s not purely a hockey issue. People laugh and say, ‘Well, I’m not a hockey fan, so what do I care about?” Billion dollar business It should be noted that it must be acknowledged, and Pro Sports has unique holds in the US and North America.
“I just thought there was leadership. I looked around and saw no one doing anything about it, and then I said, “Can anyone do it, or should I do, why am I? Isn’t it?” he said. So I’m just taking the initiative and starting to run. ”
Have you been disappointed with political opposition to the coyotes?
Garvin: “I think it’s really important to distinguish. There was political opposition, but yes, there was a lack of political vision. I’m very specific. Anti-Coyotes are on the stance and attitude towards Tempe’s situation. So I saw a coyote cast about the valley trying to find something.[FormerTempecouncilmemberandcurrentStateSenator)LaurenKubytookonananti-CoyotesstancewiththeTempestituationButtherewasalsoalackofpoliticalvisionwhereoncetheTempestingfailedIdinn’tseestateleaderslikeGovernorHobbsstepintosay’WhatcanwedofortheCoyotes?’SoIwatchedtheCoyotescastabouttheValleyfutilelytryingtofindsomething”[FormerTempecouncilmemberandcurrentStateSenator)LaurenKubytookonananti-CoyotesstancewiththeTempesituationButtherewasalsoalackofpoliticalvisionwhereoncetheTempethingfailedIdidn’tseestateleaderslikeGovernorHobbsstepintosay’WhatcanwedofortheCoyotes?’SoIwatchedtheCoyotescastabouttheValleyfutilelytryingtofindsomething”
I know what you know as a member of the Rose Law Group’s Land Use, Government Affairs, and Renewable Energy Practice Group, but what have you done about the final ditch attempt to win the land auction?
Garvin: “When they came across this idea of winning a state land auction, it was when Coyote raised my eyebrows as he said, “Auctioning state land is everything, everything.” We put all the tips. For this auction,” I said, “Wow, I don’t see the mayor or governor speaking up and the supporters saying, ‘Hey, let’s get this done.’ ”
I grew more and more pessimistic, and as we know it exploded two days before the state land auction. It was either withdrawn or cancelled, and while it was very embarrassing for the Coyotes, it felt embarrassing for the NHL, for hockey fans, and for the Tani. What a shambolic process. It was very amateur time. And I said, “I’m sure there’s a way to do it, here’s how to get hockey back. The way to do it is that local leaders are hockey experts, sports experts, business That means you should bring in leaders, political leaders, people. People who care about the community. “And then go back to the NHL and say, “Hey, if we do that the right way, you’re willing to listen.” “Can you do it?” ”
You previously stated that you are not ready to announce the committee members. Is there a timeline for that announcement?
Garvin: “I’m not going to announce the names yet, but the committee is almost fully formed. There are only a few people I haven’t confirmed yet. I’m involved or want to help. .
Aside from the leadership you pointed out, what you pointed out is so much needed, how can you actually help this process?
Garvin: “There are two orders that we all need to have in the valley here: one is to find an owner who is willing to buy a team and pay for the expansion team and two. A world-class facility we deserve.
“I have experience in the private sector. I am a land use lawyer. I am involved in site selection consulting. I worked for the state government. I am a county official now, but I am, but I am, I’m still practicing law. I understand the intersection of these issues. I think that will be the one who starts this because I understand economic development, I’m a big fan of hockey, We also know that there are really smart people who are not being used. When we get together, we can do things in a systematic way that will help us get to where we want to go.”
You and I were discussing the potential of the county island as a potential arena site in the past. Are you still focusing on that possibility or is this about finding the best places/options?
Garvin: “Whatever the best option is, whether you’re in a city, on a county island, or on an Indian reservation. I have all the approaches for the place.”
How do you characterize your conversation with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman?
Garvin: “I’m grateful that Gary Bettmann didn’t have to call this, especially after last year and with his last owner, but also after what he’s been experiencing here in the Valley. Gary Bettman shows that he believes Valley and hockey are a good partnership here.
“I remember seeing him as he came down to testify at Tempe City Council. I thought it was very impressive. I wanted him for guidance, insight and feedback, and he said. I’ve heard it.
“I think I’m an inherently optimistic person, but in the end, one day we’ll celebrate with Gary Bettman, the hockey team here in the Valley. There’s no guarantee, but my vision is, I believe that, my process is how to do it if you want to get a team.”
