Here's how state Rep. Tom Tillberry (DFL-51B) explained in an email Tuesday:
I was an original author to the Kreisel charitable gambling bill, which now turned into the Viking stadium bill. We needed to resolve the stadium issue and this was the best way possible for this legislature at this time. Although we have other needs in our community that have more priority, the decision to build the stadium would supply us with more job opportunities for people who have been waiting for work. I can't be sure that the bonding bill will pass. We need to get our workers back to work. If we wait for a good time to build a stadium, it will never be built. It's been argued for over 6 years and my constituents told me that they wanted the stadium by a margin of 15 yes votes to every 1 no vote. That made my decision much easier.
Does the house or senate know the Vikings financial situation? If the Vikings are to “partner” in a venture involving the state of Minnesota’s money it seem to me we would be hearing publicly why they feel the stadium is the proposal of the state’s financial burden? The Vikings obviously do not care about the financial welfare of our state and have gone so far as to commit extortion. Extortion is the practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.
I hope as my State Reprehensive you will put crucial public functions first.