Dolphins stadium Referendum Day: More ‘surprises’ in store?

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What makes today any different than last October, when voters polled overwhelmingly, by more than 80 percent, rejected the notion of public funds — yes, even a bed tax — going to yet another sports arena owned by yet another millionaire?

We’ll find out in a couple of hours, when Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez and the Miami Dolphins CEO Mike Dee hold a joint press conference to, everyone expects and as reported in the press, lay out the plan for a referendum on some kind of public financing for renovations and a roof at Sun Life Stadium.

Because there has to be something different, right?

Ladra suspects that the price tag is going to come down. We are going to be sold a discount offer at around $100 million, — give or take $10 mil — which is a lot, but only half of what was originally asked for from the public pockets. We could be introduced to a community partner, perhaps. Someone we trust. And there may be more promised perks. Who knows what will be dangled before our eyes. Jobs? Traffic improvements? A baseball academy (ahem)?

But Ladra also expects the same resistance among voters today, and in three or four months when the vote takes place, as four months ago, despite the hundreds of thousands — if not millions — that will go into a pro-referendum campaign. Despite the offer, as I imagine they have to make, to pay for a special election.

So what really gives here?

Is there a Plan C?

It seems almost ludicrous that this is even coming up. Can you imagine the precedent we are setting? Can anyone with a few million to spare come to our county and pay for a referendum election?

I guess we will find out in a couple of hours.