Not even if we throw in a free hot dog on Opening Day?

Clark County Commissioner Tom Mielke has made it clear he does not support a proposal to bring minor league baseball to Vancouver, at least not without letting voters have a say in whether the county enacts a 5 percent admissions tax.

While the negotiations go on without Mielke’s support, here are some emails that show why owners of the Yakima Bears have known they would strike out with Mielke and are just hoping that Commissioner Marc Boldt votes with Commissioner Steve Stuart.

The proposal was publicly announced May 13.

In a May 3 email, Stuart wrote to Vancouver Mayor Tim Leavitt that “Marc mentioned yesterday that we should get (Clark alumnus and former Major League All-Star pitcher) Randy Myers to talk with Tom about this, since Tom loves Randy.”

So that’s what Ron Arp, spokesman for the owners of the Yakima Bears, tried.

From: Ron Arp [mailto:rarp@amplifygroup.com]

sent: Monday, May 16, 2011 7:58 PM

To: County Board of Commissioners General Delivery

Subject: For Mr. Mielke

Mr. Mielke-

I would like to provide background information on Short Season LLC and their desire to relocate their Class A Short Season baseball team to Vancouver with the construction of a multi-use complex on the Clark College campus.

Would you be available this Wednesday morning for coffee?

Another option would be Thursday morning after
9:30 a.m. I might suggest the Java House, unless you have another favorite.

Once we have a time, I will check with Mike Bomar and Arch Miller to see if they can join me.

I understand your friend Randy Myers is very excited about this project.

Ron D. Arp
Amplify Group, Inc.
360.601.2991

From: Roberts, Linda

sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 7:34 AM

To: Mielke, Tom

Subject: FW: For Mr. Mielke

Importance: High

Let me know if you want me to calendar this.

Thx, Linda

From: Mielke, Tom

Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2011 10:59 AM

To: Roberts, Linda

Subject: RE: For Mr. Mielke

NO