A sucker's bet

Hey, weren't slot machines supposed to fund property tax reform? Because apparently Mayor Murphy thinks they should pay for a new arena for the Penguins, a franchise that has declared bankruptcy twice in its history, playing in a league in which few teams make money. You have to pity the poor Penguins, who watched the city, county and state pony up for new stadiums for the Pirates and Steelers, only to find the public coffers empty when it comes their turn.

In an interview last week, Murphy said he would like to see the winning bidder dedicate a portion of its slots revenue to help build a new arena, whether it's the Penguins, Forest City, Stabile or someone else.

He said he believes that's justified, given what an important public facility an arena is. He said Mellon Arena, which opened in 1961, is nearing the end of its useful life.

"Public facility"? Last time I checked, you had to pay to attend hockey games, and tickets ain't cheap. You have to pay to attend concerts, the circus, monster truck rallies, etc. Well, maybe a new arena will rejuvenate the Hill District, the way the stadiums have spurred all that development on the North Shore.

Oh, wait...