The fate of the Dome is in his hands

Meet the man who will decide what happens to the Astrodome.

Edgar Colon, a lawyer with a background in negotiating complex financial deals, has been nominated to serve as chairman of the Harris County Sports and Convention Corp.

Colon would replace Mike Surface, who faces federal bribery-related charges stemming from efforts by him and associates to seek city business.

The chairmanship will be a high-profile post as the corporation's board tackles the controversial issue of whether a second life should be found for the Astrodome.

Colon, president of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2006 and 2007, was nominated by County Judge Ed Emmett. Commissioners Court will vote on his appointment Tuesday.

Emmett, who has voiced skepticism about a plan to turn the Dome into a convention hotel, didn't extract from his nominee a promise to kill the hotel proposal, Colon said.

"If I am approved by Commissioners Court, the standard will be what is in the best interests of Harris County," he said. "With respect to this debate, I would like to read the proposal and make an informed decision."

[...]

Emmett said, "There is no question the most vexing issue facing the sports corporation is what to do with the Dome. I gave him one clear marching order: I want you to go in there and make the best decisions for Harris County. He is immensely qualified for the job."

I sure hope so, because I think Judge Emmett is correct in his assessment of the issue of the Dome. What decision Colon makes isn't that important to me, as long as it reduces the County's financial burden and doesn't expose it to substantial risk. I wish him the best of luck in that task.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on June 01, 2008 to Elsewhere in Houston