Chargers Concessions Lead to Mayor Endorsing Stadium Measure

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Mayor Kevin Faulconer has endorsed a controversial ballot measure that would give the San Diego Chargers a $1.1 billion public handout to help pay for a new downtown stadium.

Faulconer says he gave his endorsement only after the team agreed to concessions that protect the city.

However, those concessions aren't legally binding.

A mayoral spokesman says the concessions provide a framework for negotiations if the measure passes.

Many observers feel the measure, which would raise the hotel occupancy tax by four percent, will fail to get the two-thirds vote necessary to pass.

The city's powerful tourism industry opposes the measure.

The Chargers were rebuffed last year in their effort to build a stadium with the Raiders in Carson. They are threatening to join the Rams in Inglewood if the measure fails.