Let’s take a second and talk about thinking big. On November 2, residents in five Kansas City counties will vote on County Question 1, which would enact a one-quarter cent sales tax that would help fund renovations to Kauffman and Arrowhead stadiums. Proponents of County Question 1 are daring Kansas City residents to [think big][1] — saying that it’s a “small investment” that would “modernize” the Kansas City metro. Unfortunately, it would also set back common civic logic by about 20 years. When Kansas Citians head to the polls in two weeks, let’s hope they vote no on the bistate tax known as County Question 1. After all, a “no” vote could also have an unintended benefit for those of us in northeast Kansas. Both the Chiefs and the Royals deserve better than modernized versions of their current venues. If the last 12 years of ballpark construction has taught us anything, baseball belongs in a modern ballpark close to downtown. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why this bistate tax wouldn’t provide the Royals with a stadium near the Sprint Center. Also, with the Royals once again complaining about revenue, perhaps a new ballpark would give them additional streams of revenue that Kauffman Stadium would not. Who knows maybe they could use the money to re-sign [Carlos Beltran?][2] Yeah, right. As for the Chiefs, I love Arrowhead Stadium as much as the next guy. I believe it has the best atmosphere in the National Football League and this is coming from a Broncos fan. But I hope this proposal is shot down so the Chiefs can build a stadium where it belongs in Kansas. I haven’t lived in the Kansas City metro area for long, but I have learned one thing in my seven years in Lawrence. Kansas government can get things done, even if it’s wrong (remember the evolution debate?), while Missouri features one of the most inept state governments in the country. If Bistate II fails, it would certainly take no time for Kansas to come up with a plan to lure the Chiefs. After all, we built the Kansas Speedway, and had several arena plans in the works if the Sprint Center vote failed. In reality, it makes more sense for the Chiefs to play in Kansas City, Kansas. The benefits of a partnership with the speedway are obvious, and it would make an easier commute for the primary season ticket base in Johnson County. Usually, I support any vote to upgrade sports arenas. I voted for a new Broncos stadium when I lived in Denver. I was a vocal supporter of the Sprint Center, even if I didn’t have a vote. But when it comes to thinking big and passing Bistate II, I can’t even think of a small reason to support it.**Week Eight Picks (Last Week: 1-3, Rigg’s Season: 15-16) Oklahoma 37, Kansas 10:** Adam Barmann or Jason Swanson? It won’t matter on Saturday. Jayhawks keep things interesting for a half, but fade late against Sooners. **Lawrence High 25, Free State 13:** Lions win another city showdown at Haskell Stadium on the [Game of the Week.][3] **Chiefs, 24, Falcons 20:** Chiefs defeat the most overrated quarterback in football. **Upset Special: Northwestern 34, Wisconsin 30** These upset special predictions are killing our records. So far, we’ve only picked one all season. Let’s hope the luck can change with Randy Walker’s Wildcats.**Big Tex’s Picks (Romary Last Week: 1-3, Season 13-18) Oklahoma 31, Kansas 10:** If only this game was in Lawrence with Bill Whittemore. Maybe, just maybe. But, Bill’s back in Nashville and the game ain’t here. Adrian Peterson for Heisman!!! Bring on the Cyclones! **Lawrence High 31, Free State 14: ** Make no mistake about it, Lawrence High is the best team in this district. Free State must win to keep any hope alive of qualifying for the post season. **Falcons 27, Chiefs 17:** I’m no longer a believer. The window on the Chiefs is closed. Can KC stop Vick? Simply put:no. **Upset Special: Texas Tech 52, Texas 35** Upset of the Week. I know, I know, the Horns are only a 2 point favorite. But they are favored, making the Red Raiders the underdog. It’s in Lubbock. Enough said. Hook’em Raiders. [1]: http://www.votebig.org/ [2]: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/playoffs2004/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=1904063 [3]: http://www.6productions.com/sports_cal.html