Retired Law Professor Sues Over Ballpark Financing

SAN DIEGO-Robert Simmons, a retired law professor, filed suit against the city of San Diego Friday, contending the Ballpark financing plan differs too much from the deal approved by voters a couple years ago.

The City Council approved the revised financing plan on Nov. 20.

Simmons claims the plan must go back on the ballot. He’s asking a judge to halt a pending bond sale aimed at financing much of the city’s $206 million portion of the ballpark’s cost.

He was one of the original opponents to Proposition C in 1998, which asked voters to approve the memorandum of understanding between the city and the San Diego Padres. Nearly 60% of San Diego voters approved the measure.

San Diego city officials declined to comment specifically on the lawsuit.

The San Diego Unified Port District is committed to contributing $21 million to the project. In addition to the city, other entities, including the San Diego Padres, are named as defendants.