Governor Christine Gregoire pushes the City of Seattle to make a decision.
During an interview at the Seattle City Club, Governor Christine Gregoire said she believes the Seattle Sonics Basketball team is willing to contribute money to a remodel of Key Arena. She didn't specify an amount, but said her negotiations, the Sonics expressed a willingness to contribute. Gregoire recently sent a letter to the City of Seattle, asking the City to give the Sonics an answer quickly, so that the team can explore other options. "It's about are you welcome or are you not? And if they are not, then they need to be given the chance to look elsewhere. And I hope they will look elsewhere in the state of Washington, frankly, if Seattle doesn't want them." Gregoire said.
Gregoire says her preference is that the Sonics stay in Seattle, but she says any tax package should go before the voters and she will respect their decision. I asked Gregoire how she feels philosophically about subsidizing professional sports. "If we were to lose the Sonics tomorrow, can I think what we would think about that in five years? Will we look back and regret? That's all I'm asking us to think about," Gregoire said.
So that's the question: If we were to lose the Sonics tomorrow, would we look back and regret it? Also, what would be a fair amount for the Sonics to contribute?
You can see the Governor's comments this Sunday on KING 5 News Up Front.
14 Comments
Jason Woodruff said:
The real question isn't whether or not we will be sad that the Sonics have left (If they decide to leave)
The real question is: Do we really want to set a precedent where any company or private organization will get a bailout from the taxpayers when they start to falter?
Shouldn't we just let the market decide? If people really want the sonics here, then they will vote with their wallet by going to the games.
Jeff said:
There's a real downward spiral going on with professional sports franchises and their increasing ability to hold their host cities hostage for better and better deals. Why do pro sports stadiums become obsolete in only 10 years? Key Arena was rebuilt from the ground up, and there isn't a single issue with the arena, imo. It's just ridiculous that Schultz and Co. are bellyaching for a better venue when they've put a bad product on the court for several years now. I understood and supported the original remodel (and I was in favor of a new Seahawks stadium), as the old Coliseum was in need of a major update... that's not the case anymore.
Frankly, it is time for the city, and cities across America, to put an end to this new stadium or else threat tactic and tell these franchises to go ahead and leave.
Jason Hendren said:
No is my answer to Governor Christine Gregoire's question...would we regret losing the Sonic? Washingtonians are tired of picking up the bill for these multimillion dollar facilities. Reality is that the sports clubs are making plenty to fund these projects! The fact that the Sonics Sorts Club tried to go around a county vote makes me ill. These actions show that they really don't want or care for our community.
Tara said:
I'm a Democrat and would like to know when Governor Christine Gregoire is planning on listening to the people of the State of Washington? Will it be at election time? This lady has apparently taken too many lesson from President Bush on how to run your office.
We have been saying NO and will continue to say NO.... apparently until you find a shady way to pass an initative on this.
Sue said:
To Governor Gregoire's question, I would answer an emphatic "no." I resent the fact that we are asked again and again to financially support businesses that benefit so few. There is often a claim made that the teams benefit the local community financially. I think there are solid statistics that they actually cost much more than they bring in. In addition, the Seattle area already has a horrendous traffic problem that is magnified each time a sports team plays. I would be happy to see one of them go.
Jake Billings said:
I say "no", not with my tax dollars! I'm already taxed to death, so please no more sports teams. If they have to leave so be it.
Todd Reynolds said:
Key Arena... there's your answer in big red lights. It's time for sports fans and sponsers to pony up.
scotty said:
c'mon.... lets let them go... put the money to oh say... education! or health care! or hey lets teach people in this state to drive.
David Simon said:
It is incredible that a smart, major, elected official does not hear the voters. We do not want to support the Sonics with our tax dollars. No way! Not in Seattle or Bellevue. Mr Shultz knows well the Sonics is a private enterprise that should resolve its own problems. Will he be asking for the tax payers to renovate the Starbucks headquarters next? Go ahead and move out of Washington and pay your own bills
Judy said:
I am just a dizzy blond living in the burbs but I have wanted to voice my opinion on this subject for a long time. Where is the logic? Who has the most money?....THE PLAYERS! What ever happened to "you play,you pay"? Why are they the sacred cows that get away with murder? oops, I said that didn't I? Anyway, why not charge them a "use tax", similar to our Hotel tax? That has been an effective tax on the folks who "use the hotel". Why are we so afraid to ask them for the bucks? They are the ones making it. All of you politicians can work out the details of how much per game, per minute of play, per, per per...... just don't ask the citizens of Seattle or anyone else to fund their fun! Ticket prices are all ready "only for the rich". We have many more problems to fund before we fund their play!
Anne said:
I am not a big fan of basketball - but if I understand the proposal -it's to fund a public facility that has professional basketball teams as tenants.
The teams wouldn't own the building - the public does!
Also this is not a new tax - it is a continuation of taxes (car rental, restaurant and hotel rooms) that we are currently paying for the baseball and football stadiums and this would go to an improved KeyArena or new arena in Bellevue that the public would own.
Wouldn't the public get the taxes generated by the admissions and activities there?
I think we need a diversity of activities in communities to make them great - from ballet to basketball- from live theater and concerts to museums and great parks.
People, if you want our community interesting we need to invest in the buildings and parks that make it great.
Jerry said:
...I'm guessing Anne also supported the Monorail Project. Thanks for spending our money so wisely Anne.
-Jerry
A 42 year Seattle native
Jim said:
The players make enough money make them pay for the new key arena
D Hayes said:
You know what? When it comes right down to it, it doesn't really matter, does it? Like with another stadium that we know. The voters said no, but it didn't really matter. The stadium was built, anyway. I don't particularly care if the Sonics stay or go. I'd just as soon this was all over and they were gone. Sorry...
During an interview at the Seattle City Club, Governor Christine Gregoire said she believes the Seattle Sonics Basketball team is willing to contribute money to a remodel of Key Arena. She didn't specify an amount, but said her negotiations, the Sonics expressed a willingness to contribute. Gregoire recently sent a letter to the City of Seattle, asking the City to give the Sonics an answer quickly, so that the team can explore other options. "It's about are you welcome or are you not? And if they are not, then they need to be given the chance to look elsewhere. And I hope they will look elsewhere in the state of Washington, frankly, if Seattle doesn't want them." Gregoire said.
KING 5 News Up Front with Robert Mak
The real question isn't whether or not we will be sad that the Sonics have left (If they decide to leave)
The real question is: Do we really want to set a precedent where any company or private organization will get a bailout from the taxpayers when they start to falter?
Shouldn't we just let the market decide? If people really want the sonics here, then they will vote with their wallet by going to the games.
There's a real downward spiral going on with professional sports franchises and their increasing ability to hold their host cities hostage for better and better deals. Why do pro sports stadiums become obsolete in only 10 years? Key Arena was rebuilt from the ground up, and there isn't a single issue with the arena, imo. It's just ridiculous that Schultz and Co. are bellyaching for a better venue when they've put a bad product on the court for several years now. I understood and supported the original remodel (and I was in favor of a new Seahawks stadium), as the old Coliseum was in need of a major update... that's not the case anymore.
Frankly, it is time for the city, and cities across America, to put an end to this new stadium or else threat tactic and tell these franchises to go ahead and leave.
No is my answer to Governor Christine Gregoire's question...would we regret losing the Sonic? Washingtonians are tired of picking up the bill for these multimillion dollar facilities. Reality is that the sports clubs are making plenty to fund these projects! The fact that the Sonics Sorts Club tried to go around a county vote makes me ill. These actions show that they really don't want or care for our community.
I'm a Democrat and would like to know when Governor Christine Gregoire is planning on listening to the people of the State of Washington? Will it be at election time? This lady has apparently taken too many lesson from President Bush on how to run your office.
We have been saying NO and will continue to say NO.... apparently until you find a shady way to pass an initative on this.
To Governor Gregoire's question, I would answer an emphatic "no." I resent the fact that we are asked again and again to financially support businesses that benefit so few. There is often a claim made that the teams benefit the local community financially. I think there are solid statistics that they actually cost much more than they bring in. In addition, the Seattle area already has a horrendous traffic problem that is magnified each time a sports team plays. I would be happy to see one of them go.
I say "no", not with my tax dollars! I'm already taxed to death, so please no more sports teams. If they have to leave so be it.
Key Arena... there's your answer in big red lights. It's time for sports fans and sponsers to pony up.
c'mon.... lets let them go... put the money to oh say... education! or health care! or hey lets teach people in this state to drive.
It is incredible that a smart, major, elected official does not hear the voters. We do not want to support the Sonics with our tax dollars. No way! Not in Seattle or Bellevue. Mr Shultz knows well the Sonics is a private enterprise that should resolve its own problems. Will he be asking for the tax payers to renovate the Starbucks headquarters next? Go ahead and move out of Washington and pay your own bills
I am just a dizzy blond living in the burbs but I have wanted to voice my opinion on this subject for a long time. Where is the logic? Who has the most money?....THE PLAYERS! What ever happened to "you play,you pay"? Why are they the sacred cows that get away with murder? oops, I said that didn't I? Anyway, why not charge them a "use tax", similar to our Hotel tax? That has been an effective tax on the folks who "use the hotel". Why are we so afraid to ask them for the bucks? They are the ones making it. All of you politicians can work out the details of how much per game, per minute of play, per, per per...... just don't ask the citizens of Seattle or anyone else to fund their fun! Ticket prices are all ready "only for the rich". We have many more problems to fund before we fund their play!
I am not a big fan of basketball - but if I understand the proposal -it's to fund a public facility that has professional basketball teams as tenants.
The teams wouldn't own the building - the public does!
Also this is not a new tax - it is a continuation of taxes (car rental, restaurant and hotel rooms) that we are currently paying for the baseball and football stadiums and this would go to an improved KeyArena or new arena in Bellevue that the public would own.
Wouldn't the public get the taxes generated by the admissions and activities there?
I think we need a diversity of activities in communities to make them great - from ballet to basketball- from live theater and concerts to museums and great parks.
People, if you want our community interesting we need to invest in the buildings and parks that make it great.
...I'm guessing Anne also supported the Monorail Project. Thanks for spending our money so wisely Anne.
-Jerry
A 42 year Seattle native
The players make enough money make them pay for the new key arena
You know what? When it comes right down to it, it doesn't really matter, does it? Like with another stadium that we know. The voters said no, but it didn't really matter. The stadium was built, anyway. I don't particularly care if the Sonics stay or go. I'd just as soon this was all over and they were gone. Sorry...