Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Editorials / Opinion


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published April 20, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified April 20, 2007 at 2:01 AM

E-mail article     Print view

Editorial

Olympia owes Bennett a Sonics/Storm vote

Seattle's two professional basketball teams might be on a permanent road trip to the Midwest barring a last-second sea change...

Seattle's two professional basketball teams might be on a permanent road trip to the Midwest barring a last-second sea change of opinion in the Legislature.

The chances of the Legislature acting on Senate Bill 5986 and its counterpart in the House during the last days of the session are as remote as a full-court shot taken blindfolded: always a possibility, but doubtful. The Legislature's lack of action on a new Renton arena, with the Sonics and Storm as anchor tenants, is extremely disappointing. Comments by several elected officials demonstrate the poor chances of the bill coming up for a vote.

Rep. Ross Hunter, D-Medina, told The Seattle Times that team owner Clay Bennett is trying to "create a crisis" to force the issue in Olympia by saying the team might move to his hometown of Oklahoma City or someplace else out of state.

That is not fair. What is Bennett supposed to do if the Legislature is not even willing to vote on the proposal?

Then, House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, was quoted as saying arena backers should come back next year and "remarket" the proposal. Did Kessler even read the bill? Not once are the Sonics mentioned. Supporters always referred to it as an events center to be used for conventions, corporate gatherings and other high-profile sports such as professional hockey and tournaments.

The lack of a vote is doubly discouraging because the Legislature is denying a local decision. The legislation would direct the much-used sales-tax credit and extend restaurant, hotel and rental-car taxes that are currently being used to fund Qwest and Safeco fields to pay for $300 million of the estimated $500 million arena cost.

All these taxes would be collected in King County. The bill not only benefits the arena but would be used for the upkeep and repairs of Safeco Field and create and account for the arts.

The final decision to move forward on the multipurpose arena would rightly rest with the Metropolitan King County Council, or Olympia could attach a public vote to anything they pass on to the council.

Bennett should be flexible with the Oct. 31 deadline he set to get a deal done, and come back to Olympia next year.

When and if he does, the Legislature should work with the team to come up with a solution, and at least put it up for a vote.

Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company

Charles Krauthammer / Syndicated columnist: A politically correct — and dangerous — delicacy about the Fort Hood shooting

Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist: Salute those Muslim-Americans who stand up for their country

Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist: A tragic clash of cultures

Advertising

Video

Girls Soccer: Mercer Island vs. Glacier Peak
Mercer Island defeats Glacier Peak, 2-1, in a 3A state playoff quarterfinal on Saturday, Nov. 14.

Smash Putt! Miniature Golf
Opening day at Crystal Mountain
Video shows violent arrest by SPD
Fort Lewis Memorial
Highlights: Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Seattle International Cabaret Festival
Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Medal of Honor
Pelosi answers questions at Swedish Medical Center

Marketplace

nwautos

2009's most fuel-efficient sedansnew
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising