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 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.