Labor panel backs Sonics arena plan for Renton

The executive board of the Washington State Labor Council, an umbrella organization of many of the state's largest unions, voted Wednesday to support the Seattle Sonics' financing proposal for a new $500 million arena in Renton.

The 25-member board decided to support the legislation after hearing a pitch from the team's lobbyists.

"It means we'll be communicating our support to legislators and explaining to our local members why this is something they should support," said David Groves, spokesman for the labor council.

The Labor Council board, which in the past has supported public financing for Safeco Field and Qwest Field, had already come out in favor of a proposed NASCAR racetrack near Bremerton.

While the council's endorsement will be a boost for the Sonics and racetrack supporters, it will be offset somewhat by opposition from another powerful labor group, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

SEIU says it opposes what it calls taxpayer handouts for wealthy corporations.