Sonics run 'full-court press' on state lawmakers
The Seattle Supersonics are telling state lawmakers they have every intention to stay in the area, but they need some money to make it happen. Bellevue and Renton remain in the running as the two possible locations for a new multi-use arena.
Team owner Clay Bennett sent a letter to Governor Christine Gregoire, asking for at least $300 million in state tax money for the new arena, estimated to cost more than $500.
And Sonics Vice President Lenny Wilkens presented the issue to the state Senate Budget Committee.
"Certainly the main thing is that we want to keep the Sonics in the Northwest," he said.
The coach who led the Sonics to a national title now faces another tall order: convincing state lawmakers to help with at least $300 million to build an arena.
"The key is that we do want to be here and we need your support," Wilkens said.
Speaking through Wilkens, new owner Clay Bennett says the team's current home at Key Arena in Seattle just won't do.
"Key Arena has been a good place, but right now I would say if you look at all of the buildings and everything it's a little bit obsolete," said Wilkens.
The last time Sonics owners came to the legislature a year ago they got a cold reception.
As a brand new ownership group, the Sonics are laying out a new proposal for a multi-use facility to many new senators and representatives. But it's the same old problem. They're asking for a lot of money.
The state Restaurant Association says it supports continuing a tax on meals to 2015 to help pay for part of the new arena.
But opponents say all taxpayers should be have a vote or face an initiative drive to overturn it.
"We will bring it to a public vote one way or another. It is, in our opinion, insanity," said Chris Van Dyke of Citizens for More Important Things.
The Sonics are hoping to score points with the legislature, but in the end the lawmakers could just choose not to play at all.
"You know, there's a tremendous effort to make sure the team doesn't leave and it's a full-court press to make it happen," said Clay Bennett's spokesman, Jim Kneeland.
The Sonics say they hope to decide between Bellevue and Renton soon and then go back to the legislature for more talks.
Team owner Clay Bennett sent a letter to Governor Christine Gregoire, asking for at least $300 million in state tax money for the new arena, estimated to cost more than $500.
And Sonics Vice President Lenny Wilkens presented the issue to the state Senate Budget Committee.
"Certainly the main thing is that we want to keep the Sonics in the Northwest," he said.
The coach who led the Sonics to a national title now faces another tall order: convincing state lawmakers to help with at least $300 million to build an arena.
"The key is that we do want to be here and we need your support," Wilkens said.
Speaking through Wilkens, new owner Clay Bennett says the team's current home at Key Arena in Seattle just won't do.
"Key Arena has been a good place, but right now I would say if you look at all of the buildings and everything it's a little bit obsolete," said Wilkens.
The last time Sonics owners came to the legislature a year ago they got a cold reception.
As a brand new ownership group, the Sonics are laying out a new proposal for a multi-use facility to many new senators and representatives. But it's the same old problem. They're asking for a lot of money.
The state Restaurant Association says it supports continuing a tax on meals to 2015 to help pay for part of the new arena.
But opponents say all taxpayers should be have a vote or face an initiative drive to overturn it.
"We will bring it to a public vote one way or another. It is, in our opinion, insanity," said Chris Van Dyke of Citizens for More Important Things.
The Sonics are hoping to score points with the legislature, but in the end the lawmakers could just choose not to play at all.
"You know, there's a tremendous effort to make sure the team doesn't leave and it's a full-court press to make it happen," said Clay Bennett's spokesman, Jim Kneeland.
The Sonics say they hope to decide between Bellevue and Renton soon and then go back to the legislature for more talks.