Contrary to what was written by Greg Buck (Letter to the Editor, April 11), I am not supporting the Sonics Arena bill. My support was erroneously reported in The Seattle Times on April 5. I told the reporter I was undecided. And last Friday I did not vote for the bill in the Senate Ways & Means Committee when it received a "do pass" recommendation.
While I would like to see the Sonics and, particularly, the Storm, remain in the state and have a new sports/entertainment center constructed, I am not able to support the legislation at this time, as it does not include any contribution by the Sonics/Storm nor any guarantee of funding cost overruns. As such, I do not believe it would have an overall positive economic impact to make it worthwhile.
I appreciate the new substitute bill's providing authority to King County to establish the funding, not including general-state sales taxes being used. I will, however, continue to oppose the legislation unless it is amended to my satisfaction such that its enactment would result in a net positive gain in revenue that could be helpful for funding our schools and essential services. As the Legislature is set to adjourn by next Sunday, time is running out.
Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles (D-Queen Anne)
36th Legislative District[[In-content Ad]]
