Officials insist Seattle arena deal would involve no public funds

spacedover said on March 8, 2012 at 9:57 AM

I suppose I'm led to believe that these two politicians will be paying for the new arena. Thanks you very much what a story!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JamesP said on February 19, 2012 at 8:51 AM

Of course your point is valid in climate being the cause of potholes around the city, however blaming potholes solely on sporting events is silly. I feel the coffers to repair roads and bridges dried up long ago, this is attributed to several referendums during the years to vote down taxes mainly in the form of reduced car tabs. Some railed against the gas tax which is one of the highest in the country. Unfortunately these were needed to maintain Seattles transportation infrastructure. My beef here is the conspiracy theorist mentality from some who insist they will be taxed to death to fund the new arena, its that same attitude which caused limited funds for road projects. For example, why did it take 10 years after the 2001 Nisqually quake to come up with a viable solution to replace the Alaska Way Viaduct. Simple, every time a replacement was agreed upon, it was met with opposition. People were against the cost of replacement disregarding the consequences of a fallen viaduct.

ThinkN-Do said on February 18, 2012 at 8:12 PM

Maybe there are too many potholes from the lack of funds to repair roads that had to be diverted to support various sporting events? Maybe if there were not so many cars driving around looking for parking, taking side streets to avoid the congestion from sporting events; there wouldn't be so many potholes? Or maybe, a couple bad winters in a row took too much money out out of the budget to cover all the potholes repairs? Regardless of what the reason is, potholes are a fact of life on a climate that gets rain, snow, freezing temps and they will come again. Chicago is loaded with potholes, has all sorts of sports teams and overpaid athletes. Do I wish I were in Chicago, heck No! Lived in that hole of Metro area far too long. I'll take Seattle any day of the week. Bigger cities are not better cities and more, is Not always better.

josefina said on February 18, 2012 at 5:32 PM

If professional sports costs the taxpayers a dime we don't need professional sports in King County. I have lived in King county many years and have never gone to any of the games - basketball, football and baseball or soccer. I never had an interest. $200 million of taxpayer money to fund already millionaires is crazy. The county needs so many other things that wasting money on sports is criminal.

Mingledchime said on February 18, 2012 at 5:17 PM

@ JamesP - - You need not feel embarrased and compelled to explain yourself to us. We don't care. You obviously don't care enough about Seattle or the people who live here to say anything decent about the place or the people. We couldn't care less that your parents live here, whether they are miserable about it or not. Your experiences here in Seattle were evidently quite limited and you didn't bother to expose yourself to the wider variety of opinions and points of views, nor did you bother to acquaint yourself with some of the alternative political views and movements here in Seattle. It isn't all about the Mayor, the potholes in the roads, or what you think "the taxpayers" want, or don't want, or even care about. You're a very slim customer with not much of value to say. Considering the source - you - you'll excuse us if we choose to ignore you. Good day to you.

JamesP said on February 18, 2012 at 1:52 PM

Lol, i don't get wound up emotionally about potholes, that is the problem of Seattle taxpayers who by the way don't want to pony up funds to fix them. I do have some ties to Seattle as my parents still live there, poor things, but that's beside the point. I will however reiterate my view as to how Seattle taxpayers do not, and I mean, DO NOT, like any kind of progress. I find nothing special about your city. A person from out of town comes along, decides he wants to invest on a piece of property and build an arena, and people are already up in arms about paying taxes even before the fine print was made public. What the h*** is that about? This is exactly the kind of mentality which prevails in your neck of the woods. If this doesn't pass, don't worry, your latte funds are safe, lol.

gar57 said on February 18, 2012 at 1:26 PM

Can anybody be serious about actually wanting a public vote on this? A Seattle native wants to put up $300 mil of his own money, the remainder financed through bonds paid by the people using the facility and you want a vote? On what? The "Seattle Process" lives on these pages-let's argue and debate the simplest of decisions until we turn around and the goose is gone. Portlandians have nothing on us, I tell you-we have become such a timid, cautious and fearful city that we might as well just crawl into our all-weather tents, zip up our REI sleeping bags and hope that the scary people with big ideas just go away and leave us alone.

Mingledchime said on February 18, 2012 at 1:18 PM

@JamesP - - My, my, you do get all wound up and emotional about those potholes. You should try to develop a tougher skin because sooner or later you'll have them in fairyland too and I would hate to think you'd be undone by them. By the way, it's interesting that you seem to keep coming back to us eventhough you despise this place and all the people in it. You really should grow a couple, stand up like a man and finally cut that umbilical and just let go of Seattle. Maybe you need therapy. In either case it is your problem, not ours. Hope you can find the help you need. For someone who really doesn't care what Seattleites think you seem to spend a lot of time obsessing about it. Seek help, quickly. So long.

JamesP said on February 18, 2012 at 11:55 AM

And believe me Minglechime, I am glad I have left Seattle too. LOL.

JamesP said on February 18, 2012 at 11:54 AM

LOL cant take a few potlholes? A FEW? So by your logic a "few" potholes are acceptable as long as you dont have to pay any extra taxes Looks like the Seattle gray has deluded your train of thought. I really dont give a s''t either what you Seatllites think. That is my opinion and I'm sure is shared by many, I stand by my opinion that Seatllites dislike any kind of progress, example, no one has agreed with me thus far about the state of Seattle roads and infrastucture. Just whining about so called "taxes" that will go into a new arena. Next.................

aking5viewer said on February 18, 2012 at 11:25 AM

So JameP's hobby is to whine about cities he doesn't live in anymore? Who gives a sh*t what some guy thinks that doesn't live here, your opinion doesn't carry much weight nor any critical thinking skills. But I guess plenty of sports fanatics will just drink the Kool Aide any public official gives them..."a customer is born every minute..."

ankh5 said on February 18, 2012 at 9:50 AM

There's is practically a snowballs chance in hell that everything will align and a hockey and basketball team can move to Seattle at the same time. This has never occurred anywhere else. Secondly, Seattle is too small a market for four major sports franchises. The two new ones would be in fierce competition for broadcast rights, ticket and merchandising sales etc. This potential deal is dependent upon two teams moving together -- if it doesn't happen, then conditions of the "deal" will suddenly change and this big "free" deal (nothing is free) will suddenly be more reliant on taxpayer dollars. By then, however, the expectations and the pressure to get a team will have forced itself on the public and we will once again get stuck with a bill which most don't seem to want. Just a prediction.

awol50 said on February 18, 2012 at 9:03 AM

Only a fool believes these two Seattle mouthpieces. If there is no public money involved, then why are these two politicians even involved? And why is the public putting up their bonding ability to finance this? Of course there is public money involved. This will be owned by the public. Let the owners buy the property, finance and build the thing and pay property taxes on the property just like we, the ordinary people have to do. The reason is simple. These mega-millionaire tincup in hand street beggers want to stick their hand into the public's pocket yet once more. This should be financed with private money, built with private money and owned by private individuals. Keep the taxpayers out of it.

Mingledchime said on February 18, 2012 at 6:57 AM

@JamesP - - What a wimp. Can't even take a few potholes. And this thing you have of judging EVERYONE who lives in Seattle by the potholes that are in the street is just beyond ridiculous! My goodness - we are all very glad you left Seattle. We don't need weak complainers and whiners here. We here in Seattle are of more durable stock and more forward thinking than you have the ability to discern. Yes, JamesP, we are glad you left. Thank you for doing so. As to where you live now, I'm sure that place is the poorer for you being there.

JamesP said on February 18, 2012 at 1:52 AM

I feel no need to identify which city I'm from because even if I told you I'm living in a gold covered utopia, you will find a reason to attack it nonetheless, so I will save you and i the trouble. I come back here to find people still grudgingly spouting off about the taxes that will be spent on the new arena should it be built. I'll just leave it at that folks. Like I said before, citizens of Seattle dont like progress. I should know, i used to live there. Every time a golden opportunity arises, people there will find some way to vote it to death. Hence the reason why there is a backlog of road projects which will probably never get off the ground. Just one example, when I visited there last summer, California Ave in West Seattle north of Morgan Junction was a pathetic sea of potholes. People didn't seem to mind that though, long as the latte funds remain intact. The last straw for me came when people shot down the monorail, I disgustingly packed my bags and left. No regrets

andyblue555 said on February 18, 2012 at 1:26 AM

Yeah right. That is what we were told when the two stadiums were built. Remember we even voted against it? Then they appeared and we paid anyway. McGinn has lied repeatedly to the citizens before. even though i voted for him I wont again. It is disgusting how he has gouged anyone with a car with his relentless ticketing campaign that in turn took money out of the pockets of businesses downtown. The last straw for me was after numerous news conferences stating that they will have police accountability and regain public trust in our corrupt police department, he then played dumb after the federal investigation saying; "can you be more specific" Disgraceful! and we are all paying the multi-mullion dollar settlements.

tprop said on February 17, 2012 at 10:03 PM

is or isn't. why controversy? b/c is. Oh, you pay, schmuck.

realitychk said on February 17, 2012 at 8:06 PM

I find it interesting that liberals are vilified for being mathematically challenged because they WANT the new stadium and then two postings later liberals are slammed because they DON'T WANT the stadium and should see the long term bond obligation as a handout and be grateful to have to pay yet again for a private enterprise. Liberal/conservative has nothing to do with this. This is a business venture. Private owner who gets benefit and owns the teams must provide ALL funding and own the risk. The state can collect taxes on generated revenues just like it does for all businesses. I am a fiscal conservative and do not see value in playing shell games with selling bonds that are to be paid with funds that will belong to the state anyway as tax revenue. He should sell shares to everyone in this area that wants to share in the risk (and the potential upside) if it is successful. This is a private enterprise business decision that does not belong in the realm of government expenditures.

ThinkN-Do said on February 17, 2012 at 7:51 PM

If all these intelligent business developments in the USA over the decades are so darn lucrative for the metropolitan areas and states they serve; why in the world are so many cities and states broke? I'm not expecting an answer . . . . . however, if the developer goes broke, they just declare one form or another of bankruptcy and go somewhere else and do it all over again. Take Donald Trump for instance . . . . .

logic14 said on February 17, 2012 at 7:16 PM

I think light rail would unclog our roads and allow more shipping into out state from other countries. We can't get product from ships to other places in teh country because our roads are gridlocked and the stupid longshoreman strike. Lightrailed failed we were forced to build a stadium that failed to win at vote. Now they are going to build another stadium using tax payers money! All the double talk...no tax money but bonds supported by tax payers and repaid by tax revenue! Liberal math is like a fairy tale!!!!

sickofthewhinin said on February 17, 2012 at 5:32 PM

Here is how you should look at it. In terms most of the negative liberals will understand. Someone is offering you $290 million handout. That will lead to the ability to give more handouts. It will give you more street corners to stand on with a cardboard sign and ask for money. It will give you more money to create another bike lane to pedal in till your heart is content. It might give you another place to read your poetry and drink your latte, macchiato, or what ever other $6 coffee beverage you prefer. It might give someone who actually pays taxes and doesn't suck every last drop from the system a reason to keep paying those taxes and stay or maybe even come here. If those aren't enough reasons here is one more. They will probably have more than one FREE t-shirt night.

sickofthewhinin said on February 17, 2012 at 5:13 PM

So someone is going to invest $400 million in our city. This is a bad idea? Think about the jobs this will create. Think about the tax revenue it will create. Think about the added development it will create. The money the city would be funding the project with is an investment. That money and more will come back. The money won't take away the so often used bike lanes, it won't take away from all the social handouts people now feel entitled to. It won't take away from your right to stand on the corner with a cardboard sign and ask for money. You people wonder why the state and the city are broke. Anything that might create revenue is a bad idea. At this rate you won't have anything left to hand out. As long as we can continue to subsidize people that will never be able to return anything part of whats given them to the system then all is well in this messed up POS town.

thinksmart said on February 17, 2012 at 4:39 PM

Nothing but well dressed snake oil salesmen. Unfortunately we have plenty of clowns in this state that believe their lies and fall into that category of people that want 'another athlete worship center' @aking5viewer mentioned. I can still hardly keep it together by a previous 'poster' that said Qwest field had already been paid off. Totally brainwashed and laughable!

aking5viewer said on February 17, 2012 at 3:19 PM

Anyone that think that public funds aren't and won't be used for the construction of yet another athlete worship temple is a sucker. Can anyone give us an example of any arena or stadium that hasn't used public funds to support a PRIVATE BUSINESS? It's funny that some people in this thread want Seattle to be like Chicago (a town where law-abiding are prohibited from self defense w/ handguns) or NYC (another anti-self defense protectionist city), so-called "first class cities." If you don't like the people here, then MOVE to there. Sorry, but Seattle is the size of Sactown...

Jake-518 said on February 17, 2012 at 2:58 PM

This arena should be paid for by all private funds. It is a private enterprise so they shouldn't need to rely on public funds. The city of Seattle could use those $200 million of public funds for repairing at least some streets.

josefina said on February 17, 2012 at 2:52 PM

How could you write a headline that says that "no public funds" would be used in the project when the article says they plan to use " $200 million in public funds " in the construction of it? This kind of double talk is always what the politicians say when they want to spend tax money.

Jake-518 said on February 17, 2012 at 2:51 PM

@JamesP Why don't you answer @Mingledchime question and tell us what backwards place you come from?

JamesP said on February 17, 2012 at 2:47 PM

Daytrader, my brother told me about some implementation of road "diets" in favor of bicycle lanes there. Who in the hecks idea was that? I can't imagine that many people biking in that city given the gray drizzly weather which predominates there.

Daytrader said on February 17, 2012 at 1:58 PM

JamesP don't get the sheeple of Seattle in a uproar they'll end up spilling their latte's and crashing their bikes into someone's house...

ameso said on February 17, 2012 at 1:56 PM

Sorry, Don't trust them.

JamesP said on February 17, 2012 at 1:41 PM

Mingledchime, you people are just what you and I just described. Who wants to live in a city where no one wants to progress, where its gray 300 days out of a year, where people think lattes are the greatest thing since sliced bread. I'll keep my tourists dollars out of the Coffee Capital of the world.

JamesP said on February 17, 2012 at 1:35 PM

Hey thinksmart, if you Seattlites were THAT smart, why are your roads in such disarray? Where are the funds to help maintain your infrastructure? Thats right, you people dont want to pay taxes. So you just sit there and keep sipping your $6 latte while the rest of you there having a bumpy ride on your sea of potholes streets and crumbling bridges. Dont let the latte spill on your lap on the way home.

flyinggaff said on February 17, 2012 at 12:55 PM

Lets all rush to get back in bed with an association that has shown a real talent at breaking leases. But be assured no public funds would be used, except for a publicly funded bond issue. As far as, 'what is right' the NBA should return the Sonics that were stolen from the city. If you are for this giveaway, go apply for a job at KJR. Those buffoons are all drippy for another pro team to cover.

willyboy said on February 17, 2012 at 12:17 PM

Enough with the sports all ready !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kimbeam said on February 17, 2012 at 10:56 AM

These two ( 2 ) suit dummy morons need to get a Bi- Bicycle bult for two and peddle out of this city and county to Iran- they would fit right in. Takew scar face with you.

HomeHorthwest said on February 17, 2012 at 10:34 AM

The Initiative to the public for this stadium need to include clauses which includes Sarbanes Oxley, GAAP accounting and SEC disclosure requirement for the King County Council, Seattle City Council, Labor Union President, Union Representative, Major, Executive, Staff accountants and directors of the private enterprise engaged in the construction and management of the stadium to sign off on the accuracy of their financial statements and disclosure. They need to sign off on the accounting disclosure to the public and must abide by the public statement and accounting statement. Failure to abide by the rule will result in prosecution under Sarbanes Oxley, SEC and RICO for financial fraud, money laundering, mail fraud etc.

wearedoomed said on February 17, 2012 at 10:19 AM

You gotta love the Mayors re-election strategy. Get elected pleasing the bike riding pavement pounders, re-elected pleasing sports enthusiasts that blasted him the first time he was elected. Now if only Obama could cut into the deficit he might have a chance.

thinksmart said on February 17, 2012 at 10:18 AM

People like @seattle80, @ti3ber, @markf, @sunserj, and @JamesP are just fools. The are far too naive to comprehend that rich people NEVER gamble with their own money. All the risk is put on others and all the benefit goes to them. These naive 'kids' obviously do not understand how these things work. All they want is a warm fuzzy that they can have their egos boosted by. Here is a reality check for you boys: If your gravy train ends tomorrow and you lose your job due to cutbacks, how are you going to feel when they up your taxes on everything from basic food to your car tabs? Did you forget that this state is over 1.4 BILLION in the hole? Where do you think they are going to try to find those funds? That's right! They will be looking to get it from YOUR wallet. Don't get me wrong.... They don't want all of it; they just want a significant amount of it for a VERY long time. As for the guy who made the statement concerning the stadium being paid off I'm guessing you would believe anything

jonjuan said on February 17, 2012 at 10:16 AM

LOL have we heard this lie before?

tugthug said on February 17, 2012 at 7:38 AM

Folks, look at the picture. Really are you going to believe these two a** clowns? These two are the same two who ignore the peoples voice at the polls. They are the same two who raised your car tabs and the list goes on. Think about it and vote them out next election!

stonetrails said on February 17, 2012 at 6:46 AM

So, all you who think no taxpayer money will go to this project are tards. Who do you think is paying for the lobbying of this project? Oh ya, but, um, well, uh, . . that;s different. Once "they" have the green light, then taxpayers will be off-the-hook. Really? well iffin' you believe that, then you're either really young or really stupid. Taxpayers are NEVER off the hook. Get real, taxpayers are already spending money on this issue/project.

Mingledchime said on February 17, 2012 at 6:07 AM

@JamesP - - Who are you? What do you want? What's your agenda? Where are you? What's your stake in anything related to Seattle? Do you live here or are you just a long distance complainer? Whoever you are and whatever you want you sound like someone who can't distinguish between the politics of a place and the people who live there. Infant. Grow up. Be a man and either step up and contribute or move away or turn off your computer and look for your passifer. You people who lump everyone who lives in Seattle as Latte sucking, hand wringing tax evaders who live in damp caves haven't the faintest notion of what most of us are really like. Your nonesense is repellant. Keep it to yourself. Get better informed. Practice some self control. Put your brain into gear before putting your fingers into motion over your keyboards.

JamesP said on February 17, 2012 at 4:02 AM

Another thing people here have a problem with is comprehension. Articles i've read pertaining to this arena was that no new taxes would be generated from the public to fund this project. Yet we still have people in Seattle bellyaching about spending taxpayer money, even to the point of conspiracy by the man who help put together this package. No wonder Seattle doesn't progress, you people will vote to death anything that would greatly benefit the community.

JamesP said on February 17, 2012 at 3:53 AM

People in Seattle dont want to pay for anything. You whine about money not going into education yet when I lived in Seattle people were voting down school levies left and right. The transportation infrastructure is mediocre at best with a giant backlog of important road projects needed yet empty of funds because, you got it, people don't want to pay more taxes to fund those projects. All Seattlites are content with is the 7 day a week, $6 dollar latte they are holding in their hands, while mildly strolling the gray damp streets of Seattle. Glad I don't live there anymore. The Coffee Capital of the world? That's what you people want to be proud of? LMAO

realitychk said on February 17, 2012 at 3:36 AM

@sunserj then sportsfans are more than welcome to put their name on the dotted line to support and share in the risk and to share in the wealth generated. Don't suck taxes from the taxpayers to support special interest. I'm glad that you support and will do so with your resources...just don't volunteer everyone else or the tax dollars to do so. Enough of the special interest with no guaranteed return with interest. I'd rather see money go to education or supporting urban development for the long term consideration of society.

sunserj said on February 17, 2012 at 3:19 AM

@gottabebacon, i like your thinking. Seattle has a chance to have three sick stadiums and an awesome sports environment. The SoDo district will continue develop and gain its own swag. This is a rare opportunity that Seattle has a chance to take advantage of. To the people that are against it: this is going to be an issue to sports fans until there is a resolution. You have an investment group that is putting up 300 million cost overruns which is a great deal when you look at the other arena deals around the country. Acquiring an NBA and NHL team will be covered by private funds. You won't have to deal with paying for sports for at least 30 years. Take some pride in your city.

realitychk said on February 17, 2012 at 2:24 AM

@markf.."new" tax revenues should go to the "state" not to pay off a rich dude's loan.

markf said on February 17, 2012 at 2:16 AM

realitychk - Those "new" tax revenues? They will come directly (and only from) the new arena. in other words, it will pay for itself over the years.

realitychk said on February 17, 2012 at 1:36 AM

@ti3ber I will have to track down the 97.3 radio info where they discussed the survey of communities that had added stadiums and gained no positive returns. This was 2/16 on the drive home. Makes sense. Nobody really cared when the Sonics left and now a hedge fund manager wants to get "loans" from taxpayers...not to be paid from his wallet but repaid from "new" taxes...smells bad from the initial proposal. I'm suggesting that the folks that support this should put up their personal money to support and leave "public" funding (loans) out of this so that the community can draw tax revenues from the stadium to make up for infrastructure and environmental impacts. Are you personally willing to put up money to front the hedge fund manager in betting that people will come? Maybe he should sell shares and assume risk with his shareholders. Leave taxpayers out of it. No loans. No tax money. Just collect sales tax like from all other businesses. It's his risk to assume. Not that of taxpayers.

ti3ber said on February 17, 2012 at 1:11 AM

@Realitychk- Another Stadium with a negative return? Unless you are talking about the Kingdome you are misinformed. Safeco is all paid off and now drives revenue through taxes and tourism for the City, Century Link field will be paid off in 9 years and also brings lots of tax income and tourism.

realitychk said on February 17, 2012 at 12:53 AM

McGinn and Constantine said up to $200 million of public funds could be used to finance construction. That money, which would involve a city-county bond issue, would be paid back by a combination of rent paid on the facility and new tax revenues." So let me get this straight...we use funds that we don't have to make a loan that will be paid back using "new" tax revenues. Sounds like the public is funding (yet again) another stadium for negative return. No public funding. All must be on the investor. Heard on the radio tonight that analysis of many introductions of "professional teams" resulted in negative benefit to the taxpayers. Beware taxpayers...without more disclosure of the "loan" we are giving away tax dollars to those who can afford to pay for their teams and their business quest that this venture is valid. This hedge fund manager is aware of the risk and is asking us (taxpayers) to assume his risk without sharing potential payout. These loans are not guaranteed so we pay.

seattle80 said on February 16, 2012 at 11:33 PM

I'm all for building a new arena. The anti-sports crowd will be against anything to do with a new arena....that's just how they are. You cannot convince them that this will be a good thing so don't bother. Bring back our Sonics!!!!!!

kmcbride said on February 16, 2012 at 11:18 PM

Cause we don't have families sleeping on the streets, so we need another frakkin sports arena!!!!!

barbole said on February 16, 2012 at 11:12 PM

If it sounds to good to be true, it probably isn't. No taxpayer money, yeah, right.

gottabebacon said on February 16, 2012 at 10:58 PM

There is very little thinking here, just a bunch of hick's in a big city that don't realize where they are.

ankh5 said on February 16, 2012 at 10:14 PM

From the responses so far, I'd say that government holds very little legitimacy. People are getting sick of the lies. But hey, let's just have more frivolous fun while Rome burns, right? More bread and circuses, the continued dumbing down of Seattle.

Mingledchime said on February 16, 2012 at 10:14 PM

@ daunte - - Who are you? What do you want? What's your agenda? Where are you? What's your stake in anything related to Seattle? Do you live here or are you just a long distance complainer? Whoever you are and whatever you want you sound like someone who can't distinguish between the politics of a place and the people who live there. Infant. Grow up. Be a man and either step up and contribute or move away or turn off your computer and look for your passifer.

ThinkN-Do said on February 16, 2012 at 10:12 PM

Dow is trying to hide the lies they are feeding the public, but it didn't work as pointed out by: ankh5

Mingledchime said on February 16, 2012 at 10:06 PM

If it sounds too good to be true it usually is...

ankh5 said on February 16, 2012 at 9:59 PM

Does it seem like Dow Constantine looks like he's hiding something in these photos of him. Either that or he's so full of sh*t that he's about to explode.

intrepid1 said on February 16, 2012 at 9:51 PM

If the development require traffic revisions... that's paid for by taxes... if the development receives property tax or other tax breaks... that's made up for by taxes... public funds will be used, directly or indirectly, in this. They always are. Developers/investors want to guarantee a return on their investment, and often that is on the backs of tax payers. Sorry, folks, that's the way the 1% rolls...

gottabebacon said on February 16, 2012 at 9:10 PM

Seattleites should start thinking like a New Yorkers or a Chicagoans and build their city with pride and a bit of arrogance. Attract tourists, attract money, attract attention and make it a World Class city. This is a dream deal and as close to a sugar daddy deal as will ever be offered. And if squeaky clean Mayor Bike McGinn is buying into it, it must be worth considering. Think BIG Seattle, quit thinking Mayberry. Don't be fooled, I hate David Stern and think the NBA is run by evil SOB's but they'll get theirs when he burns in Hell.

Teddronai said on February 16, 2012 at 8:37 PM

So we get a new $500 million arena, a new basketball team (locked in until 2042 at least), a hockey team, a revitalization of an area that's basically just warehouses right now, new construction jobs, and with no new taxes? And...people don't want that? The consensus seems to be that it's too good to be true, so the politicians must be lying. Well, go look at the details of the proposal, it's all pretty ironclad. This isn't some sort of government conspiracy. But then again, I care about basketball so I must not have any sense. Right, josefina? What a great point, and so politely stated too.

NIONIO said on February 16, 2012 at 8:19 PM

@ruba61 You said it's all paid off, hmm, check the other story by Linda Brill that says we are still paying over $60 million for the imploded Kingdome. :) I don't think she's lying, not sure where your sources are from.

hewhoo said on February 16, 2012 at 7:34 PM

Oops! The requested bailout for $42 MILLION...not Billion...I've been listening to too many politicians and misspoke.

seattlelovemongr said on February 16, 2012 at 7:21 PM

somehow as much as they make this smell sweet, ...its bull, it stinks and us tax payers will get the bill...that's the way its works here is Washington...vote no...and we'll build it anyways....vote no and we'll find a special loop hole to further our agenda...and frankly Seattle never pays for real players...always has-beens or nutjobs like Shawn Kemp or Brian Bosworth...I would put more stock into the ladies and give them what they need rather than another NBA team that will eventually hijack and extort the taxpayer by threatening to leave or build a new stadium to watch them continue to lose....mariners proved that and so did the Seachickens!! IMHO

hewhoo said on February 16, 2012 at 7:19 PM

Three things: Wenatchee . Arena. $42 billion requested bailout from the Legislature November 2011.

daunte said on February 16, 2012 at 7:18 PM

You seattle people are the biggest bunch of tool bags i have ever seen

aking5viewer said on February 16, 2012 at 7:17 PM

Politicians talk out the side of their faces. In poker, this is called "running a bluff.". What happens when the cost overruns are much larger than expected? Are the tax payers going to be paying off the sunk cost? Probably. I doubt it since people are prone to the sunk cost fallacy and not shut the project down once it's started: But they spent X million dollars, we need to raise "temp taxes" for yet another sports area in a decade. Sports fans don't really care who pays as long as their own interests are satisfied and always overstate economic benefits as a go to argument without any number or proof of such gains.

daunte said on February 16, 2012 at 7:16 PM

Wahhhhhhh Wahhhhhhh Wahhhhhhh everyone shutup

josefina said on February 16, 2012 at 7:12 PM

How can they say those things with a smile on their faces? They want $200 million in taxpayer money to finance this thing. That is ridiculous to waste taxpayer money on such a childish and juvenile project. We need many other worthwhile things before we throw money like that into the garbage pit. Nobody with any sense cares about basketball.

ThinkN-Do said on February 16, 2012 at 7:08 PM

Well there you have it; the corruption has been planted and the deal is done. A totally non-biased advisory panel . . . . ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha . . . . .

slappywag said on February 16, 2012 at 7:06 PM

OK, think Field Of Dreams. A whispering voice is heard saying, "If you build it, Seattle will still suck at sports."

awol50 said on February 16, 2012 at 7:02 PM

If no taxpayer funding, why not just end the charade and let the megamillionaire owner pay for the whole thing, collect the rent and charge whatever he wants by just increasing the ticket prices by whatever "taxes" the city was going to charge? But of course, anyone with more than a speck of intelligence knows otherwise. The public is paying for this. Just whose bonding authority is being used? And who is the owner of that debt? Why of course, us the taxpayers. And when the megamillionaire owner decides that a juicier offer comes along and packs up his trailer and moves out, just who will be left holding the bag? Why of course, us taxpayers. Such a fine bunch of politicians. Couldn't tell the truth if their lives depended on it.

snakepliskin said on February 16, 2012 at 6:22 PM

The way you can tell a politician or a government official is lying is when they open their mouths. Who's going to pay for that levy? Seattle taxpayers. One time, I'd like to see a politician send us a proposal that spells out the return on investment WE THE PEOPLE would get on our investment. Something tangible like a percent of the proceeds the city gets from events cuts out a percentage of the sales tax they charge, discounted tickets for the fans from Seattle because they're the only ones paying the bonds taxes because they fronted the money. Let Bellevue and Everett residents pay the full fare. And lets get a hockey team now.

__dan__ said on February 16, 2012 at 5:59 PM

The mayor starts out saying that no public funds will be needed, then immediately follows up with the reality that a $200 million bond levy would be used. Smooth talkin' politician, eh? Yeah, right. Famous last words always spoken. I don't get a vote, because I live in Spokane, but if I did, I'd vote "NO!" unless 100% of the risk and cost is born by the team owners and players from the get-go. If THEY don't have the money, let THEM borrow it and let THEM hold 100% of the responsibility. They need the incentive to succeed and stay in town as a part of the local community.

thinksmart said on February 16, 2012 at 5:42 PM

You know they are lying through their teeth. These people just don't get it. Pay our stinking bills and fill the 1.4 billion dollar hole we are in YOU BOZOS! Stop trying to make a name for yourselves and feather your nests on the taxpayers backs. I am soooo sick of these 'feel good' politicians. "Oh! You voted down the license tab increase.... NO problem... we will make you pay it anyway." We haven't even managed to pay for the KingDome yet, but we now have two fancy new mega stadiums to pay for. I wish we could find a Ron Paul type for Seattle and Washington. No more crooked politicians and their crafty lies. If you don't have the money.... you do not buy, and you do not commit. No wonder this country is imploding. Idiots like this, think that the gravy-train will never end. Hey McGinn... Ever heard of Greece? Are you familiar with the term austerity? Get a clue buddy!

jackorr290007061 said on February 16, 2012 at 5:34 PM

A response to some of the rhetoric that's been posted. The city and county finance their part of the deal by issuing bonds that are bought by third party investors (Wall Street) so no tax money is used to generate these funds. The bonds are then paid off by the lease payments that Hansen's company makes to the city and county to use the building and by admission fees and other charges paid to the city and county by people attending events at the facility. None of this involves an increase or re-allocation of anyone's taxes. There is an escrow account set up, funded initially by Hansen's group, which will be used to pay bond obligations and maintain the facility if rents and fee revenues aren't enough in a future year. Look at Safeco and Century Link, beautiful facilities that bring thousands of people to Seattle who spend their money here. We can get a state of the art facility built and great new entertainment options without taxpayer money. Wow! How about a little civic pride?

ankh5 said on February 16, 2012 at 5:31 PM

@ruba61 Cut back on the energy drinks, dude, they're rotting your brain. Chris Hansen in your feeble mind is the equivalent of Mother Teresa. He's not "giving" us anything. If he's a smart businessman as it seems he is, this is all about making money for HIM. And that is not a criticism, that is a fact. Forget all of this saintly altruism that you are spouting off. My only hope is that his hedge fund doesn't meltdown like many others have recently and we get stuck with the bill. I'll reserve my "thanks" to Hansen when this deal is truly done, if ya know what I mean, and I think you DO.

Rattler said on February 16, 2012 at 5:31 PM

Tell Tim Burgess to buy tickets in another city. No mas.... we got screwed twice on 2 stadiums... it's a sure fire career ender for any City Council member I don;t care how pink the triangle, how many colors on the rainbow... gone.

Rattler said on February 16, 2012 at 5:25 PM

DEAD ON ARRIVAL... no public money ,no loans, new taxes, rollover of old taxes...NOTHING.

javajoe said on February 16, 2012 at 5:01 PM

Typical Liberal Speak - "no taxpayer money will go into the project, but $200 million of public funds could be used to finance construction. That money, which would involve a city-county bond issue, would be paid back by a combination of rent paid on the facility and "new tax revenues". Did I forget to mention there will be no taxpayer money?

ameso said on February 16, 2012 at 4:42 PM

I think they are trying to play a game of "just the tip."

ruba61 said on February 16, 2012 at 4:41 PM

Thanks tootoo..........People just don't realize that this Chris Hansen is giving a gift of nearly 1 Billion to the city in the form of a new Arena and a NBA franchise price tag to get the league back in Seattle and oh by the way would you like an NHL team too??? Well here you go. Everyone in the entire region should say THANK YOU CHRIS FOR YOUR WONDERFUL GIFT!!!

erichbritton said on February 16, 2012 at 4:40 PM

"Stressing that no taxpayer money would go into the project, McGinn and Constantine said up to $200 million of public funds could be used to finance construction. That money, which would involve a city-county bond issue, would be paid back by a combination of rent paid on the facility and new tax revenues." Do these people listen to themselves? What is their deffinition of taxpayer money? If Public Funds and Tax Revenues aren't considered taxpayer money then what is?

Daytrader said on February 16, 2012 at 4:37 PM

Talk about a pipe dream building a sports arena in Seattle, they can't even build a tunnel of tear down a viaduct in that clown town.

paulsencraig5776 said on February 16, 2012 at 4:36 PM

Wow, key arena only old sold over half during the playoffs? you are totally clueless.

tootoo said on February 16, 2012 at 4:33 PM

@ruba61 Your post is full of facts and reason. People like NIONIO don't listen to facts and reason. They just spout off garbage and hope to get people riled up. People like him were lonely as children and hate everyone else.

ruba61 said on February 16, 2012 at 4:25 PM

Dartqueen wrote...........@ruba61.....guess you just don't know.......Washington mostly subs out jobs to out-of-state companies......it won't create jobs, just import them from California.................................................................................................................................................................HUH???.. ..WHAT??????.

ruba61 said on February 16, 2012 at 4:19 PM

tandnreddy you got that right!! Dartqueen is off their meds!

13579 said on February 16, 2012 at 4:17 PM

yourcountry1776... Thank you for pointing out the obvious!!!! How does a city gain public funds??? TAXES....which are paid by taxpayers! I hope people are not that stupid to overlook this! I am glad I do not live in Seattle area! jmee425... building this arena will not help bring the World Cup/Super bowl to Seattle it is for Basketball and Hockey...not soccer much less football...these are 2 totally different field sizes. So far the only part i am hear that will be true is that it will create jobs.

tandnreddy said on February 16, 2012 at 4:11 PM

WOW - dartqueen is the idiot.

ruba61 said on February 16, 2012 at 4:11 PM

NIONIO!!! Paul Allen paid off the debt on the Kingdome to the tune of 60 mill when HE BUILT Seahawks stadium and Clay Bennett paid the city 45 mill to pay off the bonds on Key arena in a deal before stealing the Sonics to Okyhomy city. Finally if you paid attention the tax dollars they refered to is coming from the revenue of the new Arena and only the new Arena. No Arena......... no tax dollars.!!!! Hence NO PUBLIC MONEY!! Only from what the arena generates! And finally the UW is funding its own stadium with its own money!!

dartqueen said on February 16, 2012 at 4:08 PM

@ruba61.....guess you just don't know.......Washington mostly subs out jobs to out-of-state companies......it won't create jobs, just import them from California

dartqueen said on February 16, 2012 at 4:07 PM

McGinn is an idiot and, obviously, hasn't lived in Seattle long. Seattle has never supported a basketball team. The public just doesn't go. The only time they sold more than half the Key Arena was during playoffs, which the Sonics rarely made. Also, the T-birds might leave because no one supports them either. I know, they aren't NHL, but still...........This is a total waste of money!

Cran13 said on February 16, 2012 at 4:05 PM

Why put another stadium in an already extremely crowded area, I have sat more than once for almost an hour to 3/4 of a mile! And that was before the viaduct started coming down! The seattle police dept. has no idea how to deal with traffic control. This is an eminent disaster dreamed up by easily the worst mayor anywhere ever. I love sports, but put it a place people can get to easily and that won't have such a huge impact. Put it near Georgetown or up north. I think this idea reeks of real estate sales scum and McGinn's retirement fund.

jmee425 said on February 16, 2012 at 4:01 PM

@jesse>>This has nothing to do with education. Read the article before making comment that has nothing to do with the article. This is about bringing a sports arena to Seattle that will improve the area financially with jobs not to mention open the door for other major sporting events such as World Cup/Superbowl Professional Basketball/Hockey. In turn this will improve the downtown economy with funds generated from the fans then possibly will help create funds for education in future. The arena if the public doesnt have to pay additionally taxes to support would be a win/win situation. To imagine the economical drive this will insert into our downtown area is incredible. Seattle is already in the running for major sporting events and this will help make that decision to bring events such as Superbowl/Olympic Trials and such to our city and give a real boost. If you are on here to speak about education your in the wrong place.

yourcountry1776 said on February 16, 2012 at 3:59 PM

How can they possibly say that no tax payer money is going into this? $200 million of public funds could be used for construction. Where do they think THAT money came from?

reader79 said on February 16, 2012 at 3:59 PM

jessyb11, they should, but in order to fund education in a city and county that cant raise taxes to fund education, you would need to find another source of income. What this arena would bring to the city and county would be huge. Its going to create lots of jobs and bring income to a city and county that is in need of money.

ruba61 said on February 16, 2012 at 3:56 PM

I just knew that stupid questions would show up on heresooner or later as the one from jessyb11. This a project fund by private money and has nothing to do with tax dollars or education. THIS IS VERY HUGE INPORTANT ISSUE....................................................JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!!!!

NIONIO said on February 16, 2012 at 3:55 PM

How much are we still paying for the remodel of the Kingdome? Was it about $75 million dollars? How long will we be paying for that? How much are we still paying for the remodel of the Key Arena that Mr. Schultz required not to sell the Sonics in the mid-nineties? Could someone please write an article with some details. The best Orwellian line from this article is: "Stressing that no taxpayer money would go into the project, McGinn and Constantine said up to $200 million of public funds could be used to finance construction." $200 million just doesn't count? This while the UW is rebuilding at $200 million dollars Husky Stadium (which they already rebuilt only 20 years ago while I was there). Come on, we still remember. How about a public transit system that doesn't take lanes from cars?

dartqueen said on February 16, 2012 at 3:54 PM

No taxpayer money.......for now. They will do what they always do. "Uh oh, we don't have the money so you taxpayers will have to cough it up!"

jessyb11 said on February 16, 2012 at 3:42 PM

Shouldn't we be more interested in more important issues, such as education?!

Leroy46 said on February 16, 2012 at 3:40 PM

yes!

pharmguy said on February 16, 2012 at 3:39 PM

Let's go Supersonics!