As I hope all of you are aware by now, we are at a critical crossroads in our quest to get a new arena built in SODO that will bring the NBA and maybe the NHL back to the Emerald City. The Seattle City and King County Councils are soon to vote on the proposal. Now, I think most readers of this blog would be in support of the proposal. As a result, you may think most people are in support of this. However, as we've been hearing from various council folks, the anti-arena faction has made themselves known and their letters/e-mails are outnumbering the pro-arena letters about 2 to 1. So it is up to us to make our voices heard. Below is a letter I submitted through KJR's website and apparently it was halfway decent since Mitch read portions of it on this morning's show. When you write, remember to be respectful (although if you're reading this blog, we already know you're good people to start with). Let's help make this happen.
To Whom It May Concern:
I write to you today in full support of the proposal you have in front of you (or will soon) from Chris Hansen and the group that would like to build a new arena in the SODO district of Seattle. The kind of investment that Mr. Hansen would like to make in Seattle is something that should not be turned away. As a sports fan and lifelong Seattle-area resident, it was very painful for me when the Sonics left in 2008. The time I spent going to Sonics games with my 2 grandfathers were some of my best memories as a teenager. The way a city rallies around its teams when they are in the hunt for a championship (like the Sonics in 1996) is impossible to duplicate. I ask that you please take advantage of the investment that Mr. Hansen and his group would like to make by allowing bonds to be issued to facilitate the construction of the arena. I have no doubt that the fans of both sports and other entertainment will fill that arena and pay back those bonds with interest, putting the taxpayers at zero risk.
To Whom It May Concern:
I write to you today in full support of the proposal you have in front of you (or will soon) from Chris Hansen and the group that would like to build a new arena in the SODO district of Seattle. The kind of investment that Mr. Hansen would like to make in Seattle is something that should not be turned away. As a sports fan and lifelong Seattle-area resident, it was very painful for me when the Sonics left in 2008. The time I spent going to Sonics games with my 2 grandfathers were some of my best memories as a teenager. The way a city rallies around its teams when they are in the hunt for a championship (like the Sonics in 1996) is impossible to duplicate. I ask that you please take advantage of the investment that Mr. Hansen and his group would like to make by allowing bonds to be issued to facilitate the construction of the arena. I have no doubt that the fans of both sports and other entertainment will fill that arena and pay back those bonds with interest, putting the taxpayers at zero risk.
In addition, I know the investment will create jobs and broaden our tax base at a time when our region sorely needs it. Those additional tax monies will help provide support for education, public safety, and infrastructure. Looking around the country at what other cities are currently having to do to keep their franchises, it is apparent that this city is being offered the best possible deal to not only to build a world-class arena, but also protect taxpayers.
Thank you for your time. I do hope you will support this plan that will not only help bring back a professional basketball team, but create countless memories and civic pride for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Mark C. Demaray
Thank you for your time. I do hope you will support this plan that will not only help bring back a professional basketball team, but create countless memories and civic pride for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Mark C. Demaray
