Stadium Bill Dies
The stadium bill for all intents and purposes is dead which means the University of washington is going to be forced to unveil Plan B in the not too distant future to get the job done. What it all comes down to is legislators can't decide how to spend the estimated $50 million dollar per year surplus the painless tax will generate once Safeco Field is paid off.
The reality of this whole thing is that there is enough money for Husky Stadium, Key Arena, The Arts, and future maintenance of Safeco field if it is structured right and the legislators actually started using their heads. The problem is none of them are viewing the issue correctly and unfortunately they don't want King County having a say in how the oney will be used in the future even thought he revenue is generated in King County.
This link to the latest article on the mess in the Seattle Times shows you just how flawed some of these people are in their thinking.
We feel like arts and heritage are being held hostage to stadiums," said Jim Kelly, executive director of 4Culture, King County's arts and culture agency.
Most legislators don't seem to have a problem with funding for the arts. But Kelly said their funding has remained tied down by its connection to the stadium fights.
"With stadiums you're damned if you do or damned if you don't," he said. "Some people, if you take the stadiums out, they won't support the bill. Other people won't vote for it if you leave the stadiums in."
Senator Murray is still working on reviving the bill in the last days of the session but chances are this bill is dead.
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johnb a ?
Is the tax dead or did they just not allow king county to determine how to spend the funds? If they allowed the tax to die, then good. If the tax on rental cars, hotel rooms, and restaurants in King ounty continues, then boo. As it existed, perhaps this is the best solution, to let it die for now.
I think . . . .
the tax is still in effect, the idea of the bill is to continue the tax once Qwest and Safeco are paid off. The money grubbing politicians want to extend it, they just can’t agree on who will get the money.
I’m with you, I’d rather have the tax die, then give the money to the arts or other similar agendas. I’ve got this great theory, it’s called a free market society, if you can’t sell your art for enough money to make a living, then you better find some other way to find a living.
Lear Pilot for President: Work, or go hungry!!
"Legends are made on the shores of Lake Washington"
"BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON"
Lear, with that sort of political ideology you’ll never get elected. You’re living in the wrong state my friend.
All I saw was purple
Exactly!
But I’d get elected in half a heart beat if I were in Texas!
"Legends are made on the shores of Lake Washington"
"BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON"
Stalemate
Nothing will be decided this session so it will just go on as it is.
by John Berkowitz on Mar 10, 2010 7:57 PM PST up reply actions
The legislators are sending a clear message
Altough a rennovation project the size of Husky Stadium would put a lot of folks back to work, the legislators are sending a clear cut message. No bails outs. Yet have they researched what a rennovation project this size could do for the local economny? Have they? Or are they just not budging out of principle? Sounds pretty accurate if you ask me.
Yet I still don’t get it. They build pro stadiums where the teams can move out of town like to Oklahoma City of all places, meanwhile Key Arena is vacant. In return they own stadiums on college campuses. Where am I going with this? Universities don’t leave town due to a disagreement like pro teams do. Seems to me we have our priorities mixed up a little
All I saw was purple
Clear message.
Yes, they are sending a clear message, no matter how bad the economy is, no matter how much the people don’t want it, they are going to keep on spending and keep on taxing us.
Last one out of town: Turn out the lights!
"Legends are made on the shores of Lake Washington"
"BOW DOWN TO WASHINGTON"
Husky stadium
is a state owned facility. It seems to me that the state should be responsible for any safety upgrades required. They always blow right by that fact.
The State...
…ended up chipping in 20% for Hec Ed, though that was peanuts compared to the Gorilla of a project that Husky Stadium is. I think all of us would be happy if the state found a way to do something!
Washington Husky Football-Undefeated 1991 National Champions 12-0!
The State
I am sure they feel that they have more pressing problems right now. I wish they would have just voted to allow King County the authority to make the decision. Hopefully some major donors will step up and get the fund raising started.
by doubledeucedawg on Mar 12, 2010 7:20 PM PST up reply actions
I've forgotten
Can someone please review the ownership of the land extending from the stadium down to The Cut (UW vs. State of WA, General Fund vs. AD, etc.)? There are some issues regarding appropriations and directed revenues/taxes in certain parcels that differ from upper campus, which in turn may affect potential “deals.”

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