Sonics against voting on Key Arena improvements

By Austin Jenkins
Northwest News Network

The clock is running out on Washington's legislative session. But the Seattle Supersonics still hope for a big win. They want taxpayers to foot the bill for a Key Arena remodel.

Thursday the team shot down a proposal to put the issue to a vote of the people.

It feels like the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Players in the Sonics-Key Arena controversy have picked-up the pace. The latest idea: let King County voters decide whether to fund a $220-million makeover of the arena through a tax extension.

The Sonics' Terry McLaughlin opposes the idea, saying, “It's a challenging issue and it is so largely because of the timing - the timing and the uncertainty. Like any business uncertainty is not a welcome environment in which to operate."

McLaughlin won't say how much money the Sonics will contribute to a Key Arena expansion. He does say team owners will pay cost overruns if they are allowed to manage the project and the facility afterwards.

The Sonics say without a taxpayer-funded remodel, the team will have to move. The issue could go down to the buzzer with the legislature scheduled to adjourn next Thursday.