Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell’s statement on bringing back a basketball team
SEATTLE – Today, Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair of the Council’s Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, released the following statement in response to the proposal by Christopher Hansen for a new NBA and NHL arena. The proposal includes no new taxes to build a new arena.
"Today’s announcement to bring back an NBA team and an NHL team is an incredible economic opportunity for jobs and small businesses, but its greatest impact will be on our community and youth. I have been a youth mentor for decades and for many, sports is a universal language for our youth and instills discipline and confidence in our children. At rec centers and playgrounds all across Seattle, I have watched kids imitating Gary Payton’s signature baseline spin move or Fred Brown’s perfect jump shot. I have witnessed the discipline and confidence transfer into success in the classroom."
"Seattle is a world-class city and many in our state enjoy our football, baseball, and soccer teams. I want us to work together on bringing back a basketball team and a new hockey team. In the last two weeks, Jeremy Lin has transcended American sports as the first American-born Chinese or Taiwanese player. Jeremy has taught us all not to give up on our dreams. He is a testament of hard work and seizing the opportunity. I applaud Mr. Hansen, the Mayor and County Executive Constantine for keeping the hopes and dreams of sports enthusiasts alive and I am excited about bringing basketball back to our city."
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