FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1/21/2013
Councilmember Tim Burgess
Statement by Councilmember Tim Burgess on Hansen Group purchase of Sacramento Kings
Seattle City Councilmember Tim Burgess issued the following statement today:
"This is fantastic news and a huge win for Seattle and our entire region. Throughout our Council work to improve the proposal, Chris Hansen negotiated fairly and has kept his word. He is doing exactly what he told us he would do – working to return NBA basketball to Seattle. There is more work ahead, but this is a giant leap toward bringing the Sonics back home to Seattle."
Councilmember Burgess led the Council’s review of the initial arena proposal as chair of the Government Performance and Finance Committee. Burgess insisted on significant changes to the Mayor’s arena proposal to improve public benefits, including:
- Stronger legal and financial protections for the city and county governments
- Reduction in the inherent risks of this type of public-private partnership
- Creation of a transportation fund with $40 million in initial funding for SODO freight and pedestrian mobility improvements.
After the Council committee negotiated a revised memorandum of agreement with Hansen, the full City Council approved it by a 7-2 vote on October 12, 2012 (Ordinance 124019).
Council meetings are cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21 and Webcast live on the City Council’s website at www.seattle.gov/council. Copies of legislation, archives of previous meetings, and news releases are available at www.seattle.gov/council. Follow the Council on Twitter at twitter.com/SeattleCouncil and on Facebook at Seattle City Council.
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