Representatives of Paul Allen and King County will talk in
an "ongoing effort to mollify" Allen, who "has concerns about the
county's commitment to help facilitate his purchase of the
Seahawks," according to Elliott Almond of the SEATTLE TIMES.
Allen wants King County Exec Gary Locke to "make good on his oral
promise" before Allen agreed to buy an option on the team from
current owner Ken Behring. But the "situation has emerged in the
volatile setting of a political campaign in which Locke is one of
the favorites to win the Democratic nomination for governor."
Allen wants assurances on changes to the Kingdome lease from
Locke before the primary or general election, as Allen is
"worried if Locke is elected governor, it could hamper his
progress toward buying a team." Sources say Locke might not want
to send a "written commitment that could portray him as
supporting public subsidies" of pro football. The TIMES' Almond
notes the "growing frustration is being characterized as a
possible stumbling block" to ensuring the Seahawks stay in
Seattle. Allen must decide by July 1, 1997 whether to exercise
his option to buy the team (SEATTLE TIMES, 8/18).