Seattle business leaders "called on state lawmakers
yesterday to let voters decide whether to build a new
football stadium for the Seahawks," rather than having the
whole idea "die in Legislature," according to Penhale &
Paulson in the SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER. The business
leaders "warned" that if the WA Legislature fails to revive
the plan, the Seahawks will move. Phone calls to the
Legislature and Gov. Gary Locke "are running slightly in
favor of the stadium," but legislators said they are "mostly
struck by the low level of public comment." State Rep.
Steve Van Luven, a stadium supporter: "The general public is
not out there asking us to save this team, and unless that
happens, the Legislature is probably not going to act."
Penhale & Paulson note the lack of "public outcry" for the
Seahawks "stands in sharp contrast to the furor" over the
Mariners stadium debate '95. Paul Allen, who has an option
to buy the Seahawks, said if a funding plan isn't passed by
April 3, he'll drop his option. Some lawmakers said Allen
"hurt the Seahawks' cause" by giving an ultimatum this week.
Van Luven: "We run this place, and we answer to the people.
Paul Allen does not run this place, and we do not answer to
him" (SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER, 3/12).
