Peter Karmanos, in Raleigh yesterday following a two-
day visit to Columbus, said he "may not wait" until the May
6 referendum on a sales-tax increase in Columbus before
announcing where he plans to move the Whalers, according to
Chip Alexander of the NEWS & OBSERVER. Alexander notes it
"had been assumed" that if the Columbus referendum passed,
the Whalers would move to Ohio, but Karmanos said yesterday
the choice could come "days in advance" of the vote.
Karmanos: "The assumption is (the referendum) will pass.
We'll try to make an objective evaluation and make the
decision as soon as possible." Alexander adds that if the
decision is made before the vote, "Columbus probably will be
the choice" (NEWS & OBSERVER, 4/23).
MY WAY OR...: While in Columbus on Monday, Karmanos
said he is prepared to match MLS Crew Owner Lamar Hunt's
offer to operate the proposed stadium-arena complex, but
"isn't interested" in playing in a Hunt-controlled arena.
(Futty & Wright, COLUMBUS DISPATCH, 4/22).
STILL TRYING: Karmanos said he would give "fair
consideration" to the offer CT developer Stephen Fish is
attempting to put together that would purchase 49% of the
team from Karmanos. Sources familiar with Fish's
discussions say the Hartford offer "could be in Karmanos'
hands by the end of the week" (HARTFORD COURANT, 4/23).
