Ex-legislator Glenn Anderson applies for Port of Seattle seat
February 5, 2013
NEW — 6 a.m. Feb. 5, 2013
Former state Rep. Glenn Anderson is among 29 applicants for a vacancy on the Port of Seattle Commission — a group of officials responsible for overseeing the Port of Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Glenn Anderson
The ex-legislator and Issaquah Republican is invited to address the commission, or submit a statement, Tuesday. The commission is interviewing applicants for a seat left open after former Commissioner Gael Tarleton resigned Jan. 31 to serve in the state House of Representatives.
The commission is allowed 90 days to appoint Tarleton’s successor under state law.
“We are pleased with both the number and quality of the commission applicants,” commission President Tom Albro said in a statement released Monday. “We are looking forward to hearing from each of these candidates tomorrow afternoon.”
Port of Seattle vacancy is open to King County voters
January 29, 2013
Residents interested in trade, tourism and transportation can apply for a soon-to-open seat on the Port of Seattle Commission — a group of officials responsible for overseeing the Port of Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Commissioner Gael Tarleton intends to resign from the commission Jan. 31 to serve in the state House of Representatives.
The position is open to U.S. and Washington residents eligible to vote in King County. Candidates must submit application materials by noon Feb. 1.
Port of Seattle vacancy is open to King County voters
January 24, 2013
NEW — 10 a.m. Jan. 24, 2013
Residents interested in trade, tourism and transportation can apply for soon-to-open seat on the Port of Seattle Commission — a group of officials responsible for overseeing the Port of Seattle and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Commissioner Gael Tarleton intends to resign from the commission Jan. 31 to serve in the state House of Representatives.
Under state law, the commission is allowed 90 days to appoint Tarleton’s successor.
The position is open to U.S. and Washington residents eligible to vote in King County. Candidates must submit application materials by noon Feb. 1.
Revised arena deal requires King County Council approval
September 12, 2012
NEW — 2 p.m. Sept. 12, 2012
King County leaders praised the proposed agreement between Seattle City Council members and the lead investor behind a proposal to build a sports-and-entertainment arena in Seattle.
Seattle leaders announced revisions to the proposed arena deal Tuesday. King County Council members approved the arena proposal July 30, but any changes adopted by the Seattle City Council must go to the King County Council for approval.
“This is a great sign of progress. I always felt this proposal presented a win-win opportunity to bring back our Sonics, secure an NHL team and address the existing transportation issues south of downtown,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said in a statement.
King County councilwoman touts arena proposal’s economic potential
August 7, 2012
Before the King County Council made a landmark decision to authorize public dollars for a sports-and-entertainment arena, Kathy Lambert received 2,700 emails.
The councilwoman, a Redmond resident and the Issaquah representative on the council, said most messages urged the council to approve the arena proposal.
Kathy Lambert
Reagan Dunn
In the end, after months of discussion and hours of testimony, Lambert joined the council majority to approve a key agreement for a $490 million arena — a linchpin in the plan to bring professional basketball back to Washington.
The council agreed July 30 to contribute up to $80 million for a proposed Seattle arena near Safeco Field — if investors can secure NBA and NHL franchises. The county contribution is capped at $5 million if only professional basketball comes to the arena.
The agreement does not include additional taxes for county residents. Plans call for 30-year public bonds to finance the arena, and for arena revenue to pay off the bond debt.
Lambert later cited the proposed arena’s economic benefits — jobs for arena construction and operation, plus tax revenue for the county and a tourism attraction — for the region as reasons for the yes vote.
Local King County Council representatives split on arena deal
July 31, 2012
NEW — 10 a.m. July 31, 2012
The local representatives on the King County Council, Kathy Lambert and Reagan Dunn, came down on opposite sides Monday as the council approved a key agreement for a $490 million arena — a linchpin in the plan to bring professional basketball back to Seattle.
Kathy Lambert
Reagan Dunn
The council agreed to contribute up to $80 million for a proposed Seattle arena near Safeco Field — if investors can secure NBA and NHL franchises. The county contribution is capped at $5 million if only professional basketball comes to the arena.
In a 6-3 decision, after hours of testimony from the public and several amendments from council members, Lambert and others agreed to support the arena pact. Dunn, and councilmen Larry Phillips and Pete von Reichbauer, dissented.
Leaders pledge cooperation on economic development
July 10, 2012
King County and Port of Seattle leaders sat down for a rare joint meeting June 18 and proclaimed “an opening act” to a period of increased cooperation between the organizations.
King County Council members and Port of Seattle commissioners discussed the need for regional collaboration to bolster the economy in the Puget Sound region.
In the meeting — the only joint meeting between the groups in recent memory — officials received briefings on long-term plans for both organizations, economic development and international trade.
The council and commission adopted a joint agreement calling for strengthening bonds between King County and the Port of Seattle. Officials pledged to seek opportunities to form joint state and federal legislative agendas, partner on environmental initiatives and transportation planning, and collaborate on economic development and tourism.
“The next 25 years offer so much opportunity for King County, so let’s be smart and strategic in the economic and environmental decisions we make today,” Port of Seattle Commission President Gael Tarleton said in a statement.
King County, Port of Seattle leaders pledge cooperation
June 23, 2012
NEW — 6 a.m. June 23, 2012
King County and Port of Seattle leaders sat down for a rare joint meeting Monday and proclaimed “an opening act” to a period of increased cooperation between the organizations.
King County Council members and Port of Seattle commissioners discussed the need for regional collaboration to bolster the economy in the Puget Sound region. In the meeting — the only joint meeting between the groups in recent memory — officials received briefings on long-term plans for both organizations, economic development and international trade.
“Today is an historic occasion for which I say: ‘it’s about time,’” council Vice Chairwoman Jane Hague said in a statement. “In our increasingly complex economy and society, I think it’s more important than ever that our bodies talk together and coordinate our efforts.” Read more
Press Editorial
May 29, 2012
Take a hard look at arena deal
This area has a long history of skepticism when it comes to building sports facilities. Let’s put that attitude to good use when reviewing the proposal for a new basketball — and possibly hockey — arena in Seattle.
Though it may seem like a Seattle problem, the arena will have an impact here on the Eastside. In direct terms, the county is on the hook for up to $80 million, if certain conditions are met.
Where is this big chunk of money supposed to come from? Aren’t they about to ask us for a bond to build a juvenile justice center? Why is there money for a glorified basketball court, but not a justice center?
A possibly large, indirect impact on the Eastside could be the effect of the arena on freight mobility.
King County Council to delve into $490 million arena proposal
May 22, 2012
King County Council members intend to scrutinize a proposal to build a $490 million sports and entertainment arena in Seattle to determine whether financing for the plan is feasible and if arena-related traffic could harm other businesses in the area.
County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, joined by investor Chris Hansen, a San Francisco hedge fund manager, on May 16 announced agreements between the county, city and the ArenaCo investment group to govern financing for a proposed arena near Safeco Field.
Construction could start after a professional basketball franchise is secured for the arena. Moreover, the public investment could drop if backers cannot secure a professional hockey team for the facility.
The amount of public support is capped at $120 million if organizers secure only the basketball franchise. The total could rise to $200 million if a hockey team is added to the equation.
