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Today's Issue
By Ann Garretson
"Should there be a special session of the legislature to fund a new
stadium for the Mariners?"
(asked at Crossroads Shopping Center on 09-28-95; published in the JA on 10-01-95)
Jessica Brown, Barista, Bellevue
"No. I just don't feel that we should spend taxpayer money on leisure. The Mariners are unhappy with the Kingdome and they're threatening to leave -- it's kind of an ultimatum and I don't think it's a fair one. They make so much money as it is. I think they're overpaid anyway."
Sidney Reynolds, Bookseller, Seattle
"Yes, I think so. I know that there's been a lot of talk about statewide problems and that people around the state aren't interested. But people will come from around the state to see these games. A new stadium is important for general events, too -- concerts, meetings of large groups, employees -- more than just sporting events. A lot of people will benefit. And it's just like having a nice opera house or the Commons... it's a matter of civic improvement. If you've been to other cities, you can appreciate a well-constructed, positive place. So yes, I think that it would be an important issue to go to the legislature."
George Williams, Retired, Bellevue
"No. I'm part of that generation that believes multi-millionaire, 22 y.o. kids should pay for their own stadium. I don't think that the economic help that the stadium may bring is enough to offset taxes. And the public in general is sick and tired of $200 million contracts that turn into $2 billion contracts thanks to our esteemed and corrupt politicians in Olympia."
Bob Humble, Landscaper, Kirkland
"I don't really pay too much attention to the baseball games... I'd rather go dancing or to the golf course. I have no comment about the game itself, but I feel that it was completely wrong for the spokesperson for the Mariners to come right out and let everyone know that money -- and anyplace they want to get it -- is the main thing. What matters to me is that there are so many people who want to go to a baseball game but the Mariners charge too much for a ticket. I wish the tickets would go back to $5 a person."
Kent Keller, Drafter, Snohomish
"No, I don't believe the taxpayers should pay for the stadium. I believe that the people who use it and the owners should pay for it. But I think somehow it will be passed -- for one thing, because the Ms are doing good right now. If the vote had been later, the stadium would've been approved."
Leigh Ann DiDomenico, Volunteer, Bellevue
"Sure, why not? We could use a new stadium for the Mariners -- the Kingdome ceiling fell down. We just need a new stadium. The taxpayers should pay for it because they'll benefit."
Copyright © 1995 by the Bellevue, WA-based Journal American newspaper.
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