Jessica Brown, Barista, Bellevue

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"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

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"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

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"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

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"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

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"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

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"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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