"What do you think of the Seahawks stadium deal?"
(asked at Kirkland's Marina Park on 05-14-97; published in the EJ on 05-18-97)

Jim Owen, Operator/truck driver, Ferndale


"I think we should have the right to vote on it. Definitely. I love the Seahawks but this is kind of hard for me. I have no idea what kind of shape the Kingdome is in, but it seems to me that it's not that old of a facility. And being in the demolition business, whatever they quote you, it's gonna cost you more. It always does... I think they should keep the Kingdome. I would say Allen should pay at least 85% of whatever it costs to build a new stadium. It's his investment."

Laura Boyes, Librarian, Bothell


"I think that sports is a private business and should be paid for by private money. So Paul Allen can decide whether he wants to fund the whole thing or find private sources -- not the public. Personally, I don't want to pay for it."

Marab Smith, At-home mom, Mukilteo


"I'm not a sports fan and I haven't lived here for very long but... I would vote against tearing down the Kingdome and building a new stadium. That's not what sports is about -- it's more about enjoyment, both in playing and watching."

Brian Swenson, Business owner, Seattle


"I would love to see the stadium go through so I can watch... the Packers. I'm a Green Bay Packers fan. The Kingdome is a piece of garbage. It's an antique. I think Paul Allen is doing plenty -- you can't expect the guy to pay for everything just because he's got money."

Doug Brown, Commercial real estate broker, Bellevue


"I think it's something that's needed -- the existing stadium is outdated, in my opinion. And that whole area needs to be revitalized. The new stadium is very necessary for the economy, along with the Mariners stadium... I think Paul Allen is doing a good job and I hope he goes through and buys the team. I think we need local ownership. It hasn't worked with out-of-town ownership -- look at the attendance."

Preston Stewart, Marketing business owner, Bellevue


"I think it's a joke. If we had winning team, that'd be a different matter. But they're a business and like any other business, they should pay for the roof over their heads. I'd love it if I could go to the taxpayers and say 'Hey, pay for my store.' -- I love football but I think we're taxed enough as it is."

© 1997 by the Bellevue, WA-based Eastside Journal (née Journal American) newspaper.

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