A group opposed to the use of public money for a new arena for the Sonics submitted signatures on Friday for an initiative to be placed on the November ballot.
Citizens for More Important Things submitted 23,900 signatures in favor of Initiative 91, virtually ensuring the measure will get on the fall ballot, KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reported.
The measure would prevent the city from using taxpayer money to pay for a new basketball arena for the Sonics, which was sold this week to an Oklahoma City ownership group.
New Sonics owner Clay Bennett said his top priority is to keep the Sonics in Seattle, but he has made it clear that the team could head south if negotiations head south.
"I think if we get to the point where we are at an absolute standstill, and both sides understand that we're not going anywhere, we are absolutely hoping to bring it (the Sonics and Storm) to Oklahoma City," he said.
The Chairman of Citizens for More Important Things said the new Sonics owners need to come up with a big part of the money to pay for a new arena.
"Get out that big Oklahoma checkbook, and we'll do business with you," said Chris Van Dyk.
He said I-91 organizers aren't anti-basketball or anti-Sonics. But they believe the city shouldn't ask residents to subsidize a new arena rather than raising money for roads and schools.
Previous Stories: July 6, 2006: KeyArena Petition Headed To City Clerk
May 17, 2006: Initiative Would Require City To Profit On Sonics Deal
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