Making it Official

Here she is boys and girls. This will go out shortly. It's under review for spelling, etc.

If you know of any businesses who are affected by the Sonics have them get a hold of me. for information on how to donate contact donate@adealisadeal.org. For volunteering send it to brian@adealisadeal.org.

Media Advisory: SOS&S Members form “A Deal is a Deal, PAC”

On June 27, 2007 Steven Pyeatt and Brian Robinson, founding members of Save Our Sonics and Storm, formally registered A Deal is a Deal Committee (DIAD) with the State of Washington with the intention of filing a citywide initiative relating to the lease status of the Seattle SuperSonics and Storm.

The Seattle City Charter, article IV clearly states that via the initiative process the people “shall have such powers as are provided for by this Charter; but the power to propose for themselves any ordinance dealing with any matter within the realm of local affairs or municipal business.”

As such, “A Deal is a Deal” will mandate that the city not be a partner to any agreement in which a professional sports team relocates prior to the expiration of their existing lease, effectively making binding the pre-existing Sonics lease through the 2009-2010 season.

Initial support for this action has been extremely broad-based. The initiative has been reviewed and endorsed by anti-arena activist Chris Van Dyk, co-chair of Citizens for More Important Things. Van Dyk, along with members of the Queen Anne Business Community, will join DIAD, PAC members to announce the formal submittal of the initiative later this week. At that time the text of the initiative, as well as volunteer and contributor information will be released. Media members will be given a statement regarding this action, as well as engage in question and answer sessions with legal council, supporters, and affected Seattle Area business owners.

Press Conference: Thursday, July 26, 2007, 3:00 pm
The Mainstage Comedy Club
315 First Avenue, Seattle

Contact: Brian Robinson, Director
Phone: 206.349.6447
E-mail: brian@adealisadeal.org

Statement from Brian Robinson, Director: A Deal is a Deal, Committee

“We are confident that this imitative is legally viable and – more importantly – that it will send a clear message to the Mayor’s office that engaging in conversations regarding a lease buyout are against the wishes of his constituency.

“This issue is about more than basketball and we expect it to appeal even to those who are not sports fans. When cities make significant investments in any type of public/private partnership there must be an understanding that both parties, as well as their successors, adhere to the terms of the contract. In the case of the Seattle SuperSonics, that means they should remain in the KeyArena until the completion of the lease in 2010.

“It is our strong hope that conversations will continue regarding a long-term solution for both the Sonics and Storm in this region. It is our contention that any conversation regarding an early exit will undermine this negotiation process and significantly decrease the chances of finding an amenable solution. As such it must be summarily dismissed.

“It is our hope that the city will recognize the need to hold firm in their negotiations and publicly adopt this policy in advance of our initiatives passage.”