Friends,

I know that I've been largely absent from this site lately and want to apologize for my silence. My friends know that involvement in the Sonics issue tends to become all-consuming for me. I am not capable of being "mildly involved" and as such sometimes have to take breaks where I just tune out all the conversation completely to focus on my family and business. Those same friends get a good laugh when I contemplate "retirement" from the Sonics issue because they've seen me walk away during slow times before and know that I can't help but return when things get going again. The people who are involved in this have my number and can call me when needed. I've kept current in discussions with people in Seattle, Bellevue and Tukwila.

The biggest factor for me is always "how can I make the most substantial difference in the issue." There have been times when leading the charge on social media has been the game changer for me and others where the best bet for me was to let others(Sonicsgate or the staff right here) handle that element while I focus on corporate and political relations, which don't get noticed but are incredibly important.

This year my determination was that the best thing I could do to help the movement was to focus on getting my own shit together and come back stronger for the next iteration. Quite bluntly I'd paid a huge price both professionally and personally for my involvement in the Sonics issue. My business was showing signs of neglect, impacting our finances and my wife and kids have had enough of this saga. Without strong professional and family support I am of no use to anybody.

So in the last year I have really focused on strengthening my own business. I've a ton of time into a series of transactions have been really successful and gotten me back to the level of stature I need to deal with people like the investors and political leaders who are involved in bringing the Sonics back. It has taken a lot of time and attention and was only possible because I haven't allowed myself to be distracted by writing articles and participating in commentary.

Politically I have moved my focus to the issue of housing and land use (my business is ownership, operation and development of commercial properties and residential housing). I was recently appointed to the Executive Committee at the Washington State Rental Housing Association as well as joining the Coordinating Board of All Home, a county level organization dedicating to eliminating homelessness. All Home is a great fit for me because the organization works closely with County Executive Dow Constantine and Mayor Ed Murray. Its former board Chair (under the name Committee to End Homelessness) was former Sonics owner Dan Brettler. Potential Sonics owner Blake Nordstrom also previously served on the board.

Being a substantive figure in this housing debate has allowed me to retain a voice with elected officials at both the city and county levels, which will certainly help with any future lobbying on behalf of Sonics fans.

Most importantly I've been focused on my family and am happy to announce that my wife and I are expecting our third child on Friday, November 20th. Making the decision to have another child at my age (41) with my existing kids already grown (ages 12 and 15) was one of the biggest decisions of my life but I am absolutely thrilled to be doing this whole crazy thing over again.

I'd like to offer some thanks to my friend Chris Hansen for being a really good role model in this process.

The first time I attempted to schedule a meeting with Chris we had an important group of bigwigs set to gather and only one time slot that worked for all involved. Chris however tried everything in his power to reschedule, citing the fact that he wanted to attend his daughters softball game later that afternoon.

"Who is this rich jerk?" I thought to myself. "We have literally hundreds if not thousands of hours into this project and he thinks so little of all our effort that he prioritizes a kids softball game?"

Since that time I have watched this very successful guy be unwavering in his commitment to the Sonics, yet at the same time never lose sight of the the fact that his family and livelihood are the most important. So more than 3 years later I get it:

When you are successful and doing big things EVERYTHING is important, high profile or cool to be involved in. That's why for years I would leave my family to go spend time in a bar with Gary Payton or attend a meeting with the mayor. It all seemed like stuff that I HAD to go to. Who could resist the opportunity?

Guys like Chris know, and demonstrate that it's possible to do both. You can be successful, make an impact, do cool things AND be committed to the coolest thing of all, which is prioritizing your family.

So I've watched and I've learned and going forward I've come to the determination that I don't have to choose between the Sonics, my family or my business because I'm capable of doing it all. My priorities are straight, my position vastly strengthened and I'm totally looking forward to being a big part of this effort going forward. You will however have to excuse me if I sometimes skip out on the conversation here on the blog or in the media because right now my family is more important.

I'd like to add an EXTRA, EXTRA special thanks to the staff of this site. If it wasn't for the hard working guys here I would have been forced to make a decision between family and seeing this project through to its conclusion. Because they are here and because they are good at what they do I can have this new beautiful baby, savor every minute and know that this blog and these conversations are in good hands. You have all made that possible. THANK YOU!