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VOICES
"We want it there, we support it there, we think it's great for the city. But we're not going to go into an area that puts the franchise in jeopardy."
Joe Maloof, Sacramento Kings owner, on the downtown railyard site for a new arena
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"We respect the Maloofs and applaud all they have done, but this isn't their decision and it's not their arena. The community has decided that the railyards is where it's going to be and this committee is committed to moving mountains to make it happen."
Sandy Smoley, the former Sacramento County supervisor who is chairing the Yes on Q & R campaign
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"If we can't get clarification about the railyard plans, it will definitely impact our decision to be supportive. We need this to be on track because it's the best opportunity to see positive development for both sides, the arena and countywide. If it doesn't go forward, more than a sports and entertainment facility will be lost."
Michael Ault, executive director for the Downtown Sacramento Partnership
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"This is all a bit of a mystery to us as to why what we've already negotiated is suddenly in play. ... We're still supportive of these measures. That is, on the assumption that we can work through these issues quickly -- that stands."
John Thomas, Maloof Sports and Entertainment president, who said Wednesday the Maloofs still plan to contribute money to the Yes on Q & R campaign
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Measures Q & R's success Nov. 7 "doesn't hinge on the Maloofs' financial contribution or their participation, although we certainly do hope that they contribute."
Doug Elmets, Yes on Q & R campaign spokesman
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"All along we've said that this isn't just about basketball. The campaign and the negotiations need to be kept separate. We have seen in other communities that these negotiations can't be done in public."
Matt Mahood, chief executive officer, Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and Q & R campaign co-chairman, who advocates that the ballot campaign press forward even if the Maloofs and city/county negotiators don't resolve differences
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"I believe this is worth moving foward with in any case. We have a need for an entertainment facility in this region of this size and quality. If the Kings are not a part of it, it is presumed that they are not part of our community. They made that pretty clear. If that happens, the most likely scenario is that Arco Arena would be demolished, leaving this region without an entertainment venue."
John Dangberg, Sacramento assistant city manager
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"If these guys don't get things straightened out and the team leaves, Sacramento will go from being one of the top NBA cities back to
being like Fresno. The Kings are a major part of what the town has to offer. I need them."
Doug Dean, owner of Top Notch Limousine and Executive Service, who says 70 percent of his fleet's trips involve Arco Arena events, mostly Kings games
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- Jon Ortiz and Mary Lynne Vellinga, Bee staff writers
About the writer: The Bee's Mary Lynne Vellinga can be reached at (916) 321-1094 or mlvellinga@sacbee.com.
