Johnson vows Kings arena effort will move forward, despite relocation rumors

[Mike0476]

"I am obviously aware of the rumors and speculation about the Kings and Anaheim," the mayor said in an email. "But I'm not aware of any deal having been completed. So as far as I'm concerned, the Kings are still Sacramento's team and deserve our full support."

"This is consistent with what I've said all along," Mayor Johnson said in his statement. "Building a new entertainment and sports complex is not about a basketball team. It's about creating an economic driver to create jobs, stimulate development and give our region a centerpiece for culture, arts and entertainment. We are doing this for one reason only -- it's right for Sacramento."

Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/02/20/3417654/kings-anaheim.html#ixzz1EYGhgDgW

 

[PurpleHaze]

You really have to admire our current mayor for his steadfast efforts in trying to get a new entertainment and sports complex - and preaching loudly that it's much more than just about a basketball team. Imagine if his two loser predessors Anne Rudin and Heather Fargo had put this much effort into it - or any effort at all. Again, probably we would not be in this dire predicament.

Here's an out of the box dream suggestion: The Mid East is in spreading turmoil and a lot of those countries have big oil dollars to invest - hopefully looking for safety. Is it possible that we could entice some overseas Sheik, Emir or Sultan to invest in this? Maybe unlikely but heck, the Maloof family from way back came to USA from Lebanon. I'd love it if soon we heard Mayor Johnson and ICON reps were on their way to Dubai or someplace to strike a deal out of the blue for financing assist.

 

[Sac.1989]

KJ is my dam hero. If he somehow gets this arena together i will happily wear his jersey daily in his honor. Its the right approach taken, regardless of if the team leaves or not we need an arena. Lets just hope he wakes up enough people in order to keep to the kings

 

[LWP777]

You really have to admire our current mayor for his steadfast efforts in trying to get a new entertainment and sports complex - and preaching loudly that it's much more than just about a basketball team. Imagine if his two loser predessors Anne Rudin and Heather Fargo had put this much effort into it - or any effort at all. Again, probably we would not be in this dire predicament.

Here's an out of the box dream suggestion: The Mid East is in spreading turmoil and a lot of those countries have big oil dollars to invest - hopefully looking for safety. Is it possible that we could entice some overseas Sheik, Emir or Sultan to invest in this? Maybe unlikely but heck, the Maloof family from way back came to USA from Lebanon. I'd love it if soon we heard Mayor Johnson and ICON reps were on their way to Dubai or someplace to strike a deal out of the blue for financing assist.

So far all KJ has been is a good cheerleader and he's about to lose the Kings on HIS watch. I'm not sure why he's being considered a hero. Now if he finds a way to get the arena deal done and keep the team here then I'll eat my words.

 

[PurpleHaze]

So far all KJ has been is a good cheerleader and he's about to lose the Kings on HIS watch. I'm not sure why he's being considered a hero. Now if he finds a way to get the arena deal done and keep the team here then I'll eat my words.

That's all the mayor of Sacramento is, a cheerleader, a ribbon cutter, a mere one vote on city council with no more power than the other members. Johnson tired to get a reform measure through to increase the power of Sac mayor but it was turned down by his colleagues. He's only mayor of a city with little over 400,000 people surrounded by Sac county with well over one million. I live in the county so I can't vote for or against him. Thus, he's not my mayor but a struggling symbol of efforts to do something about getting a new sports and entertainment complex in this area - and that at least counts for something.

 

[Sac.1989]

Yep, anyone openly pushing for the cause is a hero in my opinion. Long may he get the support he needs

 

[Uncia03]

So far all KJ has been is a good cheerleader and he's about to lose the Kings on HIS watch. I'm not sure why he's being considered a hero. Now if he finds a way to get the arena deal done and keep the team here then I'll eat my words.

No-one can blame Johnson if the Kings do end up leaving. He's done everything possible to help and should be lauded for his efforts. If he takes the hit for the Kings leaving then that will be completely unfair.

 

[RookieOfTheDay]

Don't really care, to be honest. The prospect of a shiny new arena and no team to play in it does absolutely nothing for me. In fact, it would only make losing The Kings sting that much more to finally build an arena after it's too late.

 

[Warhawk]

That's all the mayor of Sacramento is, a cheerleader, a ribbon cutter, a mere one vote on city council with no more power than the other members. Johnson tired to get a reform measure through to increase the power of Sac mayor but it was turned down by his colleagues. He's only mayor of a city with little over 400,000 people surrounded by Sac county with well over one million. I live in the county so I can't vote for or against him. Thus, he's not my mayor but a struggling symbol of efforts to do something about getting a new sports and entertainment complex in this area - and that at least counts for something.

Agree completely.

 

[Glenn]

You really have to admire our current mayor for his steadfast efforts in trying to get a new entertainment and sports complex - and preaching loudly that it's much more than just about a basketball team. Imagine if his two loser predessors Anne Rudin and Heather Fargo had put this much effort into it - or any effort at all. Again, probably we would not be in this dire predicament.

Here's an out of the box dream suggestion: The Mid East is in spreading turmoil and a lot of those countries have big oil dollars to invest - hopefully looking for safety. Is it possible that we could entice some overseas Sheik, Emir or Sultan to invest in this? Maybe unlikely but heck, the Maloof family from way back came to USA from Lebanon. I'd love it if soon we heard Mayor Johnson and ICON reps were on their way to Dubai or someplace to strike a deal out of the blue for financing assist.

Ha! Ha! I like this. Won't happen but thinking of solutions is more useful then moaning and griping.I read your other note about KJ. Bravo and right on.