I am cautiously encouraged that Senator Correa is doing something other than gloating in this article.
Perhaps Senator Steinberg is really onto something with his proposed legislation.
http://www.ocregister.com/common/printer/view.php?db=ocregister&id=295145
O.C. lawmakers: Bill a threat to NBA Kings' move
By BRIAN JOSEPH
SACRAMENTO – Don't buy those season tickets just yet, Anaheim basketball fans. The leader of the California Senate says he's introducing legislation that could stop the Sacramento Kings from moving to Orange County.
Democrat Darrell Steinberg, a former Sacramento City Councilman and arguably one of the three most powerful officials in California, announced Tuesday that he intends to introduce a bill this week that would prevent a California city from signing a lease with a professional sports team if that team has outstanding debts with another California city. The Kings owe the city of Sacramento $77 million.
"This is pure business here," Steinberg said on KFBK radio in Sacramento. The Kings are "making a cold business decision. The city has the right to protect its bottom line."
For weeks, the Kings have been exploring a potential move to the Honda Center, where the Anaheim Ducks play. On March 29, the Anaheim City Council unanimously approved $75 million in bonds to make the arena ready to host an NBA team, and to help pay for the Kings' relocation costs. The owner of the Kings, the Maloof family, has until April 18 to file for relocation with the NBA.
The city of Sacramento has asked the Maloofs for a written guarantee that they will pay back the $77 million if they leave for Anaheim. The Maloofs say they'll pay their debts – if they ink a deal to move. That answer makes Sacramento officials nervous, Steinberg said.
"The Maloofs, in fairness to them, have always paid their debts on time," Steinberg said on KFBK. "But this is a changed circumstance. And if they are going to leave – of course, we hope that they're not going to – but if they do leave, then I think it's important that we protect the city's financial interest. The city, in this difficult economic time, can't afford to absorb $77 million."
Orange County lawmakers said Tuesday that they thought Steinberg's arguments are weak – Sacramento already has a repayment agreement with the Kings – but added that the senator's bill could pose a threat to the team's move.
"Darrell's looking to blow up the deal through legislation. And he just might do that," said Sen. Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana, whose district includes much of Anaheim. "I believe (the bill) will have some chilling effects on the transaction."
Steinberg has "a lot of clout," said Assemblyman Chris Norby, R-Fullerton, whose district also includes part of Anaheim. The senator has the power to push the bill through.
"I can't see him getting a lot of support," Norby said, "but you never know."
Norby said Steinberg's bill could impact other cities that are looking to bring in professional teams, which could turn some legislators against his proposal. Also standing in his way are lawmakers who see the Kings' potential move as an entirely private transaction.
"Legislation should not be used to address issues that are already addressed in a private contractual obligation," Correa said. "It's not the Legislature's business to be addressing such a private, arms-length transaction," he said.
