Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said he plans to emphasize the state’s willingness to help bring the Seattle SuperSonics back to the NBA when he next meets on Mond
FILE - The Seattle SuperSonics logo is seen on the banner of the 1995-1996 Western Conference Champions banner preserved at the Museum of History & Industry in Seattle. Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said he plans to emphasize the state’s willingness to help bring the Seattle SuperSonics back to the NBA when he next meets on Monday with Commissioner Adam Silver, while downplaying concerns that a proposed tax on wealthy residents could hurt the effort.
Ferguson said he has not been lobbying other NBA owners ahead of any potential vote to begin an expansion process next week.“I’ve not made a case to other NBA owners, just to be clear,” Ferguson said. “What I just would say is we’re working hard to make sure we have lines of communication, obviously, with the commissioner.” Ferguson said restoring the Sonics is a priority for him and that he has another conversation with Silver scheduled soon. “It’s a priority for me to do whatever I can as governor to be helpful in bringing back the Sonics,” he said.“We lost the Sonics to a state that has an income tax, and we did not at the time,” Ferguson said. “Steph Curry pays a lot of money in California, and they have a pretty hefty income tax. So candidly, I just don’t think that’s got anything to do with anything.”Ferguson said his upcoming conversation with Silver would largely be about listening and understanding what role the state could play if the NBA moves toward expansion. “It’ll be a private conversation, but I plan to do a lot of listening,” he said. “If it is to happen, there will be a role for the state in some capacity to be helpful.” Ferguson also framed his interest in the Sonics’ return as personal, describing himself as a longtime fan still shaped by the franchise’s departure from Seattle in 2008, before rattling off the names of players from the 1978-79 NBA championship team. “I feel I have a pretty good appreciation for the loss that our community experienced with losing the Sonics,” he said.Ferguson said he could not recall who initiated the upcoming meeting, but said he and Silver agreed after their last conversation to remain in contact.A teenager who had been missing for about a month has been rescued by the FBI and the accused captor has been arrested.For more than a month, the search for Nancy Guthrie has played out in Tucson, Arizona, with the mystery surrounding her disappearance only growing.A judge set bail at $100,000 Wednesday for a 40-year-old man accused of causing nearly a quarter of a million dollars in damage after allegedly breaking into thGov. Bob Ferguson is reacting to the news of the abuse allegations made against the late civil rights leader Cesar Chavez.Police say a man caused nearly a quarter of a million dollars in damage after breaking into Chihuly Garden and Glass and attacking a security guard.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
State lawmakers quietly approve Fraud Prevention Act as part of Washington budgetThe review will also identify gaps and weaknesses and recommend steps to improve oversight of public funds.
Read more »
Governor Ferguson signs bill prohibiting double voting in WashingtonGovernor Bob Ferguson signed a bill on Tuesday that prohibits double voting in Washington elections by fixing an ambiguity in the state's law.
Read more »
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson to meet with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver againWashington Gov. Bob Ferguson's office announced he will meet with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver again on Monday, just before league owners meet to discuss NBA ex
Read more »
Washington tax concerns surface as NBA weighs Sonics comebackAs the NBA inches closer to a possible expansion decision, there are questions about whether Washington’s tax climate could influence the league’s thinking on the return of the Seattle SuperSonics.
Read more »
Washington governor drops Cesar Chavez Day honor, plans to mark Dolores Huerta Dayabuse allegations against civil rights icon Cesar ChavezGov. Ferugson is reacting to the news of the abuse allegations made against the late civil rights leader
Read more »
Belarus' strongman leader hosts U.S. envoy for talks, in effort to improve ties with WashingtonThe Associated Press
Read more »