Moments ago, Seattle City Council Member Bruce Harrell sent out a statement praising the city's plan to build a $500 million NBA/NHL arena. It reads, in part:

“Today’s announcement to bring back an NBA team and an NHL team is an incredible economic opportunity for jobs and small businesses, but its greatest impact will be on our community and youth. I have been a youth mentor for decades and for many, sports is a universal language for our youth and instills discipline and confidence in our children. At rec centers and playgrounds all across Seattle, I have watched kids imitating Gary Payton’s signature baseline spin move or Fred Brown’s perfect jump shot. I have witnessed the discipline and confidence transfer into success in the classroom.”

At this preliminary stage, it seems that the rest of the city council (cautious creatures by nature) are keeping their mouths shut.