Fanfare: Some support for Maloofs on the issue of new arena

Some of the recent letters to The Bee complaining about a poor job of negotiating financial commitments from the Maloofs seem to ignore a major point.

The Maloofs own the Kings and the Monarchs, not the city or county. The guys didn't have to commit one dollar to this effort, as there are plenty of cities that would love to have an NBA franchise and would require much less in exchange.

Ailene Voisin's commentary in The Bee was correct in pointing out that the Maloofs have been very good owners and community supporters. I can't help but think they must feel a bit stressed by some of the comments painting them as greedy robber barons holding a city hostage to their demands. How sad.

Are the Maloofs going to make money? I hope so. Do they have options? You bet. The folks in Sacramento are going to get the opportunity to keep the Kings and the Monarchs. Please do the right thing, or we'll be left with only Warriors games on television and no reason to hate Los Angeles.

-- Ron Wynes, Lincoln

Paper seems to miss point

Sitting here Sunday morning (Aug. 20), I tried to figure out The Bee's opposition to a new arena and finally realized the newspaper and its minions don't understand what it involves.

The Bee uses above-the-fold headlines to paint the taxpayers as being taken advantage of by the Maloofs, but when it comes to a social taxpayer giveaway The Bee agrees with, you never read a negative word.

Please wake up, voters. The Bee has an agenda and no idea what benefits a new area will bring. The Bee couldn't care less about you.

-- Michael Raschack, Elk Grove

Basketball part of equation

I don't think a lot of people understand that if they vote no on a new arena, the Maloofs will pick up and move. The arena is not just for sports. No arena means no concerts, events or basketball teams.

The quarter-cent sales tax is not that big of a deal when considering it is going toward something for everyone, and the money left over will go to Sacramento. I hope in November that a lot of people will come around and vote yes on a new arena.

-- Victoria Pieper, Roseville

A big-money deal

Compared to Sacramento politicians' brazen plan to raise taxes some $600 million more than is needed to fund the new area, the Maloofs' share of the "deal" makes the brothers look like pikers.

-- Joe Phelan, Lincoln

A Giant vote to keep Bonds

Despite all the problems that Barry Bonds has had on and off the field, he has earned the right to stay and return next year to play for the Giants.

We all know this year has been a disappointment, but I don't think general manager Brian Sabean and president and managing general partner Peter Magowan will be foolish enough not to keep him and pitcher Jason Schmidt, who will be free agents in 2007.

I am convinced that with a healthy Barry Bonds and the excitement of him breaking Aaron's home run record, 2007 will make everybody forget about a lousy 2006.

-- Manuel Provedor Sr., Elk Grove

LETTERS WELCOME: Fanfare letters should be typed and must include the writer's name, address and phone number (e-mail submissions, also) for verification. Letters of fewer than 100 words are given preference, and all letters may be edited and republished in any format. All letters submitted become the property of The Bee. Send letters to Fanfare, The Bee Sports Department, P.O. Box 15779, Sacramento, 95852, or e-mail to fanfare@sacbee.com or fax to (916) 326-5503.