By Kevin Johnson
Just finished with a City Council meeting, and three thoughts are running through my head:
The Kings are down to their final hours of the 2010-11 NBA season.
The finishing touches are being put on Sacramento's presentation to the NBA Board of Governors meeting in New York.
And when the final horn sounds Wednesday night at Power Balance Pavilion, I pray it won't be the last time that sound is heard in our city.
I've made countless trips from Sacramento to Manhattan. But none have been more important than the trip I will make Wednesday night after the Kings vs. Lakers game.
This trip is all about opportunity.
Rarely does a Mayor have a chance to stand before a more prestigious group of business owners -- the Board of Governors are NBA team owners -- and speak about the opportunity, value and winning commitment of the Sacramento region when it comes to the Kings.
Mind you, there are several things the NBA won't hear from our perspective.
There will be no criticism of Anaheim or negative comments about the prospective deal the Kings are negotiating in that city. The NBA knows what relocation means. It's not my business to tell the league its business.
There will be an acknowledgement that the Maloofs have been good partners with Sacramento, and that the family is within its rights to file for relocation. I will respect whatever decision the NBA makes.
Rather than focus on negatives, it's important to concentrate on the positive outcome we can influence in Sacramento -- starting with the city's status as an excellent place for a team to operate without competition from other major league sports.
The NBA owners will be reminded we've been partners for 26 years. During that time, Sacramento fans have sold out their arena 19 seasons, a number no NBA team can come close to matching.
They will also be reminded that while Sacramento lacks the corporate horsepower of other cities, I promise that a renewed effort to cultivate relationships will deliver millions of dollars in corporate sponsorships and increased revenue. We can more than hold our own among medium-sized markets.
All we ask for is a competitive team to cheer and support.
Finally, the NBA will hear an update on our new entertainment and sports complex. The league owners have heard this before, but not with the credibility of our team, ICON Venue, David Taylor and partners.
The message will be brief, simple and honest: Sacramento has been a terrific NBA city. We deserve a chance to maintain our place among other elite cities, if not with the Kings, then with another franchise.
The Board of Governors will see a Mayor who's proud of his city -- and whose city is playing to win.
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