Mr. Mayne's editorial in the Feb. 14 Highline Times was right on the mark. If these sports franchises are such great investments, why do the owners and investors need public money to support them?

A few years ago when Emerald Downs was built there was never any mention of going to the taxpayers for funds. The owners and investors put their own money at risk. As I recall, there were several groups competing for the opportunity to build a track.

If the franchise owners want to use public funds to support them, maybe we should get a chance to vote on players salaries also, and maybe the taxpayers should also get a cut on the TV rights which now go solely to the owners and players.

James Sharkey

Burien