Questions remain about new or refurbished home for AquaSox

I imagine I have read most of The Herald’s reportage on the Everett AquaSox and the team’s need for a new ballpark. However, I have a couple of questions I believe have been inadequately covered.

First, how much rent does the Everett School District receive from the AquaSox for use of Funko Field? How does the district use this money? If the AquaSox leave, how will the district recoup that money? Or will the district cut certain programs or people? Further, how would the loss of the AquaSox affect local business? I imagine the rent the AquaSox pay the district is significant.

I’d also like to know if the AquaSox leave, then how far is it possible they’d move? It’s the Northwest League so it’s doubtful the AquaSox would move to Boulder, Colo.; or Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

I doubt the Seattle Mariners would want their high-A team terribly far from Seattle, and with the Rainiers in Tacoma, I scarcely see the need for the AquaSox to relocate farther south. So what are we talking then? Mount Vernon? Sedro-Woolley? Bellingham? I think these are questions I’d have my reporters ask. Tell us what all of this really means.

Bill Helm

Bellingham