Not all Chicagoans 'back the bid' for 2016
Posted: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 12:05 PM
By Leo Juarez, NBC News Producer
CHICAGO – You might think with all the star power surrounding Chicago's bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics – with President Barack Obama expected to join first lady Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey in Copenhagen – that there would be a groundswell of support for the effort here in the Windy City.
There just might be, but that depends on which poll you believe.
This week, the Chicago 2016 bid committee trumpeted a Zogby poll showing that 72 percent of Chicagoans "back the bid" (to use the committee's slogan).
But that is a far cry from a Chicago Tribune poll released earlier this month that had locals split down the middle, with just 47 percent for the bid versus 45 percent against it.
I did my own highly unscientific poll this week and heard arguments on both sides. Everyone agreed the president's in-person pitch could not hurt Chicago's chances, and that the games could show the world the best the city has to offer. But that publicity is not free, and concern lingers about a projected budget that already exceeds $2 billion and cost overruns that have been a staple of recent Olympic history.
"There will be insiders who will make all the money on the deal," said local Dave Stewart, echoing a common mistrust of the Chicago political machine. "Unfortunately, the taxpayers will be stuck with the overruns and the costs. And I don't see the benefit of it."
Local officials claim that most costs will be covered by revenue from the games, developer financing and donations. They have also devised a $1.4 billion insurance package and pledged $750 million in city and state money in the event of a loss.
But skepticism remains, as evidenced by the approximately 250 people who turned out Tuesday for a protest at City Hall sponsored by the group No Games Chicago.
A more satirical online protest has gone viral in the form of ChicagoansForRio.com, which features locals expressing support for Rio de Janeiro – already considered Chicago's strongest competitor. After speculation that the Brazilians were behind the site, it was revealed this week to be the pet project of a local ad executive.
Still, some residents remember that when the International Olympic Committee evaluated Chicago last April, several streets went from pothole-riddled to paved overnight. The hope is that a full-blown Olympic polish would bring about much-needed improvement in the city's infrastructure and mass transit.
"They need to improve some of those things anyway," said another local, Doug Hoenig. "So I'm hoping that bringing the Olympics here will help."
With the impeachment and upcoming trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich still fresh in local residents’ minds (thanks to his seemingly unending media blitz), some supporters welcome the good public relations that the games could bring.
"We've had a reputation that's been kind of negative," said Karen Mendoza. "And I think this would place a really positive light on the city."
Depending on what happens Friday, this whole debate could be a footnote in history. Or it may just rage on for the next seven years.
Related links: Vote: Should Obama be lobbying for Chicago?
