Friday, August 15, 2008

Mayor says Olympics here shouldn't be costly

Tribune:
Mayor Richard Daley said Thursday that the Beijing Olympics was "something to see," but he doesn't feel pressure to match China's grandiose display should Chicago host the 2016 Games.

"The Beijing Olympics was their coming-out party," Daley said in his first meeting with Chicago media since his trip. "China spent between $45 billion and $80 billion. All of the Olympics combined haven't spend that. . . . This is their statement to the world: 'We're here, we're not going away and we're going to compete against you continually, on business, on politics, whatever it is, we are here to stay.' "

Daley watched the $300 million opening ceremony but said Chicago won't match it.

"You don't compete there. In 2012, in London, they're not going to spend that much money," Daley said.

The mayor quickly added that the organization of Chicago 2016 would be "completely different." He reiterated his promise that no local taxpayer dollars would be used to put on the 2016 Olympics.
According to the article private money would be used for these Olympics. I was about to be cynical when I saw this headline, however.

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