October 2nd is rapidly approaching and with it the announcement of the Olympic Bid winner. Chicagoans are polarized about whether having the Summer Games would benefit their city. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to meet in Copenhagen, Denmark to vote for the 2016 Olympic host city one week from tomorrow. First Lady Michelle Obama will be present to represent U.S. support of Chicago’s Bid.
Back home in Chicago, one of the main concerns residents have is: Who is responsible for the bill? Millions of dollars have already been raised for the cause and local Olympic Bid officials say the Games will pay for themselves and then some. Still, many Chicagoans are worried that any overrun in costs will fall back on the taxpayer.
Supporters of the 2016 Chicago Games believe an event of this magnitude will impact the city in a very positive light. Updated public transit, job creation, tourism influx, increased tax revenue, boost to local economy, international focus on Chicago. Many speculate a similar transition to what Atlanta experienced when it hosted the Olympiad in 1996.
Let’s hear your opinions regarding the matter. Do you think the benefits of having the Olympic Games outweigh the potential strain on our city's resources? What are your hopes? What are your concerns?
Posted at 11:52AM Sep 24, 2009 by Julius Dickens in General Comments[1]
Posted by Mildred on October 02, 2009 at 11:20 AM CDT #