Saturday, February 14, 2009

2016 Bid

  • Chicago Olympic bid officials said today the cost of presenting a summer games here in 2016 would be $4.8 billion — including $1 billion in construction and a $450 million “safety net” against shortfalls — the bulk of it privately financed.

    That safety net would be used before the city would be on the hook for up to $500 million if revenues fall short.

$4.8 billion. That's quite a sum for a municipality to be throwing around. We still wonder about that "privately financed" thing though. There was a comment berating us about how he'd rather take the word of a self made billionaire over a bunch of cops. Maybe he'd like to take a look at these recent articles in the news:
  • LONDONAs Chicagoans get their first peek Friday at the details of the city's 2016 Olympic proposal, they might keep in mind how much anticipation and excitement greeted the unveiling of London's "bid book" in 2004.

    Organizers here also envisioned a grand, affordable Games, putting the price tag at $4.9 billion. These Olympics, in similar fashion to some of the elements in Chicago's proposed Games, were to be paid for in part with corporate sponsorships and heavy private investment in an athletes village that could be sold afterward for a profit.

    [...] Five years later, the price tag for the 2012 Games has nearly tripled to $13.5 billion, the result of unexpected cost increases that have dogged nearly every Olympics. A growing recession, which some fear may be Britain's worst since the 1930s, has darkened London's financial picture, just as the U.S. downturn may threaten Chicago's.
Or this one:
  • VANCOUVER -[...] The Vancouver Games have an operating budget of $1.63 billion -- a $104 million increase over the original budget that was developed about two years ago.

    Games security was originally estimated at $140 million to be split between the provincial and federal governments. The Canadian government has since acknowledged that cost could be as high as $800 million -- or 1 billion in Canadian funds.

    British Columbia's finance minister Colin Hansen acknowledged Monday that B.C.'s share of security costs will "likely" blow a hole in the province's total Games budget.

So do you still want to take the word of a "self made billionaire" who probably doesn't live in Chicago, doesn't pay Chicago taxes, has never risked a dime of his own money or his company's money on something like an Olympics...

...or maybe, just maybe, take a look around at the trove of public information that says we're on the right track of who is really going to see any sort of financial benefit from these Games. It isn't the person looking back at you in the mirror every morning. Trust us.

Labels:

55 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Number of times Shortshanks has told the truth in his miserable life: 0

Number of times shortshanks has lied, cheated, or stolen from the people of Chicago: Uncountable

The joy of seeing shortshanks join Ryan et al in the penitentiary some happy, happy day......

BOUNDLESS!!

Daley is a sociopath who believes most of his own lies. Let us hope that the IOC, a pack of liars, cheats and thieves themselves, are not also fools, foolish enough to award The Games to shortshanks and his merry band of incompetent's....

2/14/2009 12:24:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Off Topic...listen to this, Finance goofs have determined that the helicopter unit is not worth the money ("have they made any arrests from up there" was stated in a meeting). The unit is to be disbanded with the helicopters and all equipment to be listed under OEC budget. All PO's assigned to aviation unit to be reassigned to patrol. OEC will use homeland security dollars to pay for it. It will be staffed by civilian members (possible CPD retirees?) belonging to OEC.

2/14/2009 12:53:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090214/ap_on_re_us/officer_shot

2/14/2009 01:26:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I have yet to speak to one person that thinks the olympics will be good for chicago. It's not just the police but not one civilian wants it. Everyone knows chicago is a disaster and we need to keep our finances in check and repair this city from the devastating spending that has been running rampant. The smart people learn from history and history is telling us right now how bad the olympics is for other cities.

2/14/2009 03:32:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The OLYMPICS are a bad idea - they are NOT money makers and as you have pointed out - what was thought to be a $4.9 Billion pricetag in London has now TRIPLED.

By having everyone focus on a project that is 6 years out, the sheeple - including the Press - are not focusing on the Here and Now problems. There are a LOT of major projects that could be taken care of NOW.

Instead, we have this giddy rah-rah approach of bringing the Olympics to Chicago.

CUT THE SALES TAX IN HALF and you'll get more people to come to Chicago on a daily basis. While you're at it - Cut the parking fees downtown as well.

To recently come downtown for a business lunch meeting with 2 other people cost $78 (No drinks just a mediocre lunch and soft drinks) PLUS $30 to park. NEXT TIME - see you in Oak Brook.

And all you yuppies that have cars with out-of-state plates in all the parking lots - start buying your city stickers to pay for all your services. Screwing the commuter and those that have to come downtown with higher parking fees and other taxes to support overpaid city workers needs to stop.

- A Fed-UP Taxpayer who avoids Chicago as much as possible.

2/14/2009 06:18:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sun-times poll was 90% against daleys olympics

2/14/2009 07:54:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

By 2017 the inner circle of the regime will be in Palm $pring$ enjoying their wealth. They will laugh at you when they see video of you and your children fighting crack zombies in the streets of Chicago for scarce resources.

Remember, the US will be totally busted by then too. You are at the bottom of the "Bailout" food chain. Somebody has to pay for all this. Guess who?

2/14/2009 08:31:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Can you remember anything in this City that has come in "on time and within budget"? Nothing, and I mean nothing in this City ever has. Three times budget is the norm. Behold the metal turd in the park - some thing as simple as that was so over budget...and no one was fired or demoted or held accountable in any fashion.

The Olympics are a disaster in the works, but all Daley sees is a fifth star on the City flag and his place in history. Stop worrying about your place in history Mr. Mayor. You have secured it with with your mismanagement and your corruption. This is how you will be remembered throughout history.

Oh yeah, taxpayer funded art is just another form of welfare.

2/14/2009 09:21:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Again I say, Fuck you Daley!

2/14/2009 09:26:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You can still vote on the Olympics Poll the Sun Times is conducting. Let's make it 99.9% opposed to the Olympics.

2/14/2009 09:45:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't believe it the cost will be much more than the stated amount. Look at Vancouver, BC, where the cost has exceeded the budgeted amount. Many wish they hadn't won the nod for the 2010 olympics.

2/14/2009 09:52:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Back up, what does he mean "bulk of." Who's picking up the rest of the tab?

2/14/2009 09:58:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

what about the PENSION being so underfunded?

2/14/2009 10:06:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
By 2017 the inner circle of the regime will be in Palm $pring$ enjoying their wealth. They will laugh at you when they see video of you and your children fighting crack zombies in the streets of Chicago for scarce resources.

Remember, the US will be totally busted by then too. You are at the bottom of the "Bailout" food chain. Somebody has to pay for all this. Guess who?

2/14/2009 08:31:00 AM

I disagree by 2017 most will be indicted or dead from the threat of Patrick Fitzgerald! The people who still live in shitcago crook county will be living in boxes as they will be bankrupt from tax debt!

2/14/2009 10:08:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Folks...the Democrats/marxists run the show now. This stimulus package is your first shot. The calls into the capitol were 100 to 1 AGAINST it and guess what...screw you America, we thief democrats are going to do it anyway.
Same with these Olympics, the democrat fixers are going to do this and no mountain of evidence or facts to the contrary will change their minds.
We are screwed!
America as we have known it is over!
the new national slogan will be
"shut up and pay up"

2/14/2009 10:24:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

All that money could fix most all of the problems that daley is letting go to poop!

2/14/2009 10:33:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
Off Topic...listen to this, Finance goofs have determined that the helicopter unit is not worth the money ("have they made any arrests from up there" was stated in a meeting). The unit is to be disbanded with the helicopters and all equipment to be listed under OEC budget. All PO's assigned to aviation unit to be reassigned to patrol. OEC will use homeland security dollars to pay for it. It will be staffed by civilian members (possible CPD retirees?) belonging to OEC.

2/14/2009 12:53:00 AM

We had a helicopter? I work downtown and NEVER saw it...

2/14/2009 10:38:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

He would take the word of a billionaire, who can help him hide a funnel money through projects to help him and his cronies. Look at the privatization of city assets, his nephew just happens to work for Morgan Stanley and I bet more of the companies who are making the city purchases belong to or are run by politically connected family members. If you look at most billionaires and how they obtained their wealth it is usually by great fraud and theft. Didn't a billionaire who was trusted by the "elite" just get caught for stealing over 50 billion dollars in customers money? Didn't Rezco another billionaire get in troubled for similar practices?

2/14/2009 10:49:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

All the organizations that have anything to do with the Olympics should get together and decide on one permanent place for the summer games and one permanent place for the winter games. Build , maintain and improve the place with the vast profits they talk of these games generating. This bid system is a bigger fraud than the UN , the Democratic Party or Mayor Daly.

2/14/2009 11:19:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm retired where and when can I apply for the job.

2/14/2009 11:20:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm surprised that there are still some people who think that the Olympics making or loosing money is an issue for the people trying to get it here in Chicago. They only want the Olympics like Alderman Banks wanted lots to develop on the NW side. They only see it as a way to make money for themselves and nothing more. Take a look at the news and how government here in Illinois works. They provide $500,000 in campaign donations and then their company or their wives company get's $50 million in contracts. That is how the Olympics will be run. They're willing to bet a million of their money to get at a billion of ours.

2/14/2009 11:20:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How much OVER BUDGET was Millenium (sp?) park???????
Anyone know?????




E.B.

2/14/2009 11:24:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The bottom line is we need strong, trusting leadership, not the corrupt cronyism leadership-- and that is all we have. This corrupt government from city-county-state is bringing us down fast, especially in this recession. God help us.

2/14/2009 12:56:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

No worries folks. The world will end on December 21, 2012. No need to bother with Olympic funds. Party like a rock star and spend that stimulus check.

2/14/2009 01:05:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

No 2016 Chicago Games ..the City can't even afford to plow snow or put salt on icy side streets..
Chicago is broke and still no NEW POLICE contract for over 18 months and counting

2/14/2009 01:39:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm not all for the games, but as someone who works in the hospitality industry I stand to make good money from this.

2/14/2009 02:52:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hey Moron, Vancouver Surrey only has 3 million people and its the winter Olympics. Jesus.

2/14/2009 02:55:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

We Will Have The 2016 Olympics, and You Will Pay For It.
You won't be able to afford to attend them. Parking fees etc.
Whatever "His Honor" wants he gets.
So Chew On It !
PS: Have A Nice Day !!!!

2/14/2009 03:12:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

It doesn't matter, there is no way the IOC is going to choose Chicago over Rio.

Unless the bribe is right.

Wasn't one of Ryan's sons a Chicago cop for a few years?

2/14/2009 03:29:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

IOC-We do not want the olympics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The hell with Shortshanks our idiot thieving mayor.

2/14/2009 03:50:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

How much does the the Leslie Nielson Look alike Patrick Ryan get out of this ?

2/14/2009 04:52:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

by 2016 ill have almost 20years on on the job. ill be on furlo and as far away from chicago as i possibly can be

2/14/2009 05:42:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

There is a worldwide depression. Chicago's situation? Not salting the streets, no police contract, layoffs of city workers, the city being gutted by foreclosures and the real estate speculators' failed projects -- but insanely inviting the whole world to a huge multi-billion-dollar liability of a party while ducking bullets from day-to-day violence it cannot control.

"011 District was like the Wild West on Valentine's Day.

"Victim #1
1240 hrs. man shot in leg @ 4000 W. Wilcox.

"Victim #2
1355 hrs. man shot in stomach @ 4535 W. Jackson.

"Victim #3
1410 hrs Man shot multiple times in chest @ 4517 W. Harrison."

--2/14/2009 04:26:00 PM -- and just wait until it gets dark!

There is a good parallel to this in current events; I must say that Chicago is just as irresponsible and lacking in common sense as the family that reportedly invited professional welfare mom (she has a publicist now, a web site, and "agents" talking to Oprah) Nadya Suleman and her litter of 14 to come and live with them on their farm.

In both cases -- talk about asking for trouble.

The Olympics are kind of like synthetic octuplets; great fun in theory, until the bill comes. In one case "special needs," multi-million-dollar hospital stays, endless surgeries to correct defects, lifetime care -- in the other case the bribes, theft, waste, shoddy work, huge cost overruns, destruction of the cityscape with huge, special-purpose buildings, and shattering displacement of the working poor that are the repeatedly proven and observable consequences of hosting the Olympics.

Daley sure as hell won't listen to your complaints but these people might --

...................................
The International Olympic Committee is the supreme authority of the Olympic Movement


PRESIDENT

Jacques Rogge

VICE-PRESIDENT(S)

Lambis V. Nikolaou
Chiharu Igaya
Thomas Bach
Zaiqing Yu

MEMBER(S)

Ser Miang Ng
Mario Pescante
Sam Ramsamy
Gerhard Heiberg
Denis Oswald
René Fasel
Mario Vázquez Raña
Frank Fredericks
Nawal El Moutawakel
Richard L. Carrión

ADDRESS

International Olympic Committee
Executive Board
Château de Vidy
1007 Lausanne
Switzerland

TELEPHONE

(41.21) 621 61 11

FAX

(41.21) 621 62 16

2/14/2009 07:47:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

OT -- We create a Department of Homeland Security, then we do this --

U.S. to open military to temporary immigrants

"02-14-2009 - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military will begin recruiting immigrants with special skills who are in the United States on temporary visas, offering a chance to become citizens in as little as six months, The New York Times reported..."

http://www.reuters.com/article/
domesticNews/idUSTRE51E02C20090215

2/14/2009 08:25:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is what we have to look forward to after we mortgage our birthright for a couple of weeks of people running around in circles and throwing things. Here is the aftermath of the 2004 Olympics.

"ATHENS -- The large open area surrounding the major cluster of this city's Olympic venues remains as unpleasantly barren as it was during the 17 days of the 2004 Summer Games.

"It is sun-baked, wind-swept and dusty, with patches of dying scrub foliage poking through the gravel. The atmosphere discourages a visitor...the lack of effective maintenance was obvious. Tiles were missing...rust stains...slow decay...accumulated grime...seat backs were dirty and the concrete aisles and walkways stained. A feeling of benign neglect permeated the 26-year-old stadium...

"'We need to replant the whole region,' Bakoyannis said. 'It takes time and money. We needed a breath after the heavy financial burden we had to face.'

"The exact price final tag remains elusive.

"Costas Cartalis, the government's former general secretary for the Olympic Games, told David Owen of the Financial Times it was 5.51 billion euros, or about $7 billion at the 2004 exchange rate. Tziralis pegged it at 11.2 billion euros, or some $14 billion."

http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune
.com/theskyline/2008/08/athens-
post-oly.html

2/14/2009 08:58:00 PM  
Blogger OLD*6970 said...

POWER CAN MAKE YOU CRAZY
YOU KNOW---COOCOOO!! ALL OF THEM!!
**************
THANK-GOD A GOOD 95%
OF REAL POLICE PEOPLE DIDN'T LET THEMSELVES GET (HIPMOT$IZED)..
BY MERIT OR A STATE OF DEPRESSION.
YOU OUT THERE NOW, ARE THE GOOD GUYS STILL.!!! OUR SOCIETY REWARDS BAD BEHAVIOR,FROM WALL ST.
TO 33RD. AND EVERY WHERE IN BETWEEN. BECAUSE OF THAT AND IN SPITE OF THAT YOU DO THE JOB UNDER ALL THE LOUSY CONDITIONS THAT EXSIT BECAUSE OF THAT.SO I FOR ONE
GIVE HIGH SCORES TO THE 95% THAT
REMEMBER THE REASON THEY WENT ON THE JOB, JUST LIKE THAT, (GOOD DAY
DAMMIT) SAID. PRIDE DOES START WITH
ONES SELF.I AM STILL PROUD OF 95%
OF THE P.O.'S. SUPERINTENDENTS ?, WILL COME AND GO. THE P.O. WILL
ALWAYS BE CONSTANT ALWAYS.
YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELVES TO BE PROUD OF YOURSELF,YOU KNOW WHAT
YOU STAND FOR.! DON'T SELL YOUR
SELF SHORT.IMAGINE WHAT THIS CITY WOULD BE LIKE IF IT WEREN'T FOR
YOU!
GOOD LUCK-BE SAFE
IT'S AN HONOR TO SAY IT.

2/14/2009 09:55:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

4.8 billion + for the Olympics.

Daley... you are a madman and you're going a disservice to the people of Chicago

2/14/2009 09:59:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

OK let me make it simple... "shortshanks" or "king daley" or whatever immature name calling you want to use says "I have private donors that will fund a new pair of BDU pants for all of you! Every pair will be privately funded...NO COST TO YOU! As a matter of fact...after a brief wear, you can sell them back at an FOP uniform sale for $30! All profit for you!

So sounds good right? But after much pissing and moaning, the sniveling crybaby rank and file say "we dont wnat it! No Way! Those pants will cost us! We dont know how but they will!!!"

But the aforementioned "shortshanks" or "hizonor" or whatever says he is going to give you the pants anyways...

A week later, he says "well, looks like we are going to actually have to use some of your money, and it will cost you each $10 a pair, and I have several independent studies showing you will all make $20 in the end."

SO you still get to sell them back for $30 a pair! You get a lot of international notoriety, as every one wants these pants! And you get the privilege of wearing these pants... And not only do you make the initial $20, but over the next 30 years, you get a dollar a week for doing nothing but have worn these pants!

Do you people get it or are you too damn hard headed??? Hope I made it easy enough!!! If not, then we are as dumb as we look in the powder blue shirts! And if you cant make the inference, then raise your hand and Tommy will come and hit you over the head with a tack hammer!


Get it? You STILL MAKE MONEY!!!

2/15/2009 12:22:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Chicago Tax Paying Resident DONT want the Olympics here. Plain & Simple. Stop waisting money Mr. Mayor and start concerning yourself with public safety, hiring more officers and paying them what they deserve.

2/15/2009 04:12:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Let Daley figure out how much he wants to steal annually and jsut take it, with city council approval, and forget this Olympic nonsense.and his p.r. hacks and their phony newsconferences.and his privatizations. declare himself the tsar of chicago..just take from his fiefdom upfront..it would be cheaper in the long run and maybe leave some money left over to run this city...carry on....that is all..

2/15/2009 08:27:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

make the checks out to maggie from the barack license plates..

2/15/2009 08:28:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"Get it? You STILL MAKE MONEY!!!

2/15/2009 12:22:00 AM"


Bullshit.

2/15/2009 09:54:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yes, the Olympics are big money makers, for Daley, McHugh Construction, all the committee members, aldermen with law practices, Kenny Construction Co., etc! The new trick at City Hall is that they hand out these mulltimillion dollar contracts for work that they actually do, but it is done repeatedly year after year. Ever wonder why you see work being done and think, "didn't they just pave this street, or tear of this sidewalk or park before?" Yeah they did, but they keep getting paid to do it over and over again all across the city! You still have to do the work, but you are never without a contract! Genius I say, Genius!

2/15/2009 09:58:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mass transit here stinks. Some venues will be miles outside the city limits - our roads are too clogged up as is. There aren't enough hotel rooms. Redeveloping the Michael Reese site will go way over budget. Running the show with private funds is a laugh. IOC, give it to Tokyo, Rio, any place but Chgo!

2/15/2009 11:10:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

And if you cant make the inference, then raise your hand and Tommy will come and hit you over the head with a tack hammer!

--------------------------------------

OK, I'm raising my hand! Kindly have Tommy whack me on the head — that at least I'll understand. Your analogy is meaningless drivel.

2/15/2009 11:42:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

the city is definately looking for olympics money. i live in 022 and the entire neighborhood got tickets for parking the wrong direction. i have lived in 022 for 25 years and this is a first. cannot wait till this shithole city LOSES the olympic bid !!!

2/15/2009 12:07:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
How much does the the Leslie Nielson Look alike Patrick Ryan get out of this ?

2/14/2009 04:52:00 PM

ryan is old as dirt and will be dead by the time olypics come here, but with a chest full of cash!

2/15/2009 12:53:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The so called "VOTE" that Daley did regarding support or non-approval of the olympics coming to Chicago was fixed. Just like everything else in this city. Why not poll every city employee and see what the real total is. Or how about poll every registered voter in Chicago and see what the real total is. WE DONT WANT THE OLYMPICS YOU BAFOON.

Oh yeah; how many more WORLD TRIPS are you going to take Mayor Deep Pockets at the tax payers expense.

2/15/2009 02:41:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Bullshit.

2/15/2009 09:54:00 AM

really? is that the BEST you could do??? Whats ironic is that is pretty indicative of every damn anti-olympic argument on this blog. Typical

2/15/2009 10:17:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"really? is that the BEST you could do??? Whats ironic is that is pretty indicative of every damn anti-olympic argument on this blog. Typical

2/15/2009 10:17:00 PM"


It's better than you deserve.

2/16/2009 02:15:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/02/tribune-exclusive-mass-transit-doomsday-looms-yet-again.html



Olympics here we come?

2/16/2009 02:29:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Note to city hall:

WE DON'T WANT THE OLYMPICS

2/16/2009 08:09:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WHO ARE ALL THESE PRIVATE FIRMS THAT ARE SUPPOSEDLY FOOTING THE BILL? Can Daley name one??

2/16/2009 08:16:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WHO ARE ALL THESE PRIVATE FIRMS THAT ARE SUPPOSEDLY FOOTING THE BILL? Can Daley name one??

2/16/2009 08:16:00 PM

Aon now go away

2/16/2009 09:31:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i live in 022 and the entire neighborhood got tickets for parking the wrong direction. i have lived in 022 for 25 years and this is a first.

I know what you mean. Parking my DeSoto in the right direction has always seemed too much of a common sense thing.

Are your alleys still cinder? Rugai's promised all new wooden sidewalks in my precinct this year. Seems a little early to be passing out election-year perks, but we ain't gonna look a gift whore in the mouth. The best news is the Toledo, Wabash and Western Railroad's coming through in '13, so we should get electricity soon...

2/21/2009 03:20:00 AM  

Post a Comment

<< Home

Newer Posts.......................... ..........................Older Posts