Aldermen Don't Want to Foot Bill for Daley's Olympic Dream
Alderman "one step away" from trying to stop Games
AP
Information material of the 'No Game Chicago' group is set up at a makeshift protest stand outside the Olympic museum as the Chicago Olympic bid team present their candidature to the IOC members during the first briefing for IOC members on the candidature for the 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, Wednesday, June 17, 2009. Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo will make pitches to members of the International Olympic Committee on Wednesday in a crucial test ahead of the October vote on which city hosts the 2016 Summer Games. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)
What has the makings of a full-blown aldermanic rebellion is shaping up in the City Council over Chicago's plans to stage the 2016 Olympic Games.
Ten aldermen have now signed onto an ordinance sponsored by 1st ward alderman Manny Flores, which would cap city spending on financial guarantees at $500 million. And Alderman Sandi Jackson said today she is one step away from calling for pulling the plug on the Games completely.
"The city is strapped for money. We don't know what's going to happen to the economy," Jackson said. "Most of my constituency is very much against it."
Flores says he remains a supporter and believe the Games represent a potential financial boost for the city.
But, he said, "We must pursue the olympic bid in a financially responsible and transparent manner."
Posted Tuesday, Jul 14, 2009 - 3:59 PM CST
