What Does Chicago Think?

Sometimes I feel like I am being a bitter cat. Other times I think everyone must feel the same way...

Is Chicago on board with having the 2016 Olympics here? I'm not. I 'bout died when Mayor Daley was in Switzerland possibly signing the contract that puts the city on the hook for the Olympics! I understand that in order to stay in the running, they have to sign it...I don't think that means they should.

Am I the only one who feels like the city is kinda falling apart? The Mayor is, on the one hand laying off a thousand'ish workers, and asking for furlough days to be taken...and on the other hand, signing a blank check possibly putting the taxpayers on the hook for the Olympics!

It does NOT make me feel better when Patrick Ryan (head of the Chicago 2016 bid) says "as long as we come in on budget, the taxpayers have nothing to worry about" Really, how do you say that with a straight face?!? My understanding of Daley projects is that they DON'T come in on budget...at all. This does not comfort me...

The parking meeter mess, coupled with Stroger giving Chicago the highest sales tax in the nation have crippled retail in my neighborhood. One main drag that was booming, is now full of closed storefronts. Everywhere I drive, there are potholes that eat smaller cars for breakfast:P

I just worry that perhaps now is the time to keep our eye on the ball in front of us, and not be so wrapped up in a 2016 Olympic Bid...

This is an original Chicago Moms Blog post. When Cynthia is worrying about the state of affairs in Chicago, she blogs at The Chronicles of a SAHM, and designs at NW Designs.