Expensive Games bid demands referendum

Re: “Victoria rival shies away from Games bid,” May 31. Would you invite your neighbours to attend a very expensive sports event and party, then stiff them with the bill, without their prior approval?

Isn’t the group considering submitting a bid to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games doing precisely that?

Major sports events, whether the Olympics, Commonwealth Games or World Cup of Football variety, have become outrageous, out-of-control, bloated financial black holes. There are numerous examples.

Promoters and overlords of the governing bodies — International Olympic Committee, Commonwealth Games Federation and FIFA — whitewash financial reality until it becomes public knowledge well after the circus leaves town.

The successfully managed (on-time, onbudget) 1994 Victoria Commonwealth Games were staged for a modest $162 million. The 2022 Commonwealth Games would cost north of $1 billion, without any real way to gauge the cost of security in a more dangerous world.

Two-thirds of the cost of any Games, including Commonwealth, is underwritten by provincial and federal governments. Many taxpayers do not realize they are paying a disproportionate share.

The ethical thing to do: Enthusiastic backers, municipal and provincial politicians, must ensure public input (via referendum) providing voters full financial disclosure (all-in costs and revenue sources) before any bid is submitted committing millions of tax dollars.

Otherwise, isn’t the taxpayer being stiffed?

Ron Devion Brentwood Bay