Boston should listen to residents when considering 2024 Olympic bid

Only a third of Bostonians support a bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics, according to recent polls. Boston 2024, the group that organized the bid, is now pushing for a statewide referendum on the issue. This unexpected move has spurred debate regarding the importance of public opinion with respect to Boston’s bid. Thus far, construction magnates have gone to great lengths to try and ensure public support, even hiring ex-Governor Deval Patrick to be the figurehead of the movement. More recently, Mayor Martin Walsh has started organizing grassroots support for the bid in hopes of a successful referendum in November. Clearly, a lot is being invested in garnering public support.

Hosting the Olympics is a great honor, and will undoubtedly result in significant economic growth to the city. However, construction magnates will likely receive the majority of the benefits of this economic growth growth, at the expense of Bostonians. Nevertheless, the hosting Olympics would be a great opportunity for Boston to build up on the popular “Boston Strong” movement, showcasing the city's resilience. Furthermore, the U.S. National Olympic Committee has already voiced its support for Boston as the top choice city for America’s bid, so if Boston doesn’t submit a bid, the U.S. will likely not host the games.

So why aren’t Bostonians on board? Why is the Daily Editorial Board still skeptical?

The simple answer is something that has been of constant concern for Bostonians these days: the snow.

Before crying, "But the 2024 Olympic games are in the summer!" one should take a look at the numbers. In January, polling showed that a majority of residents supported the bid, but as the winter progressed, the number dropped from 51 to 36 percent. This winter, the Boston area received an unprecedented amount of snow, revealing many major flaws in the city’s infrastructure. The MBTA went out of service for days at a time, and it still isn’t fully functioning. Several structures were on the verge of collapsing. And let's not forget the uncertainty over where to actually dump the snow. Additionally, with the overstretched Big Dig finally coming to an end, Bostonians could do with a decade of no construction (or at least, minimal roadwork). These cracks in the system caused by something as simple as crystalized water make hosting an event as challenging as the Olympics a frightening prospect. Imagine this same system trying to support the hordes of athletes and spectators that would flock to Boston for the Olympic Games. It's just not feasible.

As the push for Boston 2024 moves forward, the importance of public opinion cannot be underestimated. Currently, the majority seems to stand against the economic interests of industrial magnates, along with the politicians they influence. While short-term economic interests are often prioritized because they make more headlines, good campaign slogans and have great political pull, the best way to decide upon Boston hosting the Olympics now seems to be by consulting its residents. Their support and voice must be given due attention. The greater community should be empowered to make an informed decision.