Setting Olympics Record Straight

This is in response to Wayne Avrashow’s commentary (“Council Should Approve Sports Arena,” Oct. 27) suggesting a parallel between the 1984 Olympics and the Staples Arena. It requires a reply. While Mr. Avrashow’s support of the Staples Arena is welcomed, it is necessary to set the record straight with respect to his statements on the 1984 Olympics.

First, contrary to the article’s assertion, the city of Los Angeles did not invest public money in the Olympics. The bid and the Games were funded in the private sector. Second, City Councilman Bob Ronka (for whom Mr. Avrashow said he served as chief of staff) did not support the bid for 1984 Olympic Games, and in fact, worked tirelessly to kill it. When the City Council vote was taken, Mr. Ronka voted against. The margin of victory was one vote, and President John Ferraro deserves the credit for the favorable result. Mayor Tom Bradley likewise took a strong leadership position in support of the games. Ronka was nothing but trouble.

Third, Mr. Avrashow is all wet in his assertion that “Many Olympic supporters were gripped by a boosterism mentality, and opposed efforts to impose any restraints on city spending.” This statement is flatly false. The Olympic leadership at all times was fully committed to a spartan and business-like games, and to protection of the city from liability. That was what several years of long and hard negotiations with the United States Olympic Committee and the Intemational Olympic Committee were about.

Pardon my indigence, but for Ronka’s staff to claim credit for the success of the 1984 Olympics is turning truth on its ear. And for him to impugn the integrity of the Olympic volunteers is disgraceful.The games succeeded in spite of Ronka and his staff, not because of them.

Hopefully, this sets the record straight.

JOHN C. ARGUE

Argue, Pearson, Harbison & Myers LLP

(Argue was chairman of the 1984 Olympic bid and founding chairman of the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee.)