The Editor,
During my tenure on city council (2005-2008), city staff presented the operating budget for the Richmond Oval which required tax payers to contribute $1 million to the operating budget for the Richmond Oval.
At the time, I commented that there was no way $1 million is going to be adequate when we give approximately $1 million to the Gateway Theatre.
I projected by 2011 (staff should recall this comment) the Richmond Oval would have to be subsidized by the tax payers to the tune of $3 million plus additional funds from the 2010 Games Operating Trust Fund. This has come true.
I agree the Olympic Games were excellent for Richmond locally and internationally.
However, we have to find ways to deal with the rising costs which taxpayers have to contribute annually.
We are all aware seniors are the fastest growing population and have limited income, and we are also losing our young people to other municipalities because they cannot afford to live in Richmond.
I ask the mayor and city councilors to apply common sense in containing operating costs for the Richmond Oval. Perhaps, it is time to re-visit the Richmond Oval business model if operating costs continue to escalate.
Cynthia A. Chen Richmond
