Boston 2024 Officials Remain Focused Despite Reports Bid May Be In Jeopardy
BOSTON (CBS) - The Boston 2024 Committee said it is not focused on recent reports the bid may be in jeopardy.
"Our focus is not on any rumors that are out there," said Doug Rubin of Boston 2024.
A report in the Wall Street Journal said the United States Olympic Committee will pull Boston's Olympic bid if public support doesn't increase.
"The USOC has been a strong partner from day one for us and they put out a pretty unequivocal statement they're committed to Boston," said Rubin.
Since Boston announced it was the U.S. bid for the 2024 summer games, public support has continued to slide. In January 51% of people supported the bid, now it's at 36%.
The third of nine public input meetings was held on Tuesday night. Around 400 people attended the session at Harvard Business School.
"Boston needs to come together on this the sooner the better," said John Shields who supports the bid.
Teacher Edward Stamas was one of the many vocal critics. "So much money, nine billion dollars, and the priorities aren't aligned with the economy," said Stamas.
Anna Leslie came to the meeting undecided on the bid and left with a clear opinion. "The social investment and what this brings to the city is very surface level. It's not looking at root issues of poverty and inequality," Leslie said.
"I think this is a long process," said Rubin. He said right now they are focused on interacting with people at the public meetings.
