This entry definitely supports that position.
So, without further ado, here we go.
With all due respect to both Mr. David Peterson and Ms. Jagoda Pike, capable individuals in their own right, can these optimists really continue to put a glass-half-full spin on the latest attempt to bring a potentially economically debilitating world-class sporting event, the 2015 Pan American Games, to the region?
As Canadians, why do we continue to reward apparent mediocrity? Mr. Peterson, in his leadership role failed three times to bring major sporting extravaganzas to the area; Ms. Pike, two. In fairness, Peterson was one of the cast of “thousands” who were successful in bringing an NBA franchise to the city. Ms. Pike is a very well respected newspaper business executive with strong family values.
Some background for those unfamiliar with either individual.
Ms. Pike is publisher of the Toronto Star and president 
of Star Media Group. She is also an alumna of Trinity College in the University of Toronto and the Osgoode School of Law. Effective October 4, 2008, Ms. Pike will step down as publisher of the Toronto Star and assume the role of heading Ontario's bid for the 2015 Pan Am Games. Ms. Pike joined Torstar Corporation in 1986. During her tenure, Ms. Pike has held a broadly diverse portfolio of key leadership positions, affording her a unique perspective on all aspects of Torstar’s newspaper publishing operations. Fair enough.
of Star Media Group. She is also an alumna of Trinity College in the University of Toronto and the Osgoode School of Law. Effective October 4, 2008, Ms. Pike will step down as publisher of the Toronto Star and assume the role of heading Ontario's bid for the 2015 Pan Am Games. Ms. Pike joined Torstar Corporation in 1986. During her tenure, Ms. Pike has held a broadly diverse portfolio of key leadership positions, affording her a unique perspective on all aspects of Torstar’s newspaper publishing operations. Fair enough.David Robert Peterson, PC and QC was the twentieth Premier of the Province of Ontario, Canada, from June 26, 1985 to October 1, 1990. He was the first Liberal premier of Ontario in 42 years. On September 5, 1990, the day of a snap Provincial election, Peterson even lost his own seat, having been resoundingly defeated by NDP candidate 
Marion Boyd in London Centre by over 8,200 votes. It is almost unheard of for a provincial Premier to be unseated in his own riding. The loss ended Peterson's political career. He announced his resignation as Liberal leader on the night of the election, and formally resigned as premier on October 1, 1990. Going into the election, the Liberals stood at 50% support in the polls. Peterson himself had a 54% approval rating. There were, of course, mitigating circumstances that contributed to the downfall of Peterson’s government. Ironically, the party that came to power, the NDP, was led by Bob Rae – now a senior contender to the federal Liberal throne. Talk about bad timing all round. Peterson also was a previous leader in the failed charge to secure the Olympics for Toronto – on two separate occasions.
Marion Boyd in London Centre by over 8,200 votes. It is almost unheard of for a provincial Premier to be unseated in his own riding. The loss ended Peterson's political career. He announced his resignation as Liberal leader on the night of the election, and formally resigned as premier on October 1, 1990. Going into the election, the Liberals stood at 50% support in the polls. Peterson himself had a 54% approval rating. There were, of course, mitigating circumstances that contributed to the downfall of Peterson’s government. Ironically, the party that came to power, the NDP, was led by Bob Rae – now a senior contender to the federal Liberal throne. Talk about bad timing all round. Peterson also was a previous leader in the failed charge to secure the Olympics for Toronto – on two separate occasions.Is a successful bid the only thing that will bring much needed improvements to the regions, specifically Toronto's rapidly deteriorating infrastructure?
That being the case, as voters, should we not be doing more with our elected officials in both Ottawa and Queens Park where our tax dollars are controlled? Remember, there is a Federal election here in Canada on October 14.
Think of the overall cost in manpower and dollars behind this latest effort. At the moment, the numbers being thrown around to successfully mount this event are this: cost to all levels of government for all “known” construction, etc. is conservatively pegged at $1.77 billion. Published projections for the positive economic impact for the area are coming in at $2 billion and the creation of 17,000 jobs and may attract an estimated 250,000 tourists. Note to self: this is 2008; the Games are in 2015. Just how far off can all these estimates be at the end of the day? In truth, I am uncertain if these numbers are based upon today’s declining dollar values or a future rate. Remember, there is no mention of overruns, shortfalls and all the usual baggage associated with any capital project. Granted, much of those dollars may come from the private sector, but will this then escalate into a bidding war for naming rights on new facilities and improved transportation – for example, Suncor's Transit Commission, anyone?
Is it just me? At this time in a vicious downturn for this continent’s economic cycle, are there not better ways of investing dollars? Ms. Pike is quoted as saying, “Parents know that investment in sporting facilities is badly needed, especially if Ontario wants to nurture athletes of national and international calibre. If we're going to encourage kids to be active, you have to give them somewhere to be active in. You have to inspire them. You have to actually give them a place to be the best. My view is that you can't develop children without developing them both intellectually and physically. There's so much good that could come out of this."
Yeah, but… we have some pretty terrific facilities right now – and still we have many lethargic, obese kids sitting watching videos and updating their profiles on social networks – anything to avoid physical activity. How will this change? Is this not an issue for the examination of better parenting perhaps, not about domed velodromes?
To make it clear, I’m really not opposing this bid. I’m just asking folks to take a step back and examine just why this is so damned important at this time.
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