Marathon Contract
As a citizen of Los Angeles and a member of the City Council, I found the public discourse in council chambers and the subsequent reporting (“Divided Council Extends Pact For L.A. Marathon,” May 9) regarding the Los Angeles Marathon contract extension to be both shortsighted and detrimental to the event and in a larger context to the city as a whole.
The L.A. Marathon is unquestionably the most important sporting and social event in our city. Every year on the first Sunday in March a global spotlight shines on Los Angeles and millions of Angelenos are united for one day. The positive impact of the marathon is felt by many in our city. More than $110 million has been injected into the local economy as a direct result of the marathon. Each year more than 50 Southern California charities raise approximately $1 million on race day. The move this year to downtown L.A. gave the downtown area a much needed boost in business.
It is time we start honoring organizations like the Los Angeles Marathon rather than tearing them apart with tired news.
RICHARD ALATORRE
Councilman, 14th District
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