A Valid Convention Bid

Los Angeles’ bid to host the 2000 Democratic convention has been novel from the beginning: A high-powered private group, headed by businessman Eli Broad, attorney Bill Wardlaw and DreamWorks SKG co-founder David Geffen, would take full financial responsibility for the event, though Los Angeles would make substantial contributions of city services such as policing and space at the Convention Center.

The $35-million proposal quickly earned Los Angeles a place in the final three, with Boston and Denver, and it was the clear front-runner. Now apparently the Democratic National Committee is having second thoughts, worried that the bid of LA Convention 2000 has no direct city backing. There are also whispers of worry because Los Angeles is the hometown of Monica S. Lewinsky. That’s a lame excuse, but the money issue is almost as silly.

Los Angeles invented the model for innovative public-private partnerships in staging the 1984 Olympics at no cost to the city. The Games and the 2000 Democratic convention are not easily comparable in scope and financing (the Olympics had TV revenues and corporate sponsorships), but the 1984 event demonstrated how various interests in Los Angeles can join together to produce a mega-event.

The 2000 convention is expected to bring in 30,000 visitors and revenues of $137 million. Surely with Los Angeles under a global spotlight and with a new stream of funds, the city would deliver on its promises concerning police protection and transportation. If the Democrats want those pledges in writing, that’s fine, but there’s no reason to require the city of Los Angeles to be the actual host.

Negotiators need to cool off and try again, remembering the benefits to both sides: The DNC gets to put forward its presidential candidate in the most populous state, and Los Angeles reaps prestige along with the tax revenue.