L.A. mayor, not just blowing smoke, calls Olympics a ‘big’ priority for 2017
Speaking to a group of business and civic leaders on Monday night, Mayor Eric Garcetti was asked about marijuana and Los Angeles’ bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Though cannabis remains a banned substance for elite athletes, voters recently legalized its recreational use in California.
“I mean, it does give the high jump a whole new meaning,†the mayor said.
The line drew a big laugh but, in serious moments, Garcetti told the Pacific Council on International Policy that bringing the Games back to L.A. for a third time ranks as a “big†global priority for 2017.
The LA 2024 bid committee has raised $40 million in private funding to support the campaign, he said.
Los Angeles is running a tight race against Paris and Budapest, with International Olympic Committee members scheduled to select a host in September.
“It is a time for all of us to utilize any connections we have to those 98 voters,†the mayor said. “It’s like a high school election for class president, it’s that small.â€
Follow @LAtimesWharton on Twitter
ALSO
LA 2024 announces three more competition venues
LA 2024 committee says it has a plan to protect taxpayer dollars in hosting the Olympics
Lindsey Vonn, back from injuries, gets a Cup win
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
