USC Dissenter
Who could overlook state assemblyman Paul Krekorian's comments about USC and the Coliseum this week. Well, we did actually. But here they are.
``I’m a lifelong USC fan, a USC graduate, and a 20-year USC football season ticket holder. No one loves the Trojans more than I do,'' said Krekorian of Burbank. ``USC is a terrific tenant, and I hope that future generations of Trojan players will always run through that Coliseum tunnel on game day. But my first obligation is to the citizens of California, and I will fight any USC lease that does not fully protect the public’s interests.
``I’m deeply troubled to hear that USC is seeking a long term ‘master lease’ over the stadium that would be tantamount to ownership and would give USC unfettered control. The Coliseum is owned by the public and it must always remain under the public’s control.
``The State of California cannot allow the Coliseum to be held hostage by USC.''
Talk about being out of touch with reality... The Coliseum has been held hostage by a dysfunctional Commission for the last 30 years that has allowed it to fall into disrepair, become antiquated, and have so arrogant as to chase away three major tenants (Rams, Raiders, and UCLA)... how in Gods name could USC do a worst job after put $100 million of its own money into the place.... also would someone point out to Mr. Krekorian how many "publicly owned" entities are actually run by the private sector. At one time, even the Coliseum Commission had a private company handling day to day management and operation of the Coliseum - how would contracting with USC to manage and run the stadium be much different that that.
The real question is why should the state own or run a stadium? How about balancing the budget!?
Is this guy up for re-election soon?? Get a grip! Either fish or cut bait regarding improvements.
I thought UCLA graduated these socialist Dems. The publicly owned Coliseum would be considered a blight in any other community, and politicians would be looking for any way possible to unload it on a party willing to take responsibility for it. They can't even get an NFL team to come to the second largest market in this country because they have no vision for the facility.
The Coliseum Commission is inept, corrupt, and obsolete. It only serves as a source of good old fashioned patronage for the political cronies or “appointees” of the Governor, Mayor, and County Supervisors. The Commissioners have made USC’s income a public issue, therefore the public also deserves to know much it pays these “public servants” and the well heeled consulting and legal firms they employ for the wonderful work they have done protecting the public’s interest.
Bosco and Loco talk the truth. The Coliseum Commission is a useless group of old farts who don't realize that USC is the cash cow that keeps the Coliseum afloat! How can they dare threaten the group that pays the bills for them, while their unabashed political grand-standing gets all the headlines in newspapers and on TV news? It's time for them to face the facts that there will NEVER be an NFL team in the Coliseum again and look in the mirror and see that USC is the only major tenant that will be using their outdated facility. Oh, and then put in some decent bathrooms, too. That would help ...
Instead of maintaining the Coliseum, the Commission wasted millions on junkets, consultants, architects and lawyers chasing a foolish NFL dream. The now decrepit heap of crumbling concrete, shorted circuitry, broken seats, and leaking pipes is their proud legacy.
Hopfully good intentions, but BAD ANALYSIS! Arnie should call the esteemed colleague, trying to represent the wonderful city of Burbank, in to his office and give him a little "pep talk", assuming Governor Arnie falls on the right side of Exposition Blvd on this matter. If not, we should wratchet up another "recall" and somehow include Krekorian on the ballot. I am also a U.S.C. grad, one of 190,000 or so living, born and raised in SOCAL. I am not famous or rich(money wise), but I try to stay informed, NOT UNINFORMED! Ol' SC has become one of the top universities in the world by "privately partnering within themselves and those around them and throughout the world." NOT BY LAND GRABBING! U.S.C. is the largest private employer in the "City of Angels" and is one of the "brightest torches" in and around South Central Los Angeles for over a hundred years! They have earned a "Master Lease". The Coliseum Commission has earned nothing but an "antiquated appointment". Their work speaks for itself! Governor, Sir, Please help U.S.C. and DISBAND this group which does not represent even close to a majority of anything. Tell their lawyers to "pipe down" and "move on". The good lady said it not me, "YOU'RE TERMINATED, BLEEPERS!