McHenry County Blog

One of the little tid-bits not mention in previous stories about the Crystal Lake Park Board meetings is the $450,000 that Gay Games organizers are expecting Governor Rod Blagojevich to release any day.

When I asked the Park Board it they were going to get any of the subsidy, they looked at me with eyes that seemed to indicate that they did not know of the tourism grant for which the Gay Games has applied.

The subsidy is probably particularly important to the Gay Games corporate entity, Chicago Games, Inc., because past games have taken a financial bath.

Crystal Lake’s State Rep. Mike Tryon was on record last summer as being opposed to the taxpayer subsidy. Here is the letter he sent inquiring constituents:

The support that is being offered to the Gay Games 2006 - Chicago
event is similar to that offered to any major event and convention that has selected Chicago as its host. Chicago is known worldwide as a destination for meetings, conventions and trade shows - and the Gay Games is an international event which is expected to draw 12,000 participants from 70 countries and more than 50,000 spectators to Chicago in June 2006. That being said, I agree with you that tax dollars should not be being spent to promote any sexuality lifestyle.

I have enclosed a copy of my letter to the Governor expressing my views and yours so that he may understand that there are many people who oppose this use of OUR money.

I appreciate your input and bringing this issue to my attention. Working together, we can ensure our tax dollars are spent efficiently and wisely. If I may be of further assistance to you, please contact me.

Here is what he wrote Governor Blagojevich:

I am writing in regards to the Illinois Tourism Council’s decision to use state tax dollars to promote the Gay Games. I understand the economic impact and Chicago’s attraction as a convention meeting destination. However, I do not agree that money can be the only consideration. I don’t think the people of my district or the State of Illinois want to use OUR tax dollars to promote any sexual lifestyle.

Please consider these views and reconsider your decision to have the Illinois Tourism Council support the Gay Games with taxpayer dollars. If I may be of further assistance to you on this matter, please contact me.

Messages have been left with both Senator Pam Althoff (R-McHenry) and State Rep. Jack Franks (D-Bull Valley) asking whether they have contacted the Governor and, if so, what was their message.