The group opposing efforts to bring the Olympics to Boston is keeping its donor list secret. Olympic boosters are paying big salaries and hefty fees to staffers and consultants with ties to former Governor Deval Patrick. Two private entities are waging a public battle over bringing the Olympics to Boston in 2024.
The pro-Olympic entity, Boston2024, makes no secret of the fact that its financial backing comes from big corporations and wealthy individuals. The list of supporters on the organization’s website is a roster of many of the state’s biggest employers and prominent corporate citizens, including MassMutual Financial Group, EMC Corporation, and Raytheon.
But how much the major corporations, and individuals listed as “founding supporters” have “generously invested,” is a matter of speculation.
The group No Boston Olympics solicits donations on its website, but does not report who has given it money or how much. Co-chairman Chris Dempsey asserts that people would be hesitant to give if their names and donation amounts were made public.
" We have true grassroots support. It is people all around the state writing us a $25 check, writing a $10 check," he said.
Dempsey rejects the charge that it is hypocritical to call for transparency from Olympic boosters while keeping his own donor list a secret.
" It is false to equate us with Boston2024. We would gladly go away tomorrow if Boston2024 drops the bid," he said.
Both Boston2024 and No Boston Olympics are organized for tax purposes as 501 (c) (4) entities. They are not charities or political organizations. The withholding of donor and other financial information is legal, according to Pam Wilmot, executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts.
"They have no public backing and therefore have no public responsibility," she said. " Whatever they want to hide they can."
Boston2024 insists it will never ask for a taxpayer bailout, but Wilmot notes many observers are skeptical.
" Right now it is a private deal. Obviously is a big deal for the city of Boston and state of Massachusetts, so whatever transparency can be attached the better," said Wilmot.
At the urging of Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, Boston2024 this week reported the salaries of its 10 full- time staffers and how much it is paying in fees to various consultants. The payroll totals $1.4 million topped by the $300,000 being paid to executive director Richard Davey, the former Patrick administration transportation secretary.
Consultants working for Boston2024 include Doug Rubin, a top political strategist for Patrick and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren.
It was also revealed that Patrick will be paid $7,500 a day by Boston 2024 when he travels overseas to lobby for the Olympic bid.
The disclosures raised eyebrows, according to Springfield-based political consultant Tony Cignoli.
" It gives the average person cause to pause and wonder what is up. Why all this fire power and at such high prices?"
The day after Boston2024 made headlines for its per diem arrangement with Patrick, State Senate President Stan Rosenberg of Amherst reiterated his opposition to any state funding for the Olympics.
" The big thing we keep stressing is we are not going to put any state money into the operations of the Olympics and that is what we need to keep focused on," Rosenberg said on Boston Herald Radio.
Rosenberg said the legislative leadership and the administration of Gov. Charlie Baker have discussed hiring a consultant to provide expertise on the issues surrounding the Olympic bid.
He compared it to the need for expert advice when the legislature made the momentous decision to legalize casino gambling.
