#  Garcetti’s Preference for Lighting the Olympic Torch is Misplaced

     Details    Paul Hatfield   ![logo](https://mail.citywatchla.com//templates/ja_teline_v/images/logo.png)         August 25 2016      [  ![](https://mail.citywatchla.com/images/stories/Aug-2016/069j.png)    ](https://mail.citywatchla.com/los-angeles/11697-garcetti-s-preference-for-lighting-the-olympic-torch-is-misplaced)

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>  [Comments](#disqus_thread)

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> PERSPECTIVE-The Rio Olympics is history. The green water of the diving and water polo pools has been emptied into Guanabara Bay. The Brazilian Army’s deployment helped keep a lid on crime, but it could not prevent Ryan Lochte from creating an international incident.
>
> In all fairness, Rio did pull off a mostly controversy-free Games, but there are lessons for Los Angeles. If we win the bid for 2024, our dirty laundry will be aired to the world.
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> No matter how hard a host city tries, it will be under the microscope.
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> Let me say, I believe LA can stage a financially successful Olympics. As skeptical as I can be about our city’s finances, remember: the mayor and city council will not be pulling the strings. Look for a Mitt Romney or Peter Ueberroth to run the show. Mitt should be available.
>
> First, we have to secure the bid.
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> So, talk of who should light the cauldron at the Coliseum is way too premature.
>
> But according to TMZ, [Mayor Garcetti has expressed a preference for Caitlyn Jenner to do the honors](http://www.tmz.com/2015/08/28/l-a-mayor-caitlyn-jenner-should-carry-olympic-torch-in-2024/).
>
> While Jenner has garnered both Olympic and social preeminence, the highly publicized transgender personality wins, at best, a fourth-place medal as a candidate for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
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> While I hesitate to speculate who would best represent the nation and the region, since the mayor has prematurely opened the door, I’ll weigh in.
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> The gold medal winner in the race to light the flame belongs to someone who represents the best in America and a symbol of our Southern California lifestyle. Who better for that role than Kerry Walsh-Jennings?
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> When you think of LA, the beach…and beach volleyball…emerge as one of several symbols of our culture.
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> Walsh-Jennings is a model of sportsmanship, competitiveness and triumph. In a span that transcended five Olympiads (including one as a member of the indoor team at the Sydney 2000 Games), she won three golds and a bronze. She also had a sensational career as a player at Stanford. She earned her degree there, as well. Not too shabby.
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> Jenner, whose achievements are noteworthy and has shown personal courage, unfortunately brings to mind the Kardashian clan. I do not believe we want Kim, Kanye and company leveraging off the publicity – as if they need any.
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> Regardless, this is about selecting a role model all can admire -- one who sets a standard for achievement with humility and grace.
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> Let the mayor know Walsh-Jennings can best represent us before the world.
>
> *(Paul Hatfield is a CPA and serves as President of the Valley Village Homeowners Association. He blogs at* Village to Village *and contributes to* CityWatch*. The views presented are those of Mr. Hatfield and his alone and do not represent the opinions of Valley Village Homeowners Association or CityWatch. He can be reached at:* [***phinnoho@aol.com***](mailto:phinnoho@aol.com)*.) Prepped for CityWatch by Linda Abrams.*

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