Should taxpayers be responsible for Michael Jackson's memorial service?
After days of speculation, many of the details surrounding Michael Jackson's memorial service have been revealed. The venue is reserved, the date is set, and most fans already have their tickets. Yet, one key question remains unanswered -- who exactly will be paying for all this?
Right now, it looks like taxpayers might be stuck footing the bill.
Organizers estimate that the cost of the event could to run into the millions, but city officials are still unclear over how the event will be paid for. Although Los Angeles City Councilwoman Jan Perry said she would love for the Jacksons to help pay the costs of the memorial, she had not heard from them as of this morning.
For many Los Angeles residents, the event is eerily reminiscent of last month's Lakers parade, which caused similar controversy. That event was eventually paid for by private donors.
"This city still has a $360-million deficit and this is a private event, much like the Laker parade. Someone in the Jackson family needs to pony up the money or cancel the event," wrote Dave.
"Sweet, more tax payer funds to support the rich and famous. I love LA. Can the city pay for my funeral as well?" said Tony Phan.
"City services for any PLANNED event should be paid for by the promoters of the event. In this case, especially, the promoters will likely make a fortune in record sales and future events that piggy back onto this spectacle. There is no reason these people should make money on the backs of taxpayers. It's no wonder our city is broke!" wrote Pablo.
Some readers pointed out that the revenue generated by the event might outweigh the costs.
"And how much will the city of Los Angeles reap on the taxes from restaurants, hotels and transportation systems that accommodate the thousands that have been and will continue to be descending on the city?" said Maggie.
"The councilwoman, Jan Perry, apparently does not understand that Los Angeles is and will always be the entertainment capital of the world. Thereby, the City of Los Angeles, will always be responsible for the safety and well being of all people who work, reside, and visit there. To even imply that the Jackson family should consider payment to the city is just plain disgusting," added Barb Wilson.
What do you think? Should the city pay for Michael Jackson's memorial service? If not, who should?
-- Brendan Bigelow
Photo: The Staples Center prepares to host Michael Jackson's memorial service.
I don't think the Jackson Family should pay. Michael Jackson has brought and will bring so much tax revenue off this wake and all future visits to your fair city and fair state that will more than pay for the public services. I think you folks should continue to ask for donations and not fall prey to the negaitivity of those who wish tarnish MJJ legacy. Who was a humanitarian who donated more than $300 million dollars of his income to charities. to speak of him or insinuate that he was some sort of sicko pedifil is so outrageous. he was not guilty. He suffered more than we could ever know on these false charges. anyone who actually knows him says he would never hurt a child. i say to those who wish to think of him as a pediofile (sp?) 'you should do as much for children as he has before you throw stones." GOD loves Michael and that is why so much of GOD's creative energy flowed thru Michael. there is no other explaination. He was even working on a symphony while preparing for this 50 date tour. who among us can say we have let this Much of GOD's LOve flow thru us?
Posted by: maria isotov | July 06, 2009 at 01:38 PM
Michael has given plenty of money to charity and paid enough taxes to the state of California. In fact, his will is set up to give a lot of money to charity in the years to come. Asking the family to pay the salaries of police and security officers for the service tomorrow is about as tacky as it comes. Hell, I would VOLUNTEER to work at this memorial as would more than one million people who didn't get tickets to the service. The Governor was elected solely on the platform of fixing the budget and 4 years later we are in twice as much trouble. That's HIS problem to solve. The community needs to mourn Michael Jackson and we shouldn't expect the Jackson family to front the bill.
T-A-C-K-Y!!!!!
Posted by: SammieB | July 06, 2009 at 01:51 PM
The city should not pay a dime on this. They stood their ground on the Lakers, who the mayor says makes LA approx $150M a year. So why pay for a wash up star that most could care less about.
You want an event..you pay! Simple as that!
Posted by: Common Sense | July 06, 2009 at 02:05 PM
In this fiscal crisis, no way! People are losing their jobs, services are shutting down, and the food banks have shortages. This is a private event sponsored by the family and they should pay. As a taxpayer, I am outraged!
Yes, Michael Jackson gave a lot of money to charity. Let's not forget though how much money he made. He lived a pretty lavish lifetyle.
AEG had an insurance policy which should cover it. How about all the profits that are rolling in from the CD sales? The future earnings from the rehearsal DVD/movie?
C'mon Jackson family, step up!
Posted by: cr | July 06, 2009 at 02:32 PM
Complete waste of taxpayer money. The Jackson family should reimburse every cent, or hold their own private memorial.
Posted by: KeithH | July 06, 2009 at 02:40 PM
California
At 8.25%, California has the highest state sales tax, which can total up to 10.75% with local sales tax included. Sales and use taxes in the state of California are collected by a publicly elected tax commission. The statewide 8.25%.
Los Angeles
10.75% let's see how high we can go.
Soon, we might get motivated to do something meaningful in this city, besides riot for Laker wins or a million dollar bill for a dead celebrity who wouldn't care if you lived or died. But just think of Michael when you are buying that cell phone, car or house when you look over at the taxes.
But hey who cares just put it on your credit card, maybe Michael Jackson has willed you some money to pay it off...
Posted by: Tax Payer | July 06, 2009 at 03:21 PM
what a circus this has become.
Posted by: Jay Vee | July 06, 2009 at 03:40 PM
I'm all for the politicians footing the bill.
Take Bernard Parks for example....his 6 figure pension from working as chief of police and then his 6 figure salary once he decided to become part of city council.
He is just one example of the greed that pervades the city. Let him fork over some of his cash to pay for the event.
Posted by: Style | July 06, 2009 at 03:45 PM
Taxpayers should NOT foot the bill for this funeral/memorial!
The family is very financially capable of paying for this, just as every other family pays for the final farewell of their loved ones!
All those families out there who can't afford to bury their loved ones...who's there to send them off...who's helping them with their basic burials? This is an insult...MJ is no more important than any other human being!
AEG and the Jackson's can both pony up..not the taxpayer!
God help us if we have a major disaster and all those funds that were saved for such are then depleted for this!
Posted by: Rosee | July 06, 2009 at 03:56 PM
Even though Im not a resident of California, I strongly believe that the taxpayers should not be responsible for 1 red cent of the cost of Michael Jacksons Memorial.. The state of California cant even pay the residents tax refunds due to high deficit that the state has..So why bring a bigger burden to the residents. Bet the state wouldnt give a cent to anyone elses funeral cost. Its a down right shame how californina are doing this to the residents. I am a fan of Michael Jacksons, but you know this isnt the right thing to do. People are suffering enough trying to make ends meet in this economy mess as it is. Let the jacksons pay for it..Or at least charge admission so the cost could be covered, or let all the merchants racking in the extra money due to this event pay for some of it..Leave the little people along. I cant believe the city is allowing and agreeing to put the whole state of california in an even bigger mess with this event..Believe me the money that is being spent for extra security isnt going to help when a riot breaks out, in which i believe it will. And why would the jacksons even announce a private funeral service, and name the place, if they dont want anyone to know..what a dumb move on them. It gona be hell at the private ceremony im sure..
Posted by: Ricky | July 06, 2009 at 04:22 PM
The family of Michael Jackson and all these FANCY, RICH movie stars, SINGERS, and rich fans should help defray the cost of the city service.
The economy is bad and many people who are paying taxes have low incomes. I would hate to think that my poor aunt in L.A. has to pay money out of her low-income paycheck. We should not help the Jackson’s host a concert at our expense.
This is why I think the Jackson’s are so GREEDY. They care for no one but themselves. I am sorry, but Michael does not deserve all this.
The Jackson's are sitting on $500 million daollars of Michael's money. They need to pay MUCH of this cost.
Posted by: knowdalaw | July 06, 2009 at 04:31 PM
Bottom line is that this is a private event that should be funded privately. While it is nice that sales and room taxes will be generated from this concert, it is also irrelevant. The Jackson family and, more appropriately, AEG should reimburse the city for all costs. Are LA taxpayers going to get a cut of the eventual DVD and CD sales of this concert? Doubt it. No wonder why everyone else in the "developed world" calls us "La La Land".
Posted by: bc | July 06, 2009 at 05:02 PM
At my funeral, the city will also benefit from taxes on flowers, caskets, parties, etc and yet I am pretty sure they will not contribute. Thus ABSOLUTELY NOT.
Posted by: Fred | July 06, 2009 at 05:14 PM
I am quite that many individuals believe the city should pay for this event putting a financial burden on my individuals, who just struggling to just survive. I know one thing......Michael Jackson would have NOT want this.....to put a burden on so many people. It is ONLY the shelfish few who want this event.
So, Councilman Zine.....I commend you for going after AEG, who is ONLY trying to market Michael Jackson, to put money in their pockets. All AEG is trying to do is recoup the money they put into Michael Jackson without the care of who pays for it....to include the city of LA.
Posted by: Richard | July 06, 2009 at 05:29 PM
Zine is just sticking his nose where it doesn't belong again AFTER the fact.
All Perry can do now is beg and say "it would be nice" if the Jackson family or AEG would "share the cost." Pathetic. Neverland Ranch in San Luis Obispo denied the permits even though they have all the space and fans already there because they have more fiscally responsible officials.
Why didn't he advise Acting Mayor Jan Perry on demanding to find out who and how would pay for this huge LAPD deployment BEFORE issuing the permits for street closures, cleanup etc.? NEITHER OF THEM thought about it, and just this morning Perry admitted to Ch. 7 she "had no information on" and hadn't thought about tomorrow's funeral at Forest Hills, either.
Zine loves to backstab, second-guess and attack colleauges AFTER the fact, because he wants to run for Police Chief when Bratton retires or even Mayor.
The Jackson family will profit from holidng upto 50 of these "memorial shows" around the country along with AEG, so ALL who profit should pay. Never mind that Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and Joe Jackson are using LAPD as personal slaves and security guards, according to Fox 11.
Posted by: marcia | July 06, 2009 at 05:46 PM
The city should not be forced to pay for the bill. The city council should pass an ordinance that bars any such event unless the bill is fully paid up front, and then LAPD should enforce the ordinance consistently. An alternative is for the city to tack on an event tax for tickets to all major events at venues (regardless of ticket cost) to pay for its services. A venue can then contract out of the tax with alternative arrangements or payment schedules with the city.
Posted by: dfb | July 06, 2009 at 06:19 PM
No way should the city foot the bill for this joke of a memorium. Its a huge concert, and the people should not be having their tax dollars used in this manner. Especially since the city is BROKE!!! This is a joke and a farce and people need to realize that they need to mourn at home over this, the guy was a freakshow
Posted by: Matthew | July 06, 2009 at 06:43 PM
Its very interesting that everyone performing at this so called memorial has an album coming out later this year. WHAT A JOKE THIS IS!! The city is BROKE!!! If the Mayor goes to this, i say an impeachment begins. Raise my taxes for this?!?!?! I dont think so
Posted by: Matthew | July 06, 2009 at 06:51 PM
I feel almost guilty now about complaining over the cost of the Lakers parade.
If we had spent the money on a team that accomplished something without leaving a trail of ick across half the globe - there would not be any money left for these shenanigans.
The guy doesn't deserve all this adulation, moonwalk or no. It's utterly repulsive we're holding this guy up like some kind of saintly creature. He was just another drug addict with a shady past.
No stamps either, Sharpton!
Posted by: LadyBlahBlah | July 06, 2009 at 07:28 PM
Michael 's family should not have to pay for this event.
If you listen to a lot of his music, and hear the words,he's screaming out his pain that the Media bestowed upon him...
I never spent more then five minutes listening to the lies and ridiculous insinuations the Media reported.., Michael loved children, and was like a child himself, No pedophile would donate all that money to help children,
I think the media, ( and you all know who you are), should cough up some money to pay...You' all made a fortune on this man,. He could have gone anywhere he wanted to live, instead he stayed in Ca. and endured countless torture from the media. Some people believed in the made up lies,. A guilty person does not stay around, and yet, he stayed and isolated his children and himself,
God took back his gift , because no one appreciated what he gave to us all.
In the end, what will be left of this legacy will be the music. It's all I concerned myself with back then, and, with out hesitation I would trust him with my kids.no doubt. it all leaves me wondering why we even have a judicial court system.. The media convicted this man anyway..
Posted by: Doreen | July 06, 2009 at 07:47 PM
Jackson's family or estate should pay for it. The councilman who suggested that AEG to pay... is he nuts?! AEG is doing the Jackson's family and the city a favor by proving use of Staple Center for free. How could they have asked Lakers to pay for their parade and not ask Jackson family to pay for the Jackson service.
Jackson's family must pay!
Posted by: Joon | July 06, 2009 at 09:21 PM
I am bewildered. Why are we stuck with footing the bill?
The tickets to the memorial are a hot commodity. A $50 fee should have been charged with the revenue going to pay for LA city costs. He's an entertainer, not a former head of state.
More people are better informed about the Jackson's mystery death than they are about the budget disaster in this state.
Answer One questions, folks? Why are sitting in the Staples Center to mourn an entertainer and NOT marching on Sacramento?
Give me a Break..
Posted by: Linda | July 06, 2009 at 09:25 PM
If the memorial is private then why should the taxpayers pay one dime? When someone dies the family has to pay for any and all police used to handle traffic. Even the entertainment industry pays for police and fire when they shoot on city streets. Thus this is entertainment and those putting the show on need to pay the costs!
We have city parks being closed, summer school that benefits children have been discontinued. Now if someone can show that in the last week with the Jackson circus going 24/7 that this has brought in millions of dollars then I may change my mind. But taxpayers need not pay for the rich folks folly.
Posted by: MotherLodeBeth | July 06, 2009 at 09:40 PM
Palmdale would have been a better choice. Do you have any idea how many people you could stuff into the Mojave desert and still not need the police, restrooms or some fancy lottery website?
Posted by: THOMAS46 | July 06, 2009 at 09:54 PM
A lot of people will be making money off of this event. The Los Angeles tax payers should not have to pay for this.
Posted by: Louweegie272 | July 06, 2009 at 10:12 PM