Saturday, August 07, 2004

Presidential Auction 2004

YORK, Pa. - The city's Democratic mayor billed the Bush-Cheney '04 campaign $21,057 for police costs during President Bush's July 9 visit, but he didn't get a check in the mail.

Instead Mayor John Brenner got a letter saying that the Secret Service is in charge of protecting the president.

"Accordingly, all matters related to protecting the president, including coordination with state and local law enforcement, are within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Secret Service," wrote Sal Purpura, assistant campaign treasurer.

Also in the envelope was the invoice Brenner had sent. "In other words, don't bill us. Talk to them," Brenner said Thursday.

"I am not doing this for political purposes," Brenner said. He said he just didn't think his cash-strapped city should have to pay $21,057 for a presidential rally. "They have to understand there are financial issues that impact local governments," he said.

Brenner hadn't decided whether to try to bill the Secret Service, since it was "probably unlikely" they would pay either. "If it looks like I have a chance, I will do it."

Brenner's assessment was probably correct, Secret Service spokesman Charles Bopp said. Bopp said the Secret Service isn't funded to reimburse state and local police.
AP article

York isn't the only town with this complaint.

I have a suggestion: Quit providing additional security.

....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.

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