Campaign stops costing local cities, taxpayers

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

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Democratic presidential hopefuls Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y. (AP Photos)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Apr 11, 2008 at 8:37 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 11, 2008 at 11:01 PM EST

SOUTH BEND — Democratic presidential hopefuls are traveling the state talking to local voters. Each visits by senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama required extra security.

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Both have Secret Service with them, but that's not enough. They rely on local police for help.

The city of Mishawaka was reimbursed once for a stop President George Bush made because it was a fundraiser for then-U.S. Congressman Chris Chocola.

That usually doesn't happen.

The mayors say they can't refuse to help because it's the city's job to ensure public safety. So, city officials use money budgeted for unexpected expenses.

At South Bend's West Side Democratic Club Friday night, it was Dyngus Day 2. This time, the crowds and the Clintons were absent.

"It was such a big crowd on Dyngus Day 1, we needed to come out and enjoy the experience again," said Mark Dollinger who enjoyed dinner with his daughter at the West Side Democratic Club.

"Just being in Indiana and being part of the process for a change is just so much fun," said Debbie Ray, a Democratic Club volunteer.

Mayor Jeff Rea, R-Mishawaka, says Sen. Hillary Clinton's visit to Mishawaka cost the city more than $1,800 in overtime. $1,100 was police pay, just a fraction of the $600,000 budgeted for police overtime.

Mayor Steve Luecke, D-South Bend, says Sen. Barack Obama's stop in South Bend cost the city a similar amount.

"Yes, it does cost us some money, but we have to suck it up for the honor of having these candidates," said Tim Hudak, Democratic Club president.

"This is the first time in a long time we have choice in the voting process, so I think it's well worth the dollars," said Dollinger.

But the cities aren't done paying officers overtime. At least one more visit is scheduled, and some Hoosiers can't get enough politics, no matter the cost.

"No, we can't have too much of that," said Hudak.

Mayor Luecke says South Bend Police Chief Darryl Boykins is also shifting officers to different schedules when the candidates come to minimize the amount of overtime.

Both mayors say these expenses are manageable right now.

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