Click To Enlarge Image
U.S. Rep. Jim Himes only once felt things might get out of hand, when a demonstrator attempted to wrest the microphone away from a cancer patient......
Cities and towns foot the bill for Himes health-care forums - Greenwich Time
......In Greenwich, Republican First Selectman Peter Tesei said he was questioned by a member of the Representative Town Meeting, whom he would not identify, about the manpower used for Himes' forum at Town Hall Monday night.
"My response to it was, 'That's a decision that the police department makes,'" Tesei said. "In this case, I think there was enough exposure and attention and experience from other jurisdictions to know that it would be good to have a presence."
One plain-clothes detective assigned to the event said there were eight officers present.
Police Chief David Ridberg said all but one officer was on regular duty at the time. He estimated that the overtime costs for the one officer was $360.
"Every time a U.S. representative or senator comes into town, we're aware of it and we try to provide extra security," Ridberg said.
About 300 people turned out for Himes' appearance in his hometown of Greenwich, but only 200 were allowed into the meeting room because of the fire code.
Many of those who were shut out remained on the steps of Town Hall, where some held up signs protesting the public insurance option supported by Himes.
At the end of the 90-minute forum inside, Himes, escorted by a group of officers, addressed the crowd outside. Embedded among them were a few plain-clothes detectives......
==================================
Please send your comments news tips and press releases to GreenwichRoundup@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment