Costs of Candidates Visit (Political)

[RachelEllen]

I was just reading about how expensive these campaign stops can be for small towns. Thousands of dollars have to spent on security in preparation. Some towns have taken to billing the candidates, but they are not obligated to pay and haven't been. What do you think? If a candidate decides to visit a town, should they have to pay for the consequances of thier visit? Or should the town have to pay?

Rachel

 

[crz4mm2]

I think the candidate should pay. I can't believe the amount of $$$ they spend on campaigns. Jeez.

 

[jennyanydots]

I disagree.

a candidate doesn't just decide to visit a town. he's usually invited to visit by the local political party, the local business organization, etc.

let's say the local business owners of Anytown, USA invite candidate A to speak at their rally. as a result of the candidate's appearance, Anytown has to pay for police overtime for crowd control.

the next week, another political group, Citizens of Anytown Against Big Business, decides to hold a rally. they don't invite a candidate. but Anytown still must pay for crowd control.

a week later, the town is hit by two more events -- a local church holds an outdoor prayer meeting, and the high school holds a homecoming parade. again, Anytown must pay for crowd control.

unless you're willing to make the citizens group, the church and the high school foot the bill, you can't reasonably expect the candidate to foot the bill for extra security, either.

 

[Disney Doll]

I think if a candidate is "invited" to a town by a local group, then that group should pay the cost of the candidate's visit, in terms of extra security etc. If the candidate decides to make a certain town a "stop" on his/her campaign, then the candidate should pay.