While overtime costs are nothing new to municipalities that host a president, the report noted another disruption that might make a dent in Obama's local approval ratings: "The Secret Service asked that state-owned Sherwood Island State Park and town-owned Burying Hill Beach be shut down for the day, leaving thousands without access to Long Island Sound waters on a hot summer day."
Connecticut vacationers had
their fun cut short as area Democrats shut down two of the state's more popular beaches
for an Obama celebrity fundraiser.
A bevy of celebrities are hosted a
pricey fundraiser for President Obama Monday night at the Connecticut home of
famed producer Harvey Weinstein and his fashion designer wife Georgina Chapman.
Though the President is often
criticized over his close connections to Hollywood, he is facing more of a
firestorm over the location of the dinner.
Two popular Westport, Connecticut
beaches were closed Monday evening so that the President's helicopter can
park on the grounds when it arrives for the fundraiser.
[...]
In total, the evening is expected to
bring in $2.5million for the President's re-election campaign, which comes the
same day as July fundraising totals were released to show that Mr Obama is
trailing.
Local tea partiers protested the
event, claiming hypocrisy on behalf of the "man of the people."
'It was a little bit selfish of the
President. Big ego, "I need this park." He couldn't find a better
place to park? Maybe he needs to drive a little farther?' protester Mark Conrad
told The Hartford Courant., 'There's very little tourism in Connecticut and
this is one of the big locations, and he says "It's mine today."'
If he's not on vacation, he's
taking time away from your vacation.
