Action Alert: Tell Adrian Smith to Pay for His Own Party

Jun 23, 01:39 PM CST

As Adrian Smith prepares to host Vice President Dick Cheney for an exorbitant fundraiser for his bid for Congress, the residents of Grand Island prepare for the possibility of having to pick up the tab.

According to the Grand Island Independent, “the Grand Island Police Department will incur overtime costs next week for the Monday visit of Vice President Dick Cheney.” [Grand Island Independent, 6/23/06]

The police department is not disclosing estimates for the cost of such overtime, citing security reasons. However, “Grand Island Mayor Jay Vavricek said the city’s expenses will be disclosed after the event and review will be given to see if any of the costs are reimbursable. If the costs aren’t reimbursable, the city will simply pay them because it does budget for overtime to work at special events, the mayor and [Police Chief] Falldorf said.” [Grand Island Independent, 6/23/06]

There is no doubt that security needs to be tight and robust. It’s just a matter of who pays for it.

I could understand the city footing the bill if this was an official visit to meet the great people of Grand Island. However, this is a private, incredibly expensive fundraiser. Everyone needs to call on Adrian Smith and his campaign to announce that they are footing the bill for this, not the taxpayers of Grand Island.

You can reach the Smith campaign by calling 1-888-237-4267 or via email at committee@joinadrian.com

Oh, and by the way, Scott Kleeb is also holding an event in Grand Island Monday morning, highlighting Nebraska’s alternative energy potential. That event is open to the public and will occur with absolutely no cost to the city.

– by eric | Send this to a friend

  1. I remember the Kearney visit of President Clinton and his shaking hands with school children on a bitter cold winter day. How many children will Chenny meet?
    — Tom Havelka    Jun 23, 02:53 PM CST #
  2. The better question might be . . . “How many children will Cheney eat?”
    — Brian T. Osborn    Jun 23, 04:02 PM CST #
  3. I hope that others also find it ironical that Mr.Smith who dislikes “Big Government” has invited one of its agents in to help him get elected.Who,from among ordinary people will attend?The could sell CD’s to the wage earners and get even more money.Thomas Paine
    — tom cavanaugh    Jun 24, 11:03 AM CST #
  4. Tom, you called him MR. Smith….Silly me, I thought “Adrian” was a …...Oh, never mind. Holy crow! No wonder he’s gotta have a Macho Man, Hair-Trigger Dick, fly to the rescue. What time does the boxed-bird hunt start?
    — Steve Hollister    Jun 24, 12:37 PM CST #
  5. Where can I find more information about Scott’s event on Monday? He doesn’t seem to have it on the calendar section of his website.
    — Ryan Anderson    Jun 24, 11:25 PM CST #
  6. It will be just south of the railroad tracks and about a block west from the Peavey grain elevator in central Grand Island.
    From Hwy. 30 it is two blocks north on N. Clark street.
    It is scheduled for 8:00 a.m..
    Be there a little early.
    — Brian T. Osborn    Jun 25, 09:17 AM CST #
  7. It caught my attention that after helping to rid America of George111 a George1 and his son George11 that we once again have a monarchy.There is even the possibility of a King Jeb.God save our natiion!Good people of the Nebraska Territory rise up and protest the visit of Prince Richard to your land.Tell him and the rich barons to leave.Or,at the least,attend Scott Kleeb’s meeting in Grand Island on the same day.Thomas Paine
    — thomas paine    Jun 25, 10:55 AM CST #
  8. Thanks Brian for the update.
    — Eric    Jun 25, 12:21 PM CST #

Search