Menino hints $25m in federal funding for DNC may be insufficient
Mayor Thomas M. Menino hinted yesterday that $25 million in federal funds allotted for security at July's Democratic National Convention may not be enough.
Speaking to business executives at a United Way luncheon yesterday, Menino said the city "will try to work" within the $25 million budget appropriated by Congress for security at the five-day event. But he left open the possibility that costs could go higher.
"Will that be enough?" Menino said. "We don't know . . . We'll try to work within those confines of the $25 million that the federal government gave to Boston."
The prospect of escalating security costs has been a sensitive issue for the city and convention organizers because it could mean the convention's overall price tag could rise. Extra costs would have to be covered by more private donations or larger contributions from the city, state, or federal governments.
Funding issues have already been a sore spot for convention organizers. Struggling to close a multimillion dollar fund-raising gap, the Boston 2004 host committee has begun looking for donations outside Boston, approaching Washington lobbyists representing industries that have traditionally given to the Democratic party.
Though convention organizers haven't released fund-raising details, the Globe reported last month that organizers said they were getting close to their goal of $30 million in private donations. They have recently said they are still several million dollars shy.
"The difference between Boston and New York -- the mayor of New York wrote a $5 million check to the convention. I wrote a $5 check," Menino joked at yesterday's luncheon. New York City is hosting the Republican National Convention.
"We have some challenges, but we'll get there. Five years ago it would have been much easier," Menino said. "But because of a down economy . . ."
The mayor declined to say yesterday how much has been collected to date. Menino and Boston 2004 executive Director Julie Burns, who also addressed the business leaders, said security is a top priority because the mammoth political event, which will draw thousands of delegates and dignitaries from around the country, is the first since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
"Since 9/11 all our lives have changed," Menino said. "With the Democratic National Convention we will have some issues. I'm not going to deny that. But I don't believe the city will be shut down. There will be some alterations of plans. We will have some issues to deal with, but not to the magnitude that people are trying to suggest."
City officials wouldn't elaborate on the mayor's remarks, saying privately that they still believe the $25 million can cover security costs. Boston 2004 president David Passafaro said he hopes the $25 million will cover costs.
"We certainly hope it will be enough. We're waiting for final budgets that are being driven by the Boston Police Department and the Secret Service," he said.
Money for the convention has also complicated city labor negotiations as officials try to hammer out new contracts for some 17,000 city workers.
