Rochester Residents Not Happy Over Obama Visit Costs
Reporter: Dave Andreesen
Date: August 21, 2012
 
The Rochester City Council heard from several dozen residents Tuesday night who were angry over the city deciding to absorb all the public safety expenses it incurred after President Obama’s visit to the city on Saturday. Before the start of the meeting, Mayor TJ Jean told the public that the total cost the city spent on police, fire, and EMS during the President’s visit was over $9,000. Resident Michelle Paradiso said she wants to know who in the city government approved the expense, while David Cope said the city shouldn't be paying for a politician's campaign stop.
  
The Council also started the process to fill the seat of Councilor Ray Lundborn, who died unexpectedly earlier this month. Interested residents of the city’s Ward 4 can complete a statement of interest form in the City Clerk’s office. The Council expects to appoint a replacement in mid-September.