NEWPORT BEACH (CBS) — The City of Newport Beach has decided a recent presidential trip really fit the bill.


Literally.


Newport Beach’s revenue division is charging the Obama campaign —
specifically Obama For America — $35,043.04 for extra police officers,
reserve officers and overtime pay to cover a recent fundraising visit.
The fundraiser was held in a Newport Beach home, causing traffic closures and security issues in the neighborhood.


Scott Mason has lived for 20 years on the street where the fundraiser was held.


“I don’t care what the political party is…I am not in the President’s
party…if you are using the public sector to support fund-raising..you
have to pay for that,” Mason said.
Several other Newport Beach residents agree with Mason.




“It’s kind of ridiculous. Yeah, kind of ridiculous,” said resident Kristen O’Brien.


“He should pay it back. He should pit back to the police force. He
should pay it back to the administration. He should pay it back to the
city and the people of California,” said Sam Porter, who also lives in
the affluent community.
The city wants to be reimbursed for the officers used for the event –
both the daily cost and the overtime hours racked by four members of
law enforcement.
The city also wants the money back for the dedicated dispatcher and communications officers used for the event.


Newport Beach City Manager Dave Kiff made the decision to charge the President’s campaign.


“It is appropriate to treat it like a private event. We would bill the event sponsor,” Kiff said in a statement.


“Our country is broke…you have to pay for that,” Mason added.


President Obama raised $8 million dollars in fundraisers held across
California in February, including the one held in Newport Beach.


http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/05/25/city-of-newport-beach-sends-obama-campaign-a-bill-for-35k/