Posted on 05/26/2004 6:28:57 PM PDT by wagglebee
In November 2002, Boston-ians celebrated winning a bid to host the Democratic National Convention.
Eighteen months on, many Boston taxpayers are trying to remember why they wanted that quadrennial prize so badly.
The event, in July this year, was meant to shower $150m in economic benefits on the area, but is shaping up to be the costliest political convention in US history.
Suffolk University's Beacon Hill Institute said the loss will almost certainly exceed $35m, the amount Los Angeles spent to host the 2000 convention, which at the time set a record.
"We'll probably see the amount go up to $50m, and I wouldn't be surprised if it were well above that," said David Tuerck, executive director of the think-tank. "This was just the wrong city for this event."
Most of the problems stem from vexing security issues. Boston's old, narrow streets have created problems for planners and police.
The Secret Service has struggled to protect the Boston home of John Kerry, the Massachusetts senator and Democratic presidential candidate. Only a few feet of sidewalk separate the house from the busy street.
Indeed, safety issues led the Service to announce last week that it would close nearly 40 miles of Boston-area roads during the convention. The closures, more extensive than previously expected, have left local businesses wondering how to remain open during the convention.
Boston Consulting said many of its workers will telecommute during the convention - an option not available to all workers. José Juves, a spokesman for Biogen Idec, the biotechnology group, said: "It's tough to do scientific research from your home."
Biogen is considering renting space outside the city for the duration of the July 26-29 convention. The company has also advised workers from elsewhere to avoid Boston that week.
Keane, a computer consultancy, said at least 10 per cent of its employees have vacation scheduled during the convention. Suffolk University has set aside dormitory rooms for workers who are unable to commute.
Massachusetts General Hospital has banned all elective surgery for that week, and day care centres say they may shut down.
Michael Capuano, a Democratic congressman who represents much of Boston and its suburbs, remains excited about the convention. "This is the first major political convention since 9/11," he said, suggesting that Bostonians regard the convention as awinter "snow week" with similar work and transport disruptions.
The possibility that Mr Kerry may not accept the nomination during the convention has aggravated tensions. Delaying his acceptance would mean the Democratic contender could spend more on advertising.
Mr Kerry sought to mollify Bostonians this week. "Boston will be open for business," he insisted.
"We're going to have a full-fledged convention and people are going to have a fantastic time."
Eighteen months on, many Boston taxpayers are trying to remember why they wanted that quadrennial prize so badly.
The event, in July this year, was meant to shower $150m in economic benefits on the area, but is shaping up to be the costliest political convention in US history.
Suffolk University's Beacon Hill Institute said the loss will almost certainly exceed $35m, the amount Los Angeles spent to host the 2000 convention, which at the time set a record.
"We'll probably see the amount go up to $50m, and I wouldn't be surprised if it were well above that," said David Tuerck, executive director of the think-tank. "This was just the wrong city for this event."
Most of the problems stem from vexing security issues. Boston's old, narrow streets have created problems for planners and police.
The Secret Service has struggled to protect the Boston home of John Kerry, the Massachusetts senator and Democratic presidential candidate. Only a few feet of sidewalk separate the house from the busy street.
Indeed, safety issues led the Service to announce last week that it would close nearly 40 miles of Boston-area roads during the convention. The closures, more extensive than previously expected, have left local businesses wondering how to remain open during the convention.
Boston Consulting said many of its workers will telecommute during the convention - an option not available to all workers. José Juves, a spokesman for Biogen Idec, the biotechnology group, said: "It's tough to do scientific research from your home."
Biogen is considering renting space outside the city for the duration of the July 26-29 convention. The company has also advised workers from elsewhere to avoid Boston that week.
Keane, a computer consultancy, said at least 10 per cent of its employees have vacation scheduled during the convention. Suffolk University has set aside dormitory rooms for workers who are unable to commute.
Massachusetts General Hospital has banned all elective surgery for that week, and day care centres say they may shut down.
Michael Capuano, a Democratic congressman who represents much of Boston and its suburbs, remains excited about the convention. "This is the first major political convention since 9/11," he said, suggesting that Bostonians regard the convention as awinter "snow week" with similar work and transport disruptions.
The possibility that Mr Kerry may not accept the nomination during the convention has aggravated tensions. Delaying his acceptance would mean the Democratic contender could spend more on advertising.
Mr Kerry sought to mollify Bostonians this week. "Boston will be open for business," he insisted.
"We're going to have a full-fledged convention and people are going to have a fantastic time."
As if the 'rats haven't found enough ways to waste taxpayer's money.
Indeed, when will folks realize that even casual contact with socialists will cost you dearly. It's worse than influenza.
I think John Kerry was hoping to get away with telecommuting during the convention as well.
To H*ll with Boston, Period!!!!
Boston, don't worry about a terrorist attack, the terrorists want kerry to win, so, they won't attack there. Forget the Secret Service, you are not needed in Boston, the terrorists would vote for kerry.
Couldn't happen to a more deserving city. The only way it could've been better is if the RATs held their convention in Paris or Mecca.
They deserve whatever they get.
Wow, now they're talking serious disruption!
Spin that sucker hard enough and - SHAZAM - it turns into a surplus!
They're getting a snow job all right.
But Kerry said he was going to help make up the difference, right?
Ah, but a successful attack on the Boston convention would generate great sympathy for the poor demorats, and sweep them into office.
If the total is $75 mil, he comes out even before saying, "I do", despite his wealth.
I'm sure plenty of guys will back me up on this...
Has Boston applied for Federal aid yet to make up for the castrophic loss?
LOL
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