Posted on 06/25/2004 2:41:53 PM PDT by Libloather
Easy commute for delegates: Local pols opt for posh downtown digs
By David R. Guarino
Friday, June 25, 2004
As commuters sweat through convention gridlock, area pols and delegates - many who live within a few miles of the FleetCenter - will be living it up in posh, traffic-free serenity at their own downtown hotel.
Nearly 140 delegates, led by the state's top pols, reserved rooms at the Fairmont Copley Plaza by today's deadline - including several congressmen, state constitutional officers and dozens of state lawmakers, the Herald has learned.
Two-thirds of the delegates live within 30 miles of the FleetCenter, 56 live less than 10 miles away from the Democratic National Convention site.
And they'll be paying $100-a-night less than the general public at the well-heeled Copley Square hotel.
Most of the politicos say they booked the room to avoid the mess their convention will create - unapologetic about the perk unavailable to any other Greater Boston resident.
``Who knows what we are going to encounter during the convention week?'' said state Auditor Joseph DeNucci, whose West Newton home is 12 miles from the FleetCenter.
``I think it'll be more efficient to have a base in town rather than go all the way home to change a shirt. And I'm sure we're going to have to change our shirts that week.''
Other pols taking rooms at the Copley Plaza are U.S. Rep. Edward J. Markey, who lives six miles away in Malden, Attorney General Tom Reilly, who lives 10 miles out in Watertown, and Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill, whose house is 11 miles south in Quincy, party officials said.
Cahill originally planned to stay home. ``Honestly, if there weren't all these logistical issues being thrown at delegates and at Boston, I don't know that he would have locked in a room,'' Cahill spokeswoman Karen Sharma said.
The Massachusetts delegation, like all other state delegations, has a reserved hotel with cut rates for the convention week. The local delegation, at the direct urging of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, landed the swish Copley digs.
Some delegations, such as Montana, are staying in local college dorms.
Massachusetts Democratic Party spokesman Jane Lane said the delegation would use all of the nearly 140 rooms set aside.
A Herald review of delegate addresses shows many delegates live just a stone's throw from the FleetCenter - in East Boston, Chelsea and South Boston. Some, such as Senate President Robert E. Travaglini of East Boston, said they'll stay at home and avoid the hotel costs.
Others, though, live 150 or more miles away.
``I think a lot of people want to be in the epicenter of activity,'' Lane said. ``This is a treat for them. This is their vacation week. Why not spend it at a hotel?''
RATS, RATS, and even more RATS. I would be scared, too...
The Copley Fairmount a nice hotel. I wonder if the $100 discount is a typical convention rate. Although its probably too far to walk to the Fleet Center. The Green Line of the T runs from Copley Plaza to the Center. Although knowing these Demos I am sure a fleet of limos is set up for them. They can't mingle with the uneducated masses.
Joe DeNucci,the prizefighter turned State Treasurer,ought to be ashamed of himself.
He's a Democrat,shouldn't he be donating the money to the poor?
Rooms at the Copley normally start at $379.00 per night. The delegates will get them for $279.00. During the convention, figure the rate to go up by 50%. That is about $570.00 per night. $570- 279 = $291 x 7 nights = ~ $2,000.00 net profit per delegate.
Yes sir you are correct - - - one week is too long to wear just one brown shirt. (all puns intended to Al GOre)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.