We know that a couple of sheriffs in West Slope Colorado have little chance of bucking a settled political tradition, but it’s hard not to sympathize with their beef.
The sheriffs of Pitkin and Garfield counties complained this week that local taxpayers are having to pay for security for presidential candidates who are engaged in private fund-raising.
Pitkin Sheriff Joe DiSalvo said Hillary Clinton’s visit to an investment banker’s home on Tuesday cost his office $5,000, including three deputies alone on hand for the fundraiser.
“If she wants to go to the Red Onion and shake some hands, that’s complimentary,” DiSalvo said. “But that’s not happening.”
This is not a Democratic or Republican issue, since major candidates from both parties sometimes ask for security and towns naturally oblige. And DiSalvo, by the way, is not affiliated with either party.
However, security at private fundraisers shouldn’t have to be paid for with local public funds.
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