MIDDLETOWN, NJ- Last weekend, President Joe Biden attended a campaign fundraiser at the home of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, which reportedly raised $3.7 million. However, the event has sparked controversy due to the financial burden it placed on the local community, specifically Middletown where the governor’s mansion is located.
Mayor Tony Perry of Middletown expressed concerns about the $24,000 in expenses incurred by the township for additional police and security measures needed to manage the event. Perry said the governor should reimburse those expenses to the community.
“The Township has been tracking all of our expenses for the event. Since this was not an official government visit and a campaign fundraiser, we will absolutely be submitting those for reimbursement,” Mayor Perry said on Facebook.
These costs were not anticipated in the municipal budget, and the township is seeking reimbursement from the campaign. Mayor Perry emphasized that while the township is always prepared to ensure safety for such high-profile visits, the financial responsibility should not fall on the taxpayers, especially for an event that was not an official government function but a political fundraiser.
Perry also noted that police and firefighters in his town were also treated unfairly by protesters who showed up to express their displeasure with the President and Governor. He said they were only doing their job and were not part of any of the political activities at the governor’s house.
“Now that the President has departed, I want to personally thank the more than 65 Middletown Police Officers, EMTs, and Fire Fighters for their work today! I could not be more grateful for their professionalism despite some horrible and disgusting rhetoric being screamed at them for doing their jobs. I am very proud of your service to Middletown,” he said.
Neither Governor Phil Murphy nor the Biden campaign have responded on this matter.
