To the Editor:
According to your columnist, Larry Croom, the appearance of Donald Trump in The Villages on Thursday was an “official White House” function, as opposed to a campaign stop. If that is the case, it is most troubling. First, that means that all of the expenses incurred for this junket are paid for by ALL taxpayers and not only by Trump supporters. The police presence today was overwhelming as I spotted motorcycle policemen from the City of Orlando, for goodness sake, to say nothing of personnel from Lake, Sumter and Marion County Sheriffs’ departments, Lady Lake police, Fla. State Troopers, and Lord only knows what other agencies were involved.
Despite this massive expenditure, The Donald did not appear in public, but only before an invitation only crowd of his Kool-Aid drinkers. The public has a right to know how much this dog & pony show cost us, including the amount paid to rent The Sharon L. Morse Center for the Performing Arts (or the amount called an “in-kind” contribution if no money actually was paid); the cost of Air Force One for the flight from D.C. to Ocala; the cost of the helicopter (Marine One) to ferry him from Ocala to The Villages and back again; and any and all other costs incurred. Thousands of Villagers who oppose the President and his policies were banned from attending this event since they have a “D” on their voter registration cards. Yet, this was an “official White House” function. What a crock!!
Daniel Andrews
Village of Winifred