It’s OK, now
Barack Obama needs some extra police officers for his inauguration and Councilman Vince Gardina is happy to help.
Gardina voted along with the other six councilmen Dec. 15 in favor of a bill that allows the county police department to send 55 officers to assist with security at the Jan. 20 inauguration. The federal government is reimbursing the county $98,000 for overtime and other related expenses.
These types of requests are not uncommon because of the county’s proximity to the nation’s capital. Over the last 5 years the council has approved at least six requests to send county police officers to assist with events policed by the federal government.
Gardina, a Democrat who represents the 5th District that stretches from Perry Hall to Towson, has been a fairly vocal opponent of sending county officers to participate in federal security details for special events.
“(The federal government) should do their own security,” said Gardina during a 2004 discussion about a request for county police officers to bolster security for the dedication of the World War II memorial. “They don’t even give us enough money for our own Homeland Security needs,” he said. “It might be better if (county police) stay here and protect Baltimore County.”
But Gardina was silent on the issue at Monday night’s council legislative session and at a Dec. 9 council work session. He even voted to approve the request.
After the Dec. 15 meeting, Gardina smiled and laughed when asked about his change of philosophy.
“It’s all right when it’s for Barack,” Gardina said.