Supervisor Perez Statement on Trump Visit
October 12, 2024
Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez provides the following statement regarding former President and 2024 Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump’s visit and campaign rally in the Coachella Valley today:
“Trump claims that their campaign is not legally responsible to pay for public safety costs?
“Really?!!!
“Then who is?!!!
“Whether one agrees or disagrees with Trump’s political agenda, taxpayers should not bear the brunt of paying for his political rallies. Nor should Taxpayers bear the brunt of having to pay for any candidate seeking office, Democrat or Republican.
“As County Supervisor for the 4th district and because the rally is in unincorporated Vista Santa Rosa, I do not want to jump into any conclusions that the Trump campaign will not pay for services for today’s rally. So simply said, have we asked and what was their response?
“With that in mind, I will be requesting a full cost analysis and estimate of services rendered from our County Departments, in particular our public safety departments. As well, it is important that our county request and if need be legally demand full cost recovery as any other city or jurisdiction would for any large scale event in their city. For example, Coachella Fest pays its fair share every year for services. They even go a step further and give tickets to students and provide funding for the City of Indio youth recreation programs. They are the model and I commend their leadership.
“As the safety net for all of our residents in the county, it is important that we as Supervisors and county leaders keep people safe. We must ensure their safety and well being. The same goes when ensuring emergency services, healthcare, transportation and planning among many other services that I am sure will be deployed for this political event.
“But let me be clear with everyone, I welcome everyone’s right to the 1st Amendment and the freedom of speech along with the right to rally. However, it is critical and only right that the Trump campaign pay for the costs that are associated.
“Otherwise, that could mean that come next budget cycle, requested funds from public safety, healthcare, etc might unfortunately not be granted due to limited funds and lack of cost recovery that would backfill their budgets. This is not a new idea and it is a common practice for all jurisdictions. I am simply stating the facts.
“For the organizers and those associated with the event, I ask that you also consider what I have stated and think about ensuring payment for the event. Please consider the liability and potential lawsuits against our county due to a life threatening accident. Who will pay for that if such a terrible accident occurs.
“Like any other event, Trump’s campaign should just do the right thing. They should lead by example and pay for all costs associated with the event. I look forward to hearing from the Trump Campaign team on this matter. As well, county legal counsel and our county departments.”