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47 °F Forecast | Road Cams Thursday, November 25, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Menu Guide How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Passport to the Rogue Valley EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend November 19, 2004 Council saves biker ‘Toy Run’ Medford police refuse traffic control because presidential candidate security soaked up their OT budget. But council members come through By MEG LANDERS Mail Tribune Presidential campaign visits to the Rogue Valley nearly cost Harley riders their annual charity ride. The Medford police department denied the permit for the annual Toy Run, in which hundreds of motorcyclists ride from Phoenix to Medford to bring toys for needy children. In its 24th year, the event is scheduled for Dec. 4. Gene Nelson of D&S Harley-Davidson in Phoenix said at Thursday’s Medford City Council meeting that the permit was denied because there was no money for police overtime to provide traffic control. "This could very well be the death of the Toy Run," he said. Police estimated it costs about $2,000 to direct traffic at intersections during the 45-minute motorcycle ride. Advertisement Councilman John Michaels said the overtime budget for police took a substantial hit when four national candidates came to town. "I think some of the funding has been drained by the election visits," he said. The campaign visit by President Bush cost the Medford Police Department $40,480, and the visit by Sen. John Edwards cost $9,280. The visits by Vice President Dick Cheney and Sen. John Kerry cost the Medford police $6,000 to $7,000 each. The Toy Run provides new, unwrapped toys for needy children through the Moose Lodge. "There’s no question in my mind that there’s a lot more than $2,000 worth of benefit to this community," said Councilman Bob Strosser. The council voted unanimously to cover the cost of traffic control this year from the vision fund, and let the Harley riders ride. At the end of the meeting, Councilman Jim Key suggested the city send a bill to each political campaign for the added security. "We were put upon by both the Democratic Party and the Republican Party for the visits," he said, adding he would like the council to vote on it. Councilwoman Claudette Moore was the only member who supported Key, and the motion failed. Reach reporter Meg Landers at 776-4481 or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities