How Much is the DNC Really Going to Cost?

From the beginning you hear that having the Democratic National Convention in Denver is not going to cost the taxpayers a dime. Millions of dollars will be brought into the local economy and all will enjoy the benefits of this gigantic affair. It is going to be one big gigantic party.

Recently you hear that these party organizers are allowed to fuel cars at the city pumps and avoid the taxes on the fuel. The only reason it was stopped was because this perk surfaced and did not appear to be appropriate. How many other perks and expenses is there that are just buried in the everyday expenses of the operation of the city?

The mayor made many fundraising trips and I wonder if those expenses were covered by the city or the organizing committee of the DNC? Is the city reimbursed for the mayor's absence on these junkets? How many hours has the Denver City Council spent dealing with ordinances and potential problems surrounding the DNC? Do Denver taxpayers pay for these hours or is the organizing committee reimbursing for this time spent?

Many protestors and demonstrators say they will or have filed lawsuits against the City of Denver for reasons surrounding the DNC. Who is paying for the legal expenses the city will encounter? If Civic Center and City Park is trashed by demonstrators, who pays for that expense?

Light rail, bus routes, interstate 25, all will be affected by closures or re-routing. How much will this inconvenience cost in lost business and time? All these questions are tough and difficult to answer. I am coming to the conclusion that this gigantic party is going to have many hidden and unexpected expenses that the Denver taxpayers will ultimately end up paying.

I was thinking of going to San Francisco during the convention since all the protestors, and demonstrators will be in Denver and it should be pretty quiet in the Bay City. However, I have decided that I had best stay at home and watch my property since the protests may get out of hand. If the protests generate violence and riots, how much will those riots cost the city of Denver and their taxpayers?