Mayor Thomas Menino announced the locations of delegation party sites for the upcoming Democratic National Convention during a Monday press conference at the Samuel Adams Brewery in Jamaica Plain while more than 100 protesters from the Police Patrolmen’s Association rallied outside.
“We are going to be here in July if that’s what it takes,” said Tom Nee, president of the police union.
Nee said that his group plans to “follow” Menino around until he draws up fair contracts.
Pre-convention parties are planned for visiting state and territory delegations at 30 Boston sites. The sites vary from historic venues to museums and parks to waterfront locales.
The New York delegation will host a clambake at the L Street Bath House in South Boston, according to a press release from the Boston 2004 host committee. Roxbury’s Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists will host South Carolina and Alabama. Other sites include the Museum of Fine Arts, the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Franklin Park Zoo. The venues are meant to reflect the “richness” of Boston neighborhoods. Sam Adams Brewery will also be one of the sites.
“I want to show them America’s beers,” said Jim Koch, founder and brewmaster of the brewery. Koch said that he was excited to host the press conference and eventually a delegation party.
Koch was particularly enthusiastic about bringing the DNC spotlight to the brewery’s neighborhood.
“[From] this little random corner of Boston comes what is quite possibly the best beer in the world,” Koch said.
But some of the protesters were not impressed with Menino’s choice of the brewery to host the press conference.
“I don’t think it’s very professional at all, to say that least,” said Cynthia Brewington from Mattapan.
Many of the delegation party sites were chosen because they had specifically sought out the opportunity, said Julie Burns, the executive director of Boston 2004, Inc. However, negotiations on how the city will pay for the venues is still in the works, she said. Burns added that most venues have corporate sponsors, which could help with funding.
The parties are evenly distributed around the city taking into account travel time to the convention center, Burns said.
Menino dismissed any doubts about the city becoming overcrowded during the DNC. He compared the event to the 35,000 people who pack Fenway Park during Red Sox games. Menino also addressed concerns about the DNC funding.
“We’re ahead of our forecast and still making progress,” he said.
However, he admitted that there was still a significant shortage in funds, though he would not give any specific numbers. He said if he did, the press would call him a liar.
“We are several million dollars short,” Menino said. He said he was not sure yet if he would have to use state money.
Additionally, Menino commented on the labor union protesters who greeted his arrival with signs and chants of “Toys for Tom” and “Backdoor Mayor.”
“I said ‘Hi,'” Menino said jokingly. “I’m willing to sit at the table whenever they want to get serious.”
Menino said the unions already have fair contracts.
“I have to represent all people of Boston, not just some,” Menino said. “It’s a difficult task.”
Menino said it is difficult to respond to protesters’ demands because Boston does not have the resources it once had.
“I cannot spend money I do not have,” Menino said.
When Menino was accused of crossing the picket line, he appeared defensive.
“You are assuming a lot about picket lines,” Menino told a reporter.
“I’m not anti-labor.”