Romney aide is cited by police

Romney aide is cited by police

By Raphael Lewis, Globe Staff, 3/24/2004

The aide responsible for making sure Governor Mitt Romney has flawless public events has been cited by Boston police for driving a black Crown Victoria decked out with flashing lights, having a billy club, and identification showing a State Police patch that reads "Official Business."



Jay Garrity, who choreographs virtually all of the governor's events, was also cited for failing to have his Ford inspected, and for having windows that are more deeply tinted than permitted under state law, according to a police report released yesterday.

Shawn Feddeman, spokeswoman for Romney, said the governor was not pleased.

"The governor expects all members of his staff to comply with the law," she said.

Feddeman added that Garrity, who formerly worked as a security consultant as well as with the federal government, has paid his citations, which cost "hundreds of dollars." She said he is removing the equipment.

"Because of a prior job he had with the federal government, he had a federal permit for that equipment in his car, but in Massachusetts you're required to have a state permit or get rid of the equipment," Feddeman said. "He never used the equipment in Massachusetts. . . . He's in the process of getting the lights removed and making sure the car is in compliance."

Police found Garrity's car illegally parked at around 4 a.m. on St. Patrick's Day in the North End -- with the keys in the ignition, the report said. Police said they discovered equipment that is off limits to civilians without a special state permit.

According to the police report, Garrity's car had red and blue lights mounted in the grill, a siren and PA system, strobe lights, and a baton "with the state seal of Connecticut," the report said. :shock: