Kerry's concert faces scrutiny

[Khephra]

State public safety officials began a thorough review yesterday of John F. Kerry's plans for a Boston Pops concert on the Esplanade during the Democratic convention, throwing a potential roadblock in the way of an event that is a top priority of the hometown nominee.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation, which oversees the Esplanade, turned over Kerry's permit application to Secretary of Public Safety Edward A. Flynn for a security analysis, according to Eric Fehrnstrom, Governor Mitt Romney's director of communications.

''The governor is going to defer to his public safety team," said Fehrnstrom. ''Secretary Ed Flynn is evaluating the security risks of holding an open air concert on the Esplanade at the same time a national special security event is being held on the other side of town."

Flynn will then decide whether the state has the resources to police the concert appropriately, state officials said. The decision is expected later this week.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/07/07/kerrys_concert_faces_scrutiny/