Lynn preps for VP arrival

LYNN – When representatives for congressional candidate Seth Moulton said they wanted to bring a high-level VIP to the Lynn YMCA, Bruce Macdonald, YMCA of Metro North president and CEO, reacted enthusiastically, but pointed out the organization does not “endorse any particular candidate.”The VIP turns out to be the VP – as in Vice President Joseph Biden, who is scheduled to arrive mid-afternoon today in the city to speak on behalf of fellow Democrat Moulton.Macdonald said the visit is a chance to highlight the YMCA as a busy community center in the heart of the city.?The thought of the office of vice president coming into the Y is very exciting,” Macdonald said.Biden?s visit also caps off a week of planning, phone calls and meetings for Macdonald and Police Chief Kevin Coppinger.United States Secret Service representatives contacted both men last week and Macdonald said the agency sent a “front team” to conduct security preparations for the Neptune Boulevard YMCA. The building?s gymnasium will be off limits to anyone without security clearance today along with the lobby, but Macdonald said the Y?s busy after-school program will not be disrupted.?One of the biggest concerns for the Biden people is they didn?t want to kick the kids out,” Macdonald said.A morning briefing for officers will put the final touches on Police Department plans to provide “a uniformed presence” during Biden?s visit. The wider security perimeters around streets bordering the YMCA will be patrolled by police officers.?Obviously, you?ve got to worry about traffic and parking,” Coppinger said.Macdonald said the last several days provided him with a closeup view of how the Secret Service does its job. He said preparations for Biden?s visit have meant schedule changes and some inconveniences, “but nothing that is insurmountable.”Coppinger ranked planning for Biden?s visit with trips to Lynn taken by former President Jimmy Carter, former First Lady Hillary Clinton, and dignitaries from the Dominican Republic. He said the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks helped change the way law enforcement agencies plan for major visits.?Post-9/11, there is a lot more communication and you share a lot more information,” he said.Although he is happy to host Biden?s visit today, Macdonald said the YMCA is neutral concerning next Tuesday?s election to decide if Moulton or Republican Richard Tisei will be elected to Congress.?If Richard Tisei had come to me, I?d say absolutely ?yes? to him as well,” he said.Independent Chris Stockwell?s name will also be before voters on Nov. 4.