Heard Around Town: Dominican Day Parade will charge pols' pals to march

At least one elected official is gawking at the prospect of his posse having to pay to participate in the Dominican Day Parade just like everyone else.

A staffer for one pol who has routinely marched in the parade said he had not heard of elected officials’ companions being charged to attend any of the other parades honoring various cultures across New York City. 

“Let’s put it this way. They want the elected in the parade—they’re the ones who give the grant money,” the staffer told City & State.

Angela Fernández, president of the Dominican Day Parade, said no elected official has complained directly to the parade organizers and the policy was instituted to help cover costs for an expensive event that’s just getting off the ground. Insurance alone will amount to $70,000 for the August 9 event, according to Fernández.

Fernández said an elected official who comes solo will not be charged, but any groups affiliated with politicians will be billed $1 per wristband. 

The offices of other elected officials representing Dominican enclaves did not immediately seem familiar with the new policy.

Nelson Peña, the longtime director of the Dominican Day Parade, stepped down amid a probe from the state attorney general this spring. A new 12-member board led by Fernández has since been installed.