Springfield has been trying — unsuccessfully — to collect payment from Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign

The city of Springfield still hasn’t been fully repaid for costs associated with hosting then- U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s presidential campaign stop in the fall of 2008.

Obama’s presidential campaign was sent a bill for $68,139, and still owes the city $55,457, according to Ernie Slottag, the city’s spokesman.

The city has been trying — unsuccessfully — to collect payment, Ken Crutcher, the city’s director of office of budget and management told aldermen recently.

“We’ve spoken to a lot of people and have found a lot of circles,” Crutcher said. … “We’ve been kind of bounced from place to place with respect to that particular event.”

Attempts to get a comment for this story from the Obama campaign were unsuccessful. The White House referred comments to the Democratic National Committee. A spokesman at the DNC didn’t respond to questions sent via e-mail.

“Let’s turn them over to a collection agency,” quipped Ward 3 Ald.Frank Kunz.

His remark prompted laughter from aldermen during a recent budget workshop

“I’m serious,” he said. “If you guys are serious about going after him, turn them over to a collection agency.”

While no aldermen jumped on Kunz’s suggestion, it did lead to a broader discussion: Should the city charge individuals and groups for police coverage for special events? (CONTINUES HERE)