Waukesha Mayor will not be in attendance for Obama's speech

WAUKESHA (WITI) -- President Barack Obama makes his way to Waukesha, Wisconsin on Thursday, January 30th to speak at the General Electric Gas Engines Plant hours after he delivered his State of the Union address to Congress and the nation. Final preparations are underway -- and we are learning there is at least one person who will not be there to greet President Obama on Thursday.

FOX6 News has learned Waukesha's mayor will not be in attendance during the President's speech on Thursday.

"I`m making a statement. It might be somewhat bold. I'm not going to get involved with photo opportunities for partisan, outside partisan politicians," Waukesha Mayor Jeff Scrima said.

Scrima says he has turned down similar opportunities with Gov. Scott Walker and Congressman Paul Ryan.

"I`m just not going to place myself with any partisan politician. That`s not what I`m here for. I`m elected by the people to serve the people and their daily needs," Scrima said.

Meanwhile, the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department will have a big role in the President's visit.

"It is a big event for us. It boils down to making sure the roadways are clear, passageways are clear, overpasses are clear and getting him safely from his location at Mitchell Field out to Waukesha and then of course back," Waukesha County Sheriff Dan Trawicki said.

Sheriff Trawicki says his office got a call last week about the potential for a presidential visit, and he says it's a call that immediately put him on edge.

"While I`m really happy to see this president, any president and any candidate come in, we`re equally happy to see them go. And go on down the line. I don`t mean that disrespectfully," Sheriff Trawicki said.

Scrima says with his decision, he is also not trying to be disrespectful.

"It`s important to respect other offices within the layers of government. But it`s also important to treat them all the same," Scrima said.

Scrima says Thursday will be business as usual for him -- but for Trawicki and the Sheriff's Department.