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Personally, I have not detected any benefits to my family or my neighborhood because of Jay's travels,
I guess, I don't see travel or training in that way. Its not something that once can necessarily measure the benefits of in resolutions passed or projects initiated.
I see a great deal of value in having elected officials travel to conferences and visit with their peers across the nation. Obviously, private business does as well, given how much money is spent every year by successful/profitable companies to send their key staff to distant training opportunities, conferences, and site visits.
The opportunity to visit with colleagues from around the county, exchange information and stories, and see first hand what is happening in other cities must be extremely valuable for a city councilor. Learning from what other cities have done and avoiding their mistakes can easily save St. Paul millions of dollars. But, the savings or benefits won't necessarily ever be obvious or apparent.
Of course, travel budgets can be abused and misused. I've seen examples of wasteful travel both in public and private enterprise. However, I've not yet heard any specific criticisms of how Jay Benanav used his travel budget, only complaints that he did use it. If there are legitimate complaints about specific trips or expenses, I'd be interested in hearing them.
But the general suggestion that city councilors and their staff shouldn't be traveling unless they can justify it with short term projects, simply feels short sighted. In my opinion, excessively restricting our elected officials ability (or desire) to travel is bad business for the city.
Best wishes,
Tim Erickson Hamline Midway [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Tim Erickson http://www.politalk.com St. Paul, MN - USA 651-643-0722
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