Mayor’s trip to New York ‘an investment, not junket’

KIM WATERS
GEELONG ratepayers should consider their mayor’s $5800 trip to America an “investment” in the future rather than a “junket”, according to councillors.
Mayor John Mitchell defended the 12-day trade delegation trip to New York next month, saying its “economic and social benefits far outweigh the minimal cost”.
Alcoa initially invited him onto the delegation as part of celebrations marking 100 years since Geelong was proclaimed a city, he said.
Cr Mitchell’s itinerary included talking with Alcoa World Wide Group’s board and meeting cruise ship industry representatives.
He also planned to promote Geelong as an off-season training base for New York Yankees baseball club.
Cr Mitchell’s itinerary included a Yankees game, sightseeing in New York and three days in Los Angeles.
This trip will follow Cr Rod Macdonald’s flight to New York next month for a three-day forum on “preparing” Geelong for the arrival of broadband services.
Councillors defended the mayor’s trip before approving it at a council meeting this week.
Cr Bruce Harwood said other councils in the region were “quite envious we can do this”.
“It is a shock to some residents in Geelong that there is life outside Little River and Winchelsea,” he said.
“If you don’t go, you’ll never know.”
Cr Barbara Abley said councillors would be considered “fools” if the mayor did not join the delegation.
“I can’t see any room in here for junkets…the itinerary is jam packed.”