Posted on 04/09/2005 10:53:58 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
SACRAMENTO – Sequestered in private policy retreats at posh resorts in San Diego and Newport Beach, Assembly lawmakers billed taxpayers $2,000 for a Mexican buffet, $1,900 for shuttle van service, $26 for a pound of deluxe mixed nuts and $22 for valet parking.
And $42 for a dozen cookies.
The separate getaways for Democrats and Republicans cost at least $40,000, plus about $200 each in round-trip airfare for dozens of legislators and staff, according to receipts released yesterday by the Assembly Rules Committee.
Among those slips of paper, the top aide to Assembly Republican leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield asked to be reimbursed the $60 the aide was billed for not refilling the gas tank before returning a Hertz rental car to the airport. Julie Sauls repaid the state yesterday, but only after the $5.99-per-gallon charge was questioned by Copley News Service.
Both parties have defended retreats as necessary to focus on issues, from budget deficits to transportation to education, without the distractions of day-to-day business in the Capitol.
Capitol watchdogs generally agreed that such getaways can be useful, but they are wary of high tabs.
"Legislators do need to caucus, set an agenda, and determine where they want to go for the rest of the legislative year," said Kathay Feng, executive director of California Common Cause.
Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, said he understands the value of escaping to work in an "environment where there can be the free flow of ideas."
However, he added, "you notice they're not meeting in Rio Linda."
Democrats spent $27,750 plus airfare on their two-night retreat at the seaside Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. Seventy-three members and staff attended.
Republicans got a jump on the year, heading off to the bayfront Marriott Hotel & Marina in San Diego from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. Several newly elected Republicans attending were still waiting to be sworn in Dec. 6. The bill came to about $16,500, plus travel. Twenty-nine GOP lawmakers and seven staff members attended.
The Democrats' expense ledger did not detail many meals for individual lawmakers, but the Los Angeles Times in February reported that food and refreshments were being provided by Ameriquest, AT&T and other influence peddlers.
The bill included $1,650 for a suite, $1,000 to remove furniture brought in for the occasion, $902 for audio-visual equipment, $600 for phones and $102 for bellhops.
Democrats brought along top security officer Ron Pane. Pane and three other aides rented four vans for four days to transport lawmakers, running up about $2,200 in charges. Democrats also rented two vans from the state Department of General Services to deliver equipment at a cost of $1,900.
Democrats did not return a call seeking comment.
Republican receipts show they spent $3,500 for two breakfasts, $4,000 for lunches and $4,500 for two buffets. Coffee breaks cost $1,400. (Several GOP senators joined in the meals and shared the cost.)
Refreshments came to $42 for a dozen cookies, $26 for a pound of nuts, $54 for a gallon of coffee, $27 for a half-gallon of hot water (presumably for tea) and $3.50 each for soda or water, according to the GOP's records.
Sauls, McCarthy's chief of staff, said she didn't realize the vehicle rental didn't include a gas deal and repaid taxpayers $60 after being questioned about the bill yesterday, said Morgan Crinklaw, a GOP spokesman.
Crinklaw defended the retreat as important policy work, adding, "California taxpayers know we have constantly defended them" by opposing tax increases and demanding budget cuts.
No Fault Goobamint is a beautious thing indeed .. for the office holder .
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