FIRST ON 3: City leaders spending almost $10k on DC trip

This week, three City Council members are attending the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference in Washington, DC. The conference started this weekend and will continue until Wednesday.

Mayor Bill Saffo and Council members Laura Padgett and Ron Sparks are attending, along with City Manager Sterling Cheatham and City Clerk Penny Spicer‐Sidbury.

The Congressional City Conference is the annual legislative meeting of the National League of Cities, designed to inform city government leaders about federal policy issues while providing an opportunity for city leaders to bring local concerns to their federal elected officials in Washington, DC.

While in Washington, Wilmington’s elected officials will meet with US Senators Richard Burr and Kay Hagan, as well as US Representative Mike McIntyre to discuss Wilmington’s legislative agenda.

Wilmington’s agenda includes job creation and economic development, transportation and
infrastructure, public safety and affordable housing issues. They will also see most of President Barack Obama’s Cabinet secretaries.

Estimated costs (includes registration, mileage, hotel, parking and meals – does not include taxes or other costs that may be incurred during the trip)

Saffo
3/14‐3/17 $1,789

Padgett
3/13‐3/17 $989

Sparks
3/13‐3/17 $2,244 (includes fees for National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials membership)

Cheatham
3/12‐3/17 $2,595 (includes two days of training for national accreditation requirements)
Spicer‐Sidbury

3/14‐3/17 $1,813
___________ _____
Total $9,430

Additional notes:
• Meals: to comply with new travel regulations put in place last year, City Council members will
receive per diem rates as outlined by the IRS for the cost of meals.
• Spouses: Mayor Saffo’s wife and Councilman Sparks’ wife are both attending, but the city is not
paying for their meals or any other costs.
• Padgett and Sparks are both on NLC committees and attended additional meetings over the
weekend. Padgett is a member of the NLC Board of Directors. Sparks is a member of the NLC
IT policy committee.

INFORMATION FROM A NEWS RELEASE SENT TO THE WWAY NEWSCHANNEL 3 NEWSROOM.