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El Mirage council approves travel for three members to National League of Cities conference after split vote
Summary
The City Council authorized travel expenses for three council members to attend the National League of Cities congressional conference in Washington, D.C., after debate about who should attend. Two council members voted no.
The El Mirage City Council voted Feb. 4 to approve expenses for Council members Norton, Parsons and Gentry to attend the National League of Cities annual congressional conference in March in Washington, D.C.
"I move to approve agenda item 1, consideration and action to approve expenses for council members Norton McDaniel, Parsons, and Gentry to attend the National League of Cities annual conference to be held March 2025 in Washington, DC, pursuant to city council handbook section on travel expenses," said Council Member Norton, who made the motion. Vice Mayor Parsons seconded.
Council debate focused on whether travel to the national conference should be limited to the mayor and vice mayor. Council Member Winston argued against approving travel for more members, saying, "And with all due respect, in the past, we've always just approved the mayor and vice mayor, and, I disagree. I think that is the only 2 positions who should be going to this." Council Member Norton responded that the invitation was extended to all council members Dec. 13 and emphasized the opportunity to learn about resources and build contacts that could benefit the city.
After discussion the motion passed. The clerk recorded two nays: Council Member Winston and Council Member Dorsey; the mayor called the motion carried.
The council justification for sending members included training sessions on local leadership, emerging policy trends, and opportunities to meet congressional delegation staff, with travel costs paid from the mayor and council budget, according to the staff presentation. The agenda report cited the City Council Handbook's travel section as the policy under which expenses may be approved.
The item drew several council comments both in favor and opposed; supporters noted past examples in which trips to Washington helped cities secure funding or partnerships, while opponents called it unnecessary spending and urged using state-level resources or the League of Arizona instead.
The council recorded the vote as approved (ayes) with two recorded nays. Council members were directed to report back on conference outcomes after attendance.
