Pinch of Salt: Traveling for a reason can be a win-win for city leader types

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that the Summer Olympics are in full swing in and around Paris.

That’s Paris, France, not Paris, Texas, or Paris, Pennsylvania, or even Paris, New Hampshire.

This is important because, while I’m sure Paris, Texas, is a nice place to live, I have no desire to visit. I could be persuaded to make the trip to Paris, France, though.

As you gentle, constant readers know, I’ve been a bit obsessed with travel lately.

I admit, Paris is not a bucket list city for me, like it is for many. England and Scotland are of more interest, should I ever take a trip across the Atlantic.

Side note: I remember when the 2012 Olympics were in London. We, the Grunion, sent the Sports Guys Mike Guardabascio and JJ Fiddler there to write stories about Long Beach athletes (it was still Misty May time, Tony Azevedo time). They went on the cheap and we held fundraisers for them. Still, I was so jealous I had a hard time editing their stories.

Today, Paris is the center of the sports universe, and will be for another couple of weeks. Package Paris and the Olympics, and you have a pretty compelling reason to take a trip.

It gets even better when you can say you’re making the trip in the line of duty. That’s the enviable position many of our city leaders find themselves in.

You see, Long Beach (and Los Angeles) will be hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics. That means it’s important to see how the French are handling the giant endeavor – to steal the good ideas and find ways to avoid the mistakes (can you say dirty water?).

This is more than an excuse to take a fun trip – it’s a part of the job for elected officials and top managers. In this case, Mayor Rex Richardson actually has some official duties to perform – helping L.A. Mayor Karen Bass accept the Olympic flame at the end of the Paris games and such.

I corresponded last week with Third District Councilwoman Kristina Duggan when she was in Paris. She was there for the Opening Ceremonies, some workshops and maybe an event or two.

I’d argue she could make a case for the city paying for the trip – the Third District will be home to sailing, marathon swimming and more in 2028, and she’s going to have a hand in the preparations. But she said she’s paying for it herself, along with footing the bill for the rest of her family when they join her.

I suspect Mayor Rex will get some help with his bills, but I know he’ll be paying for his daughters and wife. I’m not sure what other politicos are heading to Paree (I’ve asked, but the PIOs haven’t responded yet), and there’s no indication whether City Manager Tom Modica will be on the plane. But surely some of the city employees who actually make things happen have made sure their passports are up to date.

Overseas travel is a fact of life for some, particularly those connected to the Port of Long Beach. And again, it makes sense that their bills are paid when they are doing the city’s business.

These days, everyone involved is very careful to make sure that personal stuff is paid for personally. That’s also thanks to the port.

Having top elected or appointed officials along on trips to big trading partners (China, Vietnam and even some capitalist countries) is important to making deals. One of the perks (and pains) of being a Harbor Commissioner is the expectation that trade trips are part of the deal, and elected folk often are asked to tag along as well.

Once upon a time, long, long ago, commissioners would bring their spouses on these trips, and the city/port would pick up the tab. But a few folks took advantage of the situation, adding on vacations and such, and got the attention of some city watchdogs.

The uproar was swift and loud. State ethics laws were passed. Fingers were wagged. And new policies were put in place.

So today, travel is carefully documented, whether the destination is Paris or Sacramento. And everyone knows that a companion (wife, husband, girlfriend, children, etc.) will be paying their own way. This isn’t the Supreme Court, after all.

That in turn means that thought is put into travel, especially on the city’s behalf.

Which brings us back to the Paris Olympics.

I’m glad to see that Long Beach is not being penny wise and pound foolish on this travel opportunity. We should do everything possible and whatever is necessary to make sure we put up the best 2028 we can. The world will be watching.

And good for those who have the wherewithal to take their family. This is an opportunity that doesn’t come along often. (Insider gossip – Mayor Rex told me they have been saving for a year so his girls could experience Paris.)

So send me a postcard, city people. Learn a lot. But take the time to enjoy, too. The opportunity doesn’t come along that often.