Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Westminster Eagle: “Westminster mayor says MML convention spending was worth it” By Katie V. Jones

Westminster Eagle: “Westminster mayor says MML convention spending was worth it” By Katie V. Jones

Posted on http://www.explorecarroll.com/ 9/17/08


As for a $1,500 dinner bill, Ferguson is adamant that he picked up the expenses for the meal. "I paid for that," Ferguson said of the meal, adding, "The city doesn't pick up a dime for me and my wife to go [to the convention]. I pay for my registration and our hotel."
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Westminster Mayor Tom Ferguson this week defended sending 15 appointed and elected officials to the Maryland Municipal League Convention this past summer despite a price tag of $19,000 and a dinner bill that totaled $1,500.

The four-day convention held in Ocean City offers symposiums and seminars dealing with a variety of issues and subjects pertinent to municipalities, Ferguson said.

The governor and his cabinet also attend one day, hosting roundtable meetings to allow discussions about such topics as transportation and the environment, he said.

"There is no way I can put a dollar value..." on the event, Ferguson said. "It is an opportunity to have interaction with peers around... Maryland... to pick up new ideas."

The issue of the expense was raised in a story that appeared in the Carroll County Times.

Ferguson said the convention is typically attended by council members, the mayor and department heads. This year, three additional people attended because Larry Bloom, superintendent of Westminster's street department, was honored as the MML employee of the year, Ferguson said. Bloom's wife and his immediate boss, Jeff Glass and his wife, attended the event.

"It is quite an honor and one he clearly deserves," Ferguson said of Bloom. "It speaks well of the city and him personally to get that type of recognition."

As for a $1,500 dinner bill, Ferguson is adamant that he picked up the expenses for the meal.

"I paid for that," Ferguson said of the meal, adding, "The city doesn't pick up a dime for me and my wife to go [to the convention]. I pay for my registration and our hotel."


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Related: Recent Westminster Eagle and Sunday Carroll Eagle columns by Kevin Dayhoff

Be critical of spending, but MML has been worthwhile
Published September 17, 2008 by Westminster Eagle
There has been a fair amount of discussion of late regarding published accounts of the June trip by 15 appointed and elected officials from Westminster...

http://kevindayhoffwestgov-net.blogspot.com/2008/09/recent-westminster-eagle-and-sunday_23.html

20080923 Recent Westminster Eagle and Sunday Carroll Eagle columns

NBH: http://kbetrue.livejournal.com/60014.html

20080917 Westminster mayor says convention spending worth it KJones

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