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Prince George's Taxpayers Pick Up Officials' Personal Tabs
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"That was just a mistake of whipping out the wrong card," Boswell said. "It's not appropriate at all."
The records document how often county officials travel to desirable locations. At least five people -- council members, Johnson and some of his appointees -- traveled this year to Las Vegas for an annual convention to woo shopping center developers, at a total cost of more than $5,700.
Seven officials went to a National Association of Counties conference in Honolulu last year. Several, including Johnson and Harrington, extended their stays for up to four days using their county-issued cards, records show. Four rented cars at a total cost of $2,678.
Council member Tony Knotts (D-Temple Hills) said he decided against the trip because "it didn't pass the feel test. . . . Honolulu. Vacation place. The appearance is that it's a lot of fun."
When the same conference was held in Milwaukee three years ago, no council members attended, according to a council spokeswoman.
Jack B. Johnson
As county executive, Johnson has sometimes traveled at hefty expense to taxpayers.
In December 2005, he flew business class to Senegal, at a cost of $6,003, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for homes built by a Prince George's developer.
"I always fly business class or first class," Johnson said. "I think the people of Prince George's County expect me to. I don't think they expect me to be riding in a seat with four across and I'm in the middle."
When he traveled to Las Vegas last year for the shopping center convention, he stayed at the luxurious Bellagio Hotel while his staff stayed at cheaper hotels, records show. This year, Johnson flew first class and stayed at the Wynn, one of the most expensive hotels in Las Vegas.
On two trips in the past year to Charleston, S.C., where Johnson's mother lived until her death last month, he charged a total of $457 in rental car and gas expenses, records show. County Attorney David Whitacre said Johnson paid back the charges but declined to produce proof. Whitacre also said Johnson's travel receipts have been destroyed because county rules do not require that they be retained.
"There is no documentation in the possession of Prince George's County . . . for Mr. Johnson's travel expenses," Whitacre wrote. Johnson said in a follow-up phone message that he had paid back personal charges.
David Harrington
Harrington said he thought nothing of shopping at Uniforms & Lingerie when he needed a clergyman's shirt for his pastor's funeral.
