New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and two aides flew first-class to a climate conference in South Korea, and city officials claim they do not have to repay taxpayers for the upgrades, NOLA.com reports.
Cantrell, Communications Director Gregory Joseph, and NOPD Officer Robert Monlyn, of the mayor's executive protection team, flew first class during the domestic portion of the trio, and business class for the international flights.
City ordinance requires city employees to fly coach, and may only fly in an upgraded seat if that upgrade does not exceed the cost of flying coach. However, the report states no one submitted quotes for how much a coach fare was.
Joseph said the three tickets were bought in a single package via a travel agent.
Cantrell has caused controversy with her travel arrangements before, upgrading her flight to premium seating and initially refusing to cover the cost, claiming she needed the upgrade or her safety, and trying to argue that Mayor of New Orleans is not considered an employee of the city.
Cantrell only agreed to cover the cost of the upgrade after the city attorney said that the position of mayor does count as an employee, and the mayor must follow the same rules as any other city worker.
