New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell Says She’ll Repay Travel Expense Debts To City
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced on Tuesday (October 4) she would repay expenses resulting from upgrades she made during recent work travel.
According to WDSU, the Louisiana city’s chief administrative officer said last Friday that he would enforce the travel police as it relates to any upgrades made by the mayor.
"As I mentioned in previous interviews, I was waiting on the city attorney's opinion on this topic, and now it is clear," Chief Administrative Officer Gilbert Montaño said, according to the news station.
Cantrell’s announcement comes after a ruling by the city attorney that the mayor is considered a city employee, therefore any upgrades to flights must be paid for by someone under that status.
Montaño, who is the second-in-charge under Cantrell’s Administration, reports solely to the mayor. She’s also the only person who can terminate him.
"I will fulfill my duties as the CAO, and it's important that I follow through on all the rules and policies that I have to all other employees," Montaño noted.
New Orleans City Council had also warned that they could dock the mayor’s salary if she didn’t repay the nearly $30,000 in expenses.
Montaño said he plans to discuss the repayment of the funds and is confident that this will be resolved. "I don't know anybody that works harder or loves the city of New Orleans more than the mayor," he added. "I know her personally, and I know her publicly. And I can speak in earnest where her heart is."
