Dr. Ana Viamonte Ros, Florida's top health official, has spent
nearly $130,000 on taxpayer-funded travel in her first three years on
the job and has spent at least a third of her weekends in her hometown
of Miami.
The state surgeon general's travel pattern has not changed despite a belt-tightening edict a year ago from Gov. Charlie Crist's office and recent scrutiny of state travel by agency heads.
Viamonte Ros said her trips to South Florida took her to an "important hub" that allows her to reach Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Broward and Collier counties and the Keys.
"If I did stay over a weekend, it was always at my own home and no expense at all to the state, and I was always back immediately first thing in the morning on Monday," Viamonte Ros said.
To be sure, all trips included official speaking events or meetings. Viamonte Ros reimbursed the state when she used her rental car on off days. Staying at her Coral Gables condo saved money on hotels.
But the trips at taxpayers' expense allowed the surgeon general to
spend time at home on most holidays and many weekends. (Full story here)
To Dave Plyer (KING of Ethics Complaints): Here is another sweet ethics complaint for you to submit - - against thieving Doc Ana Viamonte Ros. These JackHoles and JaneHoles never learn (and don't care) and need to go through the aggravation of defending themselves before the Commission on Ethics, even if it means almost squat. Also be sure to ask Willie Meggs to file criminal charges of felony grand theft!
Posted by: Justice4All | February 09, 2010 at 08:39 PM
Forty thousands a year on travel expenses is way too much, not many people make this amount as salary. I do not understand how this can happen.
Posted by: Raymond Longaray | March 16, 2010 at 11:39 AM