OPINION

By William Wilczewski

Hiding under the umbrella of being mayor "seven days a week, 24 hours a day," Octavio Garcia-Von Borstel did a good job of justifying why he spent $686 for the lodging and per diem of two security detail officers while on his June 5-8 trip to Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico. (See story on Page 1A)

What he didn't do a good job of was being completely honest with his constituency about the purpose of the trip, or what he accomplished while in Guaymas, which is about an hour south of the popular vacation spot of San Carlos.

I can understand his safety concerns while traveling abroad, but the necessity of his travel is what really should justify his spending of that money, right?

In his grandiose swearing-in speech, Von Borstel proudly proclaimed openness, and confidently asked to regain the public's confidence in city government.

I don't think this is the way to do it. If he wants the public's confidence, maybe he should tell the public why he's making trips near popular Mexican vacation spots - reportedly using the city's SUV, by the way.

Or, come out from the umbrella and say it was purely personal, and pay for the bodyguards out of his own pocket.

The bottom line is: If he didn't need to go, he shouldn't have.

If he did need to go, he should be able to say why to the people whose interests he swore to uphold.

After all, during his swearing-in speech, Von Borstel also said that he feels a tremendous responsibility to operate responsibly.

He said city government must learn from the past and bring honest change.

He said city government needs to show character, unity and dignity.

How do YOU think he is doing so far?

(E-mail "Ski" at editorial@nogalesinternational.com.)