newsobserver.com projects - Mary Easley trips cost $109,000 - Comments

Re: Mary Easley trips cost $109,000

Heatherbrook — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:18:38 -0400

Is the Gov. and Mrs. any different from Mr. Black , or Mr. Wright?. My opinion wrong is wrong. Everyone should be treated equal.

Re: Mary Easley trips cost $109,000

uncgop — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:25:26 -0400

Honestly, how can anyone stomach putting Perdue, an Easley croony, into office?

Re: Mary Easley trips cost $109,000

mickiep — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:03:31 -0400

Where is the outrage from NC Taxpayers? Sounds like Miss Easley and her entourage of fat cat "arts officials" went in high style, splurging and gorging themselves along the way. WAKE UP!!!...... North Carolinians, when will you see the "limousine liberals" for what they are. For all those who think we don't pay enough tax in this state....you should be ashamed!

Re: Mary Easley trips cost $109,000

j1c2kp — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:52:19 -0400

The Easleys have had a good ride at taxpayer expense. Any more worldly trips planned before they vacate the mansion?

Re: Mary Easley trips cost $109,000

dahedgehog — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:51:42 -0400

Inexcusable

Mary Easley trips cost $109,000

ryanteaguebeckwith — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:08:20 -0400

Mary Easley took trips to Russia, Estonia and France that cost taxpayers $109,000.

The first lady's trips were not publicly disclosed at the time, and she did not respond to a request for an interview. But expense reports and other documents indicate the trips were considered cultural exchanges to build links with officials in the countries visited.

So far, they have produced no tangible benefits.

In May 2007, Easley and an assistant traveled to Paris and Compiegne, France, to see the ambassador and visit major museums. Once there, she was chauffeured round-the-clock in a Mercedes-Benz that cost more than $27,000.

In May 2008, Easley and a delegation of state arts officials went to St. Petersburg and Tallinn, Estonia. On that trip, they saw the ballet, stayed in an $800-a-night hotel and dined at a first-class restaurant at a cost of more than $100 a person. (N&O)