CYPRESS : Age Reimbursed for Attending Ball

The City Council agreed this week to reimburse Councilwoman Cecilia L. Age $357 for attending Gov. Pete Wilson’s inaugural ball.

Age, a former mayor, said the event was an opportunity for “team building” and a chance for her to represent the city. “Every opportunity you have to put a name with a face, you do it,” Age said.

She added that the event took place all weekend, but she went for only one day, trying to minimize costs.

“I booked the cheapest air fare and hotel,” Age said. “I certainly don’t think it is unreasonable.”

The $357 covers the cost of one night’s lodging, the inaugural ball ticket and air fare. Age asked that the item be put on the agenda.

Councilwoman Gail H. Kerry, who cast the only dissenting vote, charged that it would set a bad precedent.

“What will the citizens gain from this? It is not team building . . . it is a party,” Kerry said.

City Manager Darrell Essex said he didn’t think any council members had been reimbursed for attending the ball in the past, adding that he wasn’t sure if anyone had been invited.

Age said she polled several members of other city councils at the ball who said their cities pay for such trips.

Councilman Richard Partin, who voted in favor of reimbursing Age, said he didn’t want people to make a big deal out of the trip.

“I don’t think there was a great deal of damage because she went up there to represent the city of Cypress,” Partin said. “I really have no problem with it.”