Investigation needed regarding BOS taxpayer-funded trips

Dear Editor:

I remain concerned regarding the international trips taken by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors to Ghana and Uruguay. These taxpayer-funded trips, which included stays at a luxury casino, beach photo ops, and winery visits, have raised serious questions about government transparency.
Despite being a year since the scope of these trips was uncovered, there remain many unanswered questions. Why were these destinations chosen? What benefits did they bring to the county? Has all the money identified as improperly used for hotel upgrades been reimbursed to taxpayers? And why did the fiscal data used to publicly justify the trips include references to unrelated grocery stores? 

The Board of Supervisors formally opposed transparency legislation proposed by state Senator Russet Perry in the most recent legislative session. This lack of transparency is troubling, especially where our hard-earned taxes are involved.

Where are the investigative authorities on this issue?

Given the dismal track record of government transparency in Loudoun County, it is imperative that both the Virginia Attorney General and the Loudoun Commonwealth’s Attorney launch a formal investigation. The citizens of Loudoun County deserve the sunlight that such an inquiry would provide.

Brad Bucher

Sterling