Would you spend $12,400 for 3 weeks at Harvard? You just did.
Regional Transportation Council Executive Director Matt Ransom is going to Harvard this summer. He’s taking a 3-week course. You and I are paying $12,400.
In December, Clark County Councilor Jeanne Stewart asked about “miscellaneous registration and tuition” in RTC’s 2015 budget, which increases from $3,000 to $15,500.
“Development” is what Jeanne suggests. Ransom agrees, saying “it’s for staff training and to keep skills fresh.” He says nothing regarding the fact that it’s his training.
In April, Councilor David Madore questions a $12,400 expenditure for three weeks at Harvard.
Ransom acknowledges by saying, “the committee that did my review concurred that I should go to an executive in-residence education program.”
Madore questions, “is that an appropriate level, and was it approved?” Ransom states it was set apart in the 2015 budget. Madore follows up, “was it itemized so that the board was aware of it?” Ransom’s response, “it was part of the budget.” No it wasn’t itemized.
Thanks to councilors Stewart and Madore for exposing this. Sadly, even after this taxpayer funded boondoggle was brought to light, the RTC Board approved this expenditure.
Additional questions remain.
• Who is the RTC Board “committee” that did Matt Ransom’s annual review and “concurred” with this executive training?
• When was the meeting held and are there public records of this meeting?
One final note. A full year at Harvard costs about $45,000. What 3-week “education” can be worth $12,400 taxpayer dollars?
John Ley
Camas
