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Sep 24, 2008 5:42 pm US/Central
Dallas, FW Mayors Want Answers About DFW Spending
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
A series of CBS 11 reports (
part 1,
part 2) has prompted calls for an investigation into how executives at DFW International Airport spend public money.
Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert told CBS 11 today that he read our stories on cbs11tv.com, and he wants answers. The cities of Dallas and Fort Worth own the airport, and each city's mayor is a permanent member of the DFW airport board.
Leppert says he has contacted the chair of the board, Lillie Biggins, asking for a full investigation into executive spending. Leppert said, "I want to see exactly what was spent and what were the circumstances."
Leppert also dismissed the notion that the airport could operate without taxpayer dollars, a suggestion made by DFW executives in their response to the CBS 11 report. He says the citizens of Dallas have an interest in how the airport operates. "Absolutely no question, that's why I sit on the board," Leppert said.
Our story Tuesday night revealed details of a trip to the United Arab Emirates taken by Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief, who is also a member of the DFW board. Wednesday afternoon, Moncrief provided us with this statement:
"It's important that we have clear answers to the questions that have been raised. I agree with Mayor Leppert that this issue certainly deserves to be thoroughly reviewed by the DFW Airport board to ensure the travel and expense policies are appropriate. Regarding first class air travel, it has been my long standing policy to reimburse organizations for any first class seat upgrades when traveling on behalf of the city. I am certainly mindful of the importance of saving taxpayer dollars, and I have always done this on city business trips. This was my first trade mission trip with DFW International Airport, and this reimbursement was administratively overlooked in this case. It is, however, being addressed immediately."
CBS 11 has also uncovered even more perks for DFW executives and staff members. Bennett Cunningham will have the details Wednesday night at 10 p.m.
Also Wednesday afternoon, we received the following statement from Ken Capps, Vice-President of Public Affairs for DFW Airport:
"The Mayors, the DFW Board of Directors and the management team are in full agreement when it comes to keeping tight control of airport expenses. To date, DFW Airport has reduced expenses by $9 million for 2008 while simultaneously bringing new air service to North Texas valued at $125 million in positive economic impact this year. We will continue to update the Board of Directors with the facts regarding expenses and travel and correct the misinformation being aired by Channel 11."
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