Politicians sure have a habit of living large on the taxpayers’ dime. But I read this whole story and still didn’t find an answer to my question… why the heck does the city own a luxury apartment in the first place?
Controversial New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, a Democrat, admitted to living in an apartment in the city’s French Quarter rent free.
Cantrell, who previously caused outrage when she spent city funds on first class air travel and excused it by saying economy class was ‘unsafe’ for black women, claims to have done nothing illegal.
The apartment is located in the city’s Upper Pontalba building on Jackson Square in the famous district. It is owned by the city and managed by the French Market Corp., a city-affiliated agency, has a market rate of $2,991 per month
[…]
Rafael Goyeneche, the president of the MCC, calls this arrangement improper for the mayor, saying ‘That’s an additional benefit tax-free that she’s been receiving. She doesn’t need to be residing there or using that. And I think that it’s a misuse and abuse of her authority. But I’m waiting to see what the city council’s position is.’
I dunno about the tax free benefit part. Sounds like a benefit having personal income value as part of an overall compensation package to me. Someone is liable for tax on the benefit.
How is this different than NYC and Gracie Mansion? Governor mansions or the White House?
Does she entertain dignitaries there like a governor or president do at their mansions? Does she do this often enough to be worth it being an official mayoral residence? Did the previous mayor live there while mayor?
Probably obtained by a previous Mayor who…………ahhh…………needed a place to ‘entertain’ female campaign contributors.
And yes, Merlin, that is definitely a taxable arrangement.