Montgomery County Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles strongly rebutted recent criticism she received on social media surrounding her attendance at two professional conferences earlier this this month.
In one social media post, an anonymous commenter alleged that, “she just took a taxpayer funded trip to Hawaii during budget negotiations to go to a conference for western state officials. Absolutely ludicrous.”
In a letter exclusive to MCM, Sayles described her recent attendance at the National Association of Counties Western Interstate Region Conference and the National Organization of Black County Officials 40th Anniversary Economic Development Conference from May 7-11 “appropriate, work-related and fully consistent with my responsibilities as a Montgomery County councilmember.”
Sayles said she paid her own travel expenses. “No taxpayer funds were used for airfare, lodging or conference-related costs. Any reimbursement will follow standard county procedures and applicable budget guidelines,” Sayles told MCM.
The county has been a member of both organizations “for decades because they provide county leaders with valuable opportunities to collaborate, share best practices and strengthen our ability to address complex local challenges,” she continued.
Sayles serves in a national leadership role, which she said, “carries additional responsibilities and requires participation, including attendance at scheduled board-related meetings.”
During the time she was away, Sayles said she attended council budget meetings remotely and “participated fully in budget deliberations, and continued to manage my constituent and legislative responsibilities without interruption.”
She praised the conferences for giving her a chance to meet with leaders from across the country concerning issues that affect Montgomery County residents.
“As our County faces serious fiscal pressures, learning from peer jurisdictions and strengthening national partnerships is an important part of responsible public service,” Sayles said.
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