Tourism panel will be asked to reconsider travel policy

Sunday, April 4, 1999 | 5:47 a.m.

David Farside of Sparks said he's also considering filing a complaint with the Nevada Ethics Commission because the policy may violate Nevada's Code of Ethical Standards.

"I think that it certainly is a question of ethics," he said.

The new policy, approved on a 5-4 vote last month, requires RSCVA executives and board members to fly in business class instead of coach class on long trips and allows spouses to accompany them at public expense in certain cases.

Farside said the new policy may violate state ethical codes forbidding public officials from using their posts to secure unwarranted privileges and advantages for themselves and family members.

But RSCVA lawyer John Sande III disagreed: "I don't think it's a question of ethics. I think it's a question of policy. I think ... it's something that from a political standpoint, they may want to revisit."

The financially strapped agency charged with promoting Reno-area tourism has been under fire both from outside and within since adopting the new policy.

"I have not experienced any issue where the public is more disgusted," said Sparks Mayor Bruce Breslow, an RSCVA board member who voted against the policy.

But Reno Mayor Jeff Griffin, RSCVA board chairman, defended the new policy, saying there are occasions when spouses are expected and could help the agency put its best foot forward.

"This is not some boondoggle," Griffin said, adding he doubts spouses would travel more than once or twice a year.

Phil Keene, RSCVA chief executive officer, defended the policy requiring top officials to travel in business instead of coach class.

"It's just designed to say that if our senior-level people are traveling long distances, we should accommodate them in a slightly higher standard," he said.