Who pays for Caribbean trips questions linger
By JOSH RESNEK
When the mayor travels to Aruba, he most often stays at the Ritz-Carlton, one of the island’s most prestigious and expensive hotels.
An average room rental begins at $800, with suites and larger units renting for $1500 to $2500 a night.
The resort facility features a casino, among other luxuries.
In the past, the mayor has been questioned by some of his opponents about whether or not he pays for the accommodations, or whether supporters pay for him.
During the past two years, he has taken as many as five vacations in Aruba and has stayed at the Ritz-Carlton.
In addition, it is a part of Everett political folklore that for many years, the mayor’s flights were paid for by others who purchased the tickets for him.
Since the mayor has been investigated by the FBI (an open-ended investigation that has not yet been concluded), insiders claim he has become more careful about using his campaign account or allegedly unreported donations made by close supporters to pay for his flights and his suite rental.
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