$5,000 request for youth travel to Boston Conference

It appears it's not enough that two elected officials spend as much or more on travel than anyone in the county, including the City of San Diego which is 20 times the size of La Mesa. Now we have a request for $5000 to send youth commissioners on a junket as well? Just because 3 elected officals exercise restraint in such matters is that license to use their spare budget in such a frivilous way? How about we start sending members of other boards and commissions on similar trips?
What exactly is expected to be gained at this event for the city that is worthy of the $5000 expense for the taxpayers?

Per the City web site regarding the Youth Advisory Commission:

"The Commission serves as an advisory body to the City Council on matters pertaining to programs, projects, and issues that address the concerns of youth in the community. It is the responsibility of the Commission to explore and develop activities and issues that will promote positive youth relations in the City of La Mesa."

The youth commission is precisly what it says it is and no more. It is not a training program for future politicians to learn to grow the government, particularly at taxpayer expense.

This request must simply be rejected!