While aldermen have been focusing attention on the new yearbudget, the issue of adopting a travel expense reimbursement policyand answering leftover questions about mayoral travel expenses hasoccupied the back burner.

We commend aldermen for taking the budget bull by the horns andfor their attention to having a balance revenue and spending planfor next year.

But, adopting a sound travel expense reimbursement policy forthe future and seeking state audit department resolution ofquestions from the past need board attention as well. The start ofnew fiscal year is the perfect time to give it.