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Reader: ‘Now We Know Why He Became a Republican’

Observer readers weren’t too thrilled at the hefty pricetag attached to Mayor Eric Johnson’s recent Africa trip.
Image: Dallas mayor Eric Johnson
Mayor Eric Johnson recently took a kick-ass trip. Nathan Hunsinger
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Let’s be honest: Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson’s recent trip to Tanzania seems to be on the up-and-up. As far as we can tell, the steps needed to make a lavish getaway into an official work trip were apparently taken. We didn’t suggest anything less in our article, looking at the $40,000 pricetag attached to the safari-intensive sister city jaunt to Dar es Salaam.

In fact, we checked around with some folks who would know about such things and they confirmed that things looked OK. But still, what major city with seriously major problems that thousands of dollars could help, needs its figurehead throwing cash around for kick-ass resorts and extra legroom on long trans-Atlantic flights?

Probably not Dallas, to be fair.

“Based on a statement sent to the Observer from Johnson’s office, sister city agreements seem to be the kind of thing politicians love to point out but which mean absolutely nothing for the normal person who doesn’t get giddy over economics,” staff writer Emma Ruby wrote. “The agreement includes ‘provisions for small business exchange programs and investment opportunities,’ and is the first time Dallas has entered such a full-fledged agreement since 2010.”

It doesn't exactly scream “essential!” as the city starts to pick apart the largest proposed city budget in its history—one that could very well result in the closure of many libraries and public swimming pools, among other things.

Loyal Observer social media followers and readers had a few thoughts on the matter, especially on Facebook and Instagram. Below is a sampling of those comments. Have an opinion on this you'd like to share with us and the Dallas community? Email [email protected] (and it might get published in our Opinion section).


George from Facebook:
Now we know why he became a Republican.

Shane from Facebook:
I like Eric Johnson, however, these trips serve no purpose for either Democrats or Republicans. I can find 40K worth of potholes in one 5 min drive.

Jack from Facebook:
Worst mayor ever

William from Instagram:
He really is a Republican

Angela from Instagram:
Wish I could bill my vacations to the taxpayers

Svetlana from Instagram:
When he switched parties, I knew he was going to start fleecing the city for everything it’s worth.

Susan from Instagram:
We have a mayor?