Bad idea. This is political influence. Just because other cities drink this kool-aid boondoggle doesn't mean Mayor Ray Mueller shouldn't pay for his share. He should set a positive example.

A tradition of sharing ideas across cultures and continents sounds wonderful. Unfortunately, this article is free of meaningful consent. Bring on the pointless mud slinging from the town jesters.

Seriously Boondoggle Bob? You want the mayor, who is one of the hardest working mayors we have ever had, who volunteers countless hours away from his family for near no compensation, to pay thousands of dollars out of his own pocket to promote investment in the city and trade regionally on an Int'l trip? I think it reflects so positively on the mayor that he has asked the FPPC to approve the trip prior to going. I know allies of the envious may attempt to throw stones, but we are so lucky to have this mayor represent us. Every time I turn around I either read about or hear about something he is doing to help our community. Just leave him alone.

Good Lord. Really? A four city tour in China? And just what makes these 11 such a choice? Business leaders? Industry leaders?

Just a gift. Whatever happened to humility in office?

"I need to go to China and reach out on a global scale," said the "unelected" but appointed mayor of Menlo Park.

Maybe next year the next mayor can get a shuttle to the moon and call it universal relations?

Such a joke. One vote lost.

You were right tradition. Here come the ugly trolls to throw mud on a great thing.