Take a look at the following numbers:

$20,170 compared to $484.

The first number is the amount of money Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard claimed as travel reimbursement from the city in 2015 (through October).  The second figure reflects travel costs reimbursed for Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness.

Indianapolis Business Journal (IBJ) reporter Lindsey Erdody dug into public records to find the information.  Brainard’s travel became an issue when he was traveling in Germany as the Carmel City Council deadlocked 3-3 on a plan to transfer funds, allowing the city to pay its bills for the remainder of 2015.

Brainard’s 2015 travel destinations included three trips to Washington DC, with one visit each to San Francisco, New York, London and Los Angeles.

Here’s how Brainard responded to questions about the amount of his travel, in the IBJ story:

Brainard said he prioritizes his trips based on the ability to learn about other fast-growing communities and city design and on conferences geared toward suburbs similar to Carmel.

“It’s about getting out and knowing what the competition is doing,” he said. “I really see it as part of my job.”  

Fadness’ $484 travel reimbursement was related to an October  trip in French Lick for the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns conference..

The front-page story is featured in the January 4-10 edition of the IBJ.

You can read the story at this link. (NOTE:  Your ability to access this story may be limited if you are not an IBJ subscriber)