$185,000: The Price of One Councilman's Travel

Residents of Ontario and nearby areas now face stricter oversight on how public officials spend taxpayer and airport revenue funds. Following the release of records showing one councilman’s extensive travel expenses, local boards have implemented new limits on per diems, conference attendance, and spouse travel to ensure greater transparency in the future.

According to documents released under the California Public Records Act, Ontario City Council member Alan Wapner billed the Ontario International Airport Authority $184,997 for 72 trips between March 2021 and June 2026. Wapner served on the authority’s board until recently. In total, he reported 132 trips across five different agencies where he held seats, resulting in a combined spending of $283,630 over the five-year period. The other four boards reimbursed him a total of $98,632, with the largest portion coming from the City of Ontario at $62,855.

The airport authority’s contribution stood out significantly. It was 64 times higher than the amount reimbursed to the other four board members combined. Board president Ron Loveridge received $2,865 for his travel during the same period, while the remaining three members did not request any reimbursement. Wapner’s trips took him to destinations such as Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro, Istanbul, and repeated visits to Hawaii. Notably, a 17-day conference trip to Maui in January 2023 cost $8,939.40, which included a $7,000 rental for a three-bedroom house in Lahaina.

Wapner defended his spending in an email, stating that his travel was necessary to be effective in his position and that none of the trips were junkets. He argued that these journeys gave him access to airline executives and federal officials whose decisions impact airport growth. However, Loveridge noted that while the spending met authority rules at the time, commissioners were unaware of the trips because Wapner did not report back to the full board. Loveridge also emphasized that the funds came from airport revenue rather than tax dollars.

The scrutiny intensified after the FBI searched Wapner’s home on July 28, along with the homes of other officials and associates of businessman James Su. As of October 22, no charges have been filed against those searched. In response, the City Council removed Wapner from all committee appointments, and he has dropped his planned mayoral run. He remains on the council, where he has served since 1994, and is seeking another term.

In September, the airport board approved bylaw changes capping monthly stipends at $1,000 and limiting members to one domestic conference annually and one international conference every other year. Spouse travel can no longer be paid for, and the board voted to create an internal auditing program in October. Wapner described the board’s actions as scapegoating, while expert Catherine Lhamon from UC Berkeley called for clear rules and public scrutiny to prevent personal profit from public service.

These changes aim to clarify how public officials use funds for travel and meetings. The new rules require advance approval for conferences and include a full-time auditor to monitor expenses. This shift reflects a broader effort to ensure that public service remains distinct from personal gain, providing a clearer framework for future board members and council members alike.