Official bills his agency for LV trip

MESA, Ariz. -- The public works director in Pinal County took a trip to an upscale Las Vegas hotel on the county's dime, saying he was going to accept a national award on behalf of his department.

The department did not receive an award, but the county did pay more than $2,000 for Greg Stanley and his wife to stay for a four-day conference at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, according to travel records obtained by the East Valley Tribune.

Stanley could not be reached for comment. County officials said he was on vacation and declined to provide a cell phone number to reach him.

The Las Vegas conference recognized Tempe-based Sundt Construction Inc. with an award for roadwork on a key link from U.S. 60 to the booming suburbia in Pinal County, according to the Web site of conference sponsor, Associated General Contractors of America.

Association officials confirmed the construction company received an award for excellence in partnering. Pinal County contracted with the company to make the road improvements.

While the county didn't receive an award in Las Vegas, A.J. Blaha, deputy director for public works, said Stanley's attendance was similar to an employee getting an award and inviting his or her boss along to accept it.