Hillsborough commissioners have no need to apologize for making trips that are likely to prove beneficial to county government.

But they should be able to explain to the public why each trip is justified. So the Hillsborough County Commission had good reason to adopt a measure to put trips on the board's agenda.

Previously the chairman could sign off on another commissioner's travel reports. And the vice chair could sign off on the chair's reports.

Now the expenses will go on the commission's agenda. Commissioners can ask to vote on questionable items. And all the information will be readily available to the public.
The sensible measure was proposed by new Commissioner Kathy Castor, who made an issue of former Commissioner Chris Hart's travel during her campaign against him in District 1.

There is no question that commissioners need to travel. Conferences, fact-finding trips and such can generate useful ideas.

The issue is, as Castor says, "accountability." This smart policy simply ensures the people know who is going where - and why - at public expense.