Governor's Trip Cost Taxpayers Thousands

Sunday, November 4th 2007, 5:18 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma taxpayers paid more than $21,000 in security and miscellaneous expenses when Gov. Brad Henry and first lady Kim Henry traveled to Ghana for a mission trip in June.

The Henrys paid their own travel and lodging expenses during the 10-day trip. But it cost the state $21,314 to provide a three-trooper state security team, state Public Safety Department records show.

The state's twin-engine airplane was used to fly the first couple to Washington to connect with their overseas flight and for the return trip from Washington to Oklahoma City.

The cost of both trips was $7,595, Public Safety Commissioner Kevin Ward said. The cost was for fuel, salaries for the troopers and the operating costs of the plane.

The Henrys went on a mission trip to give away treated mosquito nets.