Flashback : The True Cost of Paule Villard's Taxpayer Funded Las Vegas Vacation
In a vivid demonstration of extravagant spending, former North Miami Beach Commissioner Paule Villard's Las Vegas vacation in June 2022 stands out as a sore thumb. The journey, amounting to $4,808.72, was an escapade funded by the hard-earned money of North Miami Beach taxpayers. The escapade, while luxurious for Villard, left a stain on her political career, one that is hard to overlook as she re-enters the political arena, aiming for the mayoral seat in December 2023.
The details of the expenses incurred during this vacation paint a picture of opulence at the cost of public funds. Villard and her aide jetted off on American Airlines, with airfare and in-flight purchases totaling $526.16. The heart of the extravagance lay in the stay at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, a luxury resort known for its elegance and high-end services. The total tab for the Bellagio stay came to a staggering $3,229.82, spread across multiple bookings and room services. Additionally, a mysterious expenditure of $163.71 at The Cosmopolitan Of Las Vegas hints at further lavish spending, perhaps on lounge, spa treatments, or a bar tab.
Let's look at the full breakdown of her reported spending in Las Vegas according to her P-Card Statements.
| Date | Vendor | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 03, 2022 | American Airlines | Airfare - Paule Villard | $501.20 |
| June 03, 2022 | American Airlines | In-Flight Purchase | $24.76 |
| June 03, 2022 | Bellagio Hotel and Casino - Las Vegas | Stay at a Luxury Las Vegas Resort (Deposit/Fees) | $452.39 |
| June 05, 2022 | (Expedia) Bellagio Hotel and Casino - Las Vegas | Stay at a Luxury Las Vegas Resort | $1,011.21 |
| June 05, 2022 | American Airlines | Airfare - Paule Villard Aide | $757.19 |
| June 06, 2022 | American Airlines | Fee - Paule Villard | $30.00 |
| June 09, 2022 | Bellagio Hotel and Casino - Las Vegas | Stay at a Luxury Las Vegas Resort | $1,092.98 |
| June 11, 2022 | (Expedia) Bellagio Hotel and Casino - Las Vegas | Stay at a Luxury Las Vegas Resort | $673.24 |
| June 10, 2022 | The Cosmopolitan Of Las Vegas | Unknown (Lounge/Spa Treatment/Bar Tab/Food) | $163.71 |
| June 10, 2022 | Bellagio Hotel and Casino - Las Vegas | Room Service at a Luxury Las Vegas Resort | $51.02 |
| June 10, 2022 | Bellagio Hotel and Casino - Las Vegas | Room Service at a Luxury Las Vegas Resort | $51.02 |
Grand Total : $4.808.72
Villard's indulgence didn't end in Las Vegas. Her tenure saw her losing a re-election bid in December 2022, a loss largely attributed to a history of unethical spending and corruption. The saga further unfolds as Villard now sets her sights on the mayoral seat, a move that reignites concerns among the citizens of North Miami Beach. The apprehension is not baseless; Villard's past, marked by allegations of public corruption, tampering with elections, and fraud, is currently under a microscope by the State of Florida Commission on Ethics, Miami-Dade County Ethics, and State of Florida Election Crimes Investigation Unit over allegations of compensating people for votes .
The Las Vegas vacation reflects a broader narrative, one of disregard for fiscal responsibility and ethical conduct in public office. As Villard attempts a political comeback, the memories of her taxpayer-funded vacation serve as a somber reminder to the electorate of the potential costs tied to a lack of accountability in public office.
As the city inches closer to the December 2023 mayoral election, the discourse around fiscal responsibility and ethical governance takes center stage. The tale of Villard's Las Vegas vacation is not merely a flashback; it's a glaring spotlight on the values expected of those in public service, a call for vigilance among voters, and a push for integrity and transparency in the corridors of power. Don't let her get a second chance to bankrupt the city.