Viva La Paris

Budget crisis. City's child and family service agency in the spotlight again. What's a city administrator and D.C. Council chairman to do?

How about a trip to Paris?

That's where Dan Tangherlini and Vincent C. Gray are this week, attending the Paris Motor Show. This is not the first time city officials have headed to this event, as former Mayor Anthony A. Williams made a habit of it. Williams was criticized by then-council member Adrian Fenty back in 2004.

At least city funds aren't being used. The bill for Tangherlini and Gray is being footed by the Washington Area New Auto Dealers Association Obstensibly, as Williams noted, the trip is designed to support and recruit vendors to participate in the annual Washington Auto Show.

Gray left last night and will return to D.C. on Saturday, spokeswoman Doxie McCoy said.