"I'm never one to reduce a person's passion on issues, but he doesn't connect the dots in the business community," Martin said. "If he were to bring back three companies to solve our environmental issues or our recycling programs or further biodiesel fuel or economy of fuel or wind or solar (power) — maybe we could be known as an area that could help develop future solutions for the environment. Then I would see the connection to the trips. If he's just using the trips to make himself feel good or find another job after he's mayor, it doesn't make me feel good."

Martin's implication that Anderson may be job-hunting surfaced in comments from other people — residents and elected officials alike. But Anderson called it nonsense. He could run for re-election in 2007, but he hasn't said publicly whether he will seek a third term or retire from the city.

"It has to do with whether at this point of my life I think that my energies and time and whatever talent I have can bring about the greatest positive change here as compared to doing something else," Anderson said. "If I were focused solely on filling potholes, I probably wouldn't even be thinking of running for re-election."

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E-mail: kswinyard@desnews.com