A Deseret Morning News article regarding food expenditures by city governments (March 14) grossly overstated the amount of city money spent on lunches and dinners for Mayor Rocky Anderson and his guests outside of the office. The article stated: "Mayor Rocky Anderson's office spent $6,500 on food last year; $5,400 of that was for dinners or lunches Anderson bought for himself and people he was meeting with during mealtimes."

This is incorrect. The truth is that the actual amount spent for Mayor Anderson's meals and those with whom he was dining during the entire year was $410.28, or an average monthly expense of $34.19.

Mayor Anderson has always been cautious and frugal in the use of taxpayers' money; for example, he has never taken a per diem when out of town on city business. He also flies coach and stays in the least expensive accommodations.

Deeda Seed

Office of the Mayor

Salt Lake City