Simply put, the New Markets concept attempts to ensure that the rising tide created by the country s economic boom lifts all ships. At the SBA, that has translated to creating programs to make capital more readily available to groups who have historically had less access to it, such as women and minorities. The lines between politics and the business of government are nothing if not blurry. Members of opposing parties take aim in attempts to discredit one another, thus bolstering their own party s cause. That s it, pure and simple.
Travel is part of the administrator s job.
Part of an administrator s role involves selling an agency s programs to the public and publicly defending the agency in times of crisis. When it comes to travel, determining how much is too much is subjective. Some observers feel Alvarez has gotten a bum rap. Overseas travel can be an especially touchy subject, because voters do not relish the idea that their tax dollars are used to fund glamorous getaways for public servants. But this country has been the envy of many nations for its vigorous economy, one that stands on a foundation of small businesses.