Our news exchange partners at the Trib broke the story Tuesday morning: Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's jet ride to New York and invitation to the be the dinner guest of Penguins co-owner Ron Burkle. The mayor stayed overnight and then returned the following day, missing a meeting with Hill District residents meant to discuss the future of the lower Hill District once the Pens move into their new arena. His absence was covered by the city's deputy mayor.

So what's the story here? The mayor's decision to accept Burkle's invitation to spend the night in the Big Apple? The mayor having dinner with the co-owner of the city's hockey team after closing a $290M arena deal? The mayor missing a meeting the following morning and having someone else fill in for him? Nope. The real story here is that the mayor failed to tell the truth and getting into a game of semantics with a print reporter.

He was asked by the Trib earlier in the day if he had traveled to New York. He said no initially, before later changing his story. He says he went on the trip because he wanted to discuss "campaign philosophy" with Burkle -- a well-known supporter of fellow democrats Bill and Hillary Clinton. He later said he couldn't even remember when they went to dinner.

The mayor's decision to accept Burkle's generosity was not wrong. He wants to retain office and why not build an alliance with one of the most influential democratic supporters in this country. He would be crazy not to do so. The trip did not cost the taxpayers any money and while he did miss a meeting the following day, he had someone to cover for him. Also, as long as he reports the journey to the proper officials, I'm sure it's not a violation of any campaign rules. Where the mayor messed up was not being up front when asked the about the trip initially. Now, he's talking about actually reimbursing Burkle for the cost of a flight.

I'm not saying mayor Ravenstahl is alone in his choice not to come forward and be honest. There seems to be something in public office that causes many leaders to circumvent the truth and mislead the public by not coming clean - and I'm not sure what it is. I would just hope that this young mayor - who has become symbolic of a change of political course in this city - would set an example for a new generation of office seekers and not play the game of so-many of his predecessors in public life.

Perhaps Mayor Luke will prove me wrong. I hope he does. He has already made this mistake once before - when he first denied he had been arrested at Heinz Field two years earlier. Mayor, the truth is is a wonderful thing. Please remember that - and be honest all the time. You will find it takes a lot less work - and cause you a lot less stress - if you are up front from the beginning.