BATON ROUGE- Mayor Kip Holden is in Taiwan, the WBRZ investigate Unit has learned from multiple sources.

Questions about Holden's attention to recent disasters and tragedies has been discussed among people close to city government since July.  Just this week, Metro Council members expressed frustrations with him being absent from a special meeting about flooding.

Holden's advisers have said he is away on business.   WBRZ had to use contacts with sources to confirm the overseas trip Thursday evening.

It's not clear what business the mayor is conducting.

The mayor's highest ranking advisor said in a phone conservation late Thursday evening, Holden has successfully lobbied nationally and internationally to obtain high quality jobs for Baton Rouge.  This trips is part of that mission.  Daniel has said, while the mayor might not be everywhere at all times, the administration is very involved in efforts to help get Baton Rouge back on its feet.

While Daniel made himself available on the phone, he declined an on camera interview at a flood recovery town hall earlier in the evening.

But, while the administration maintains the trip to Taiwan is an economic development mission, both the chamber and Baton Rouge area chamber said Thursday, neither organization knew about the trip.

The mayor returns this weekend.

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