Gobsmacked By Earmarks

Some controversy is brewing about our specially selected congressman’s taxpayer funded earmarks—–this time in Monmouth.

In an op-ed by Marvin Hawk, a member of the Warren County Board of Trustees,he expresses anger that a $410,000 earmark for renovation of a county building was apparently done in secret and without the knowledge of many of the Trustees.

There appears to be some debate as to whether this county building should be renovated at all, rather than sold or torn down and a new one story facility built instead.

Here’s the money quote:

“It amazes me that as a County Board member I should find out about this grant application through the newspaper. Committee meetings were last week and no mention was made of this request for federal funding. When and who applied for this grant specifically for the Annex? Will $410,000 cover the complete renovation for this old building? This $410,000 request is part of Congressman Phil Hare’s ‘wish list’ of 109 projects at a cost of approximately 319 million dollars for his district!”

As they say—follow the money. This “grant” was evidently worked out in secret between Hare and some unknown benefactor(s)—the County Board was never consulted. Cui bono?

I’ll give the last word to Mr. Hawk:

“When first elected to the Warren County Board, I assumed this would be an experience in democratic government at the local county government level. After three and one-half years experience, it would seem to me it’s just another example of power politics.”