So, Citilink is getting $4 million from the $787 billion stimulus package for 14 new vehicles, including seven hybrids. That will be "greener," and there could be some fuel savings, which is fine. But the money can't be used to increase servive, which means no new hiring:
"We're looking at this as a one-time windfall. We've got to spend it or lose it,” (General Manager Ken) Housden said.
Well. not exactly, because:
"We want to spend these funds so we can get more,” Housden said. “If (Congress) is going to spend that much money, it might as well at least be in Fort Wayne.”
Can't exactly blame Housden for feeling that way. It's human nature. Gov. Mitch Daniels has said much the same thing about the state using stimulus funds, and I've defended it on occasion as a reational response. But it's the kind of attitude that allows the government to grow beyond reason, and it should be resisted.
