Mar 28 2008
Winston-Salem Begs Foxx for Earmarks
Foxx, R-5th, announced last year that she will not make any requests for so-called earmarks until she believes that the system for distributing money in Congress becomes more fair and transparent.That means no requests for any of the projects in the city’s $12.5 million legislative package.
Foxx told council members that she would, however, write letters of support for federal grant applications that the city submits. She also told the council to look for ways it can cut costs.
“The system for earmarks is broken, and something has to be done to fix it,” she said. “Many earmarks are legitimate and well spent, but some were not.”
I hope Foxx stands firm on this. I don’t have an issue so much with the police technology request, but everything else falls squarely on the shoulders of the city. Let them pay for their own road improvements. That’s what we are doing here in York County with the Pennies for Progress. Nobody went and begged Congressman Spratt to get Washington to pay for our roads. I’m also pleased to hear her tell them to cut their own expenses elsewhere first. Why should others foot their bill? Local governments can be like crack addicts when it comes to Federal dollars. Give them a little taste now and they’ll be back asking for even more.
