“Talking Transportation”
By Jim Cameron
President
CAMERON COMMUNICATIONS INC
Author: “Off The Record: Confessions of a Media Consultant“
When we are spending our own hard-earned money, we are usually pretty cautious, especially in these tough times. But when it comes to spending OPM (Other Peoples’ Money), who cares?
A few examples from the news highlight government’s cavalier attitude in this regard:
THE $16 MILLION BRIDGE: CDOT (Connecticut Department of Transportation) is justifiably proud that it could rebuild the Fairfield Avenue bridge on I-95 in Norwalk damaged in a fiery crash last May, finishing months earlier than predicted and under budget, at just $16 million (compared to the initial estimated $20 million). Kudos to the (no bid contract) construction company… and to the fact that 80% of the cost will be paid by the Feds. Yes, once again, it’s OPM to the rescue.
THE GOVERNOR’S STAFFER: Why did Governor Lamont’s Chief of Staff Jonathan Dach drive his state-issued cars 12,000 miles in one year, often on weekends and for personal errands and sometimes, according to one press report, at speeds over 85 mph? Why did Dach even need a state car when he was being paid $215,000+ in salary?
In calling for an independent investigation, Governor Lamont said such behavior was probably wrong and that Dach “should make amends”.
THE CSCU CHANCELLOR: The Governor seems even less upset by the lavish over-spending of the Chancellor of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, Terrence Cheng. Lamont described as “small ball” and “an error in judgment” Cheng’s and others’ $60 steak dinners, the $490 chauffeured rides and sloppy record keeping. The extravagant over-spending detailed in an audit by State Comptroller Sean Scanlon was not illegal because the Chancellor can “override the (CSCU spending) policy at his own discretion.” After all, it is just OPM.
By the way… Chancellor Cheng’s salary and benefits last year totaled $448,893.
All of this comes at a time when the State Colleges and Universities are facing serious problems: a financial deficit of $140 million, dwindling enrollment and increased costs for students to attend
THE STATE PIER: The State Pier in New London is crucial to the efforts to build a massive wind-farm offshore. So a much needed $93 million rebuild was announced in 2019, but has since ballooned to a total cost of $311 million. This week we learn there were construction mistakes and repairs may cost millions more.
Why does this always happen on state projects? Are the initial bids low-balled to make them seem more attractive? Then reality sets in and, “Hey, we can’t stop now” is the clarion call to find more money to finish the job. After all, it is just OPM.
THE BOTTOM LINE: What do all of these stories of profligate spending have in common? Most of them were exposed not by financial watchdogs within the government, but by independent reporters culling through public documents.
This is why journalism matters and why publications like CT Mirror, Inside Investigator, CT Examiner, CT Insider, Stratford Crier, and others are important to democracy and to your taxes.
After all, all of this “Other Peoples’ Money” stuff is really your money.
So as you wrap up this year’s charitable gift giving, give a thought to donating to the non-profit news publications that keep the government honest.
Jim Cameron is founder of the Commuter Action Group and advocates for Connecticut rail riders. His weekly column “Talking Transportation” is archived here. You can contact Jim at [email protected].
All Opinion pieces and Letters to the Editor reflect ONLY the thoughts of the writer, and not those of the Stratford Crier or its Editorial Board.
