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The Record: Letters, Jan. 1, 2013
Tuesday January 1, 2013, 7:08 AM
https://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/185350702_The_Record__Letters__Jan__1__2013.html
Regarding Paul Aronsohn’s “Garrett needs to come on board and back Sandy aid” (Other Views, Dec. 20):
If you like pork,
buy it at the market
Regarding Paul Aronsohn’s “Garrett needs to come on board and back Sandy aid” (Other Views, Dec. 20):
Aronsohn’s attack on Rep. Scott Garrett, R-Wantage, for not supporting the Sandy aid bill omitted a few facts.
Garrett has properly insisted that the bill have accountability and oversight, and publicly stated he will support it once that is included. Looks like he was correct: The bill is pork-filled with earmarks that have little to do with helping New Jersey Sandy victims.
Among those earmarks: $23 million for tree plantings to help reduce flood effects, protect water sources, decrease soil erosion and improve wildlife habitat in forested areas touched by Sandy; $2 million to repair roof damage at Smithsonian buildings in Washington — the damage predates the storm; $4 million to repair sand berms and dunes at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida; and $41 million for cleanup and repairs at eight military bases along the storm’s path, including Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The FBI is seeking $4 million to replace vehicles, laboratory and office equipment and furniture, and Customs and Border Protection wants $2.4 million to replace destroyed or damaged vehicles, including mobile X-ray machines.
Why does Aronsohn think it so horrible that there be accountability for ensuring our dollars actually reach New Jerseyans made needy by Sandy? Did he forget that Rep. Sander Levin, D-Mich., also agreed that accountability must be a factor in supporting such aid? Aronsohn seems to be saying, “We can’t wait and have to pass it first in order to see what’s in it.” Sound familiar?
My advice to those who like that approach: If you want pork, buy it at the supermarket and pay for it with your own money.
Al Frech
Wayne, Dec. 22
