Dear Editor:

As of recently, all of our nation’s news networks have been focused on the stimulus plan being brought from Washington. It saddens me to think that some governors across this United States would shun the prospect of help for their state in an attempt to make a run for the White House in the next presidential election.

I cannot see the vision in allowing services rendered to state citizens to go by the wayside to appease constituent feelings. It makes me happy to know that our great state of Ohio’s governor is not one of the ones who has looked the gift horse in the mouth.

Our country sits on the brink of economic collapse because of the fiscally responsible people in the past. I personally do not want to tell my grandchildren about the second great depression. People are not made of the iron today as they were back then and I think the results would be catastrophic if this wound is allowed to fester.

I have apprehension when it comes to the stimulus and the way the funds will be awarded. As mayor of my town, I have asked the stimulus to fund several projects that have been put on the back burner due to lack of funds, such as the shovel-ready projects in regards to sewer sanitation and roads. I fear the fund will go only to bigger cities whose wish list, I am sure, far outweighs those of Rio Grande or for that matter, Gallia County. I support the fact that the monies are coming to try to quell a cold before it becomes the flu.

I only hope that the people in charge of awarding look at the geography of our state before decisions are made or projects are funded. The news anchors say we are in a recession. To them, I say that is all our area of this state has ever known.

Matt Easter

Mayor of Rio Grande