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: The Connecticut Department of Transportation is justifiably proud that it could rebuild the 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. Once again, it’s OPM to the rescue.
THE GOVERNOR’S STAFFER: Why did Gov. Ned Lamont’s Chief of Staff Jonathan Dach drive his state-issued cars 12,000 miles in one year, often on weekends and personal errands and, according to press reports, sometimes at speeds over 85 m.p.h.? Why did Dach even need a state car when he was being paid $215,000+ in salary?
In calling for an independent investigation, 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 $60 steak dinners, the $490 chauffeured ridesand 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.” And after all, it’s OPM.
By the way… Chancellor Cheng’s salary last year was $448,893. All of this comes at a time when the Connecticut 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 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’s just OPM.
THE BOTTOM LINE: What do all of these stories of financial malfeasance have in common? Most of them were exposed by journalists… not 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 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 gift giving, give a thought to donating to the non-profit news publications that keep the government honest.