Studies of removing the Rindge Dam have been going on for over 30 years. The current study, estimated to be $4 million with no completion date in sight, is surely a small portion of taxpayer funds spent foolishly these past decades. No one knows (or is willing to say) how many taxpayer dollars ($10 million, $20 million, $50 million?) have been spent to date by all governmental agencies involved. The continuation of this project by federal and state governments is economic folly. Those who continue to strive to tear down the Rindge Dam are mired in ideological or habitual environmental spending on a project unneeded, unwise and fiscally irresponsible.
President-elect Obama’s proposed Chief Performance Officer, Nancy Killefer, would be responsible for routing out dubious government programs or projects to make sure taxes are not wasted. She would receive an avalanche of examples of wasteful projects from taxpayers across the land. A vigorous national campaign, sponsored by newly elected senators and representatives, similar to the “Golden Fleece Awards” of decades ago, would quickly put the spotlight on those perpetuating inane spending that has contributed significantly to the financial shambles devastating the USA today.
Ronald L. Rindge, Cayuco