The opening statement of The Chronicle’s editorial of June 6 “Democrats in Olympia have rarely found a problem they couldn’t solve by taking more of your money” needs to be put in its proper perspective
This well-worn cliché has never seen the light of critical examination cast upon it. I think it’s about time to perform that chore. By reviewing a few minor items gleaned from The Chronicle’s recent publications, I believe I can accomplish this task.
“Public Weighs Options for Borst Avenue Changes,” May 26: “It is unclear how much the project will cost at this time ... The cost of the project will be determined later in the summer when the county and city apply for grants from the state ...”
“Centralia City Council Turns Down Pool Grants Due to $1M Match,” May 25: “The Pearl Street Pool will remain in its current condition” because the two grants sought for the project “required the city to provide almost $1 million in matching funds.” (The Centralia City Council didn’t much care for the idea of having to foot even one half of the cost of its own project.)
“Port of Chehalis Receives $765,000 in Loan, Grant Combination for ‘Project Desert,” May 19: “The Port of Chehalis has received a $665,000 loan and a $100,000 grant from the Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board — if they were able to secure the grant and loan from CERB, the port would have all the money it needs for the identified site improvements ... We are excited to partner with the state of Washington and have them provide both a grant and loan to the Port of Chehalis.”
“Herrera Beutler Secures Funds for Cities Wrongly Considered Ineligible for Grants,” May 12
(The title of this article needs no explanation).
“Demolition for New Twin Transit Center Set to Begin Without Full Funding,” May 12: “… The process has been slowed by the failure to obtain two grants … Twin Transit will start using funds from its capital facilities while continuing to seek out grants … a pair of grants were not acquired — one requesting $4.3 million from the Department of Transportation.”
Look into it yourself: A simple search of the word “grant” in The Chronicle archives could keep you amused for years. There’s the half million (with only a quarter of it identified) that promptly disappeared from The Lewis County Historical Museum.
There are the untold millions that continue to disappear into the abyss of the “Flood Authority.”
The conservative theme that Lewis County seems to adhere to is: If we can’t do it with other people’s money, we won’t do it at all. And we will certainly not complete a project if there’s more to be had.
Based on 2008 budget figures from the state’s Office of Financial Management: King County gets a return of 62 cents on the dollar of its state taxes; Lewis County receives $1.33.
Dennis Shain
Centralia
