From the Editorial Page of the Connecticut Post Best and the rest of the past week 12/10/2009
Thumbs down to Milford Mayor James L. Richetelli, an otherwise seemingly sensible man, for his downright prodigal purchase of two $700 chairs for workers at Milford City Hall. The mayor and the Board of Aldermen's decision to spend that much on a couple of office chairs is a puzzling one for sure. As shown in reporting on the matter by the Connecticut Post, some pretty good-looking sturdy chairs are available from reputable office-supply dealers for considerably less. Thrift is always in fashion, but particularly these days when the average citizen in Milford and elsewhere is looking to save a few bucks at every turn. It's very hard to believe that the mayor -- or any of the aldermen who voted for the purchase -- would buy a $700 chair if they were using their own money. Somehow, it's always a little less painful for a politician to spend taxpayers' money. And, of course, what if this touches off a morale-busting furor of chair envy in the building?
Thumbs down to Milford Mayor James L. Richetelli, an otherwise seemingly sensible man, for his downright prodigal purchase of two $700 chairs for workers at Milford City Hall. The mayor and the Board of Aldermen's decision to spend that much on a couple of office chairs is a puzzling one for sure. As shown in reporting on the matter by the Connecticut Post, some pretty good-looking sturdy chairs are available from reputable office-supply dealers for considerably less. Thrift is always in fashion, but particularly these days when the average citizen in Milford and elsewhere is looking to save a few bucks at every turn. It's very hard to believe that the mayor -- or any of the aldermen who voted for the purchase -- would buy a $700 chair if they were using their own money. Somehow, it's always a little less painful for a politician to spend taxpayers' money. And, of course, what if this touches off a morale-busting furor of chair envy in the building? 