Here & There Column 2-3-09

Will "The Stimulus Plan" Help Sullivan County?

Our Sullivan County "coffee klatsch" discussed in detail last week the proposed economic "stimulus plan" and solidly supported a statement that "we should not count our chickens until the eggs are hatched."
The "klatsch" made up of three Republicans, three Democrats and one Independent was somewhat critical of a statement issued after the the State of the County address delivered by Sullivan County Legislature Chairman Jonathan Rouis in which County Manager David Fanslau pointed out that "we are poised to absorb some sort of cost-shifting from the state to the counties, and we are banking on the federal government coming forward with the stimulus program."
Several of our "coffee klatsch" members pointed out that "congress is driving blindly ahead with this plan and is ignoring public polls that show the majority of Americans do not favor this economic recovery plan."
We all agreed that the County of Sullivan is indeed facing very difficult economic times and we praised Chairman Rouis for pointing out that we have to prepare for "even worst economic times than we see now," but also agreed, we also should not count on a proposal until we are actually told what we will receive."
Our "klatsch" pointed out that government officials from time to time paint rosy pictures before the plant is allowed to bloom.
The "klatsch" as we poured our second cup of fresh brewed java and pulled out of the oven our delicious home baked donuts gave strong indications that we can't fully rely on traditional notions that government spending will spur growth and one in our group said very bluntly "who is going to end up paying for this swelling deficit?"
The "klatsch" supported the need to create jobs and agreed that government can and must have programs that actually create jobs and put people to work.
Knowing fully well that Congress will go ahead with their proposal the "klatsch" hoped that the federal proposal will not result in wasteful spending and an ill-considered expansion of the federal government's role.