Editorial: NCT Roses and Raspberries
The 'Snout in the Trough' award

A raspberry to the city of Carlsbad for its attempt to use the proposed $1 trillion federal economic stimulus to build a skate park.

That is a little unfair. In addition to the skate park, Carlsbad also wants federal help building an aquatic center, both of which would be included in the proposed 32-acre, $53 million Alga Norte Park.

Funny, we are under the impression that this money is supposed to go toward infrastructure projects. You know, things like interstate highways, ports, bridges, airports. Projects that might actually benefit the country as a whole, not just serve parochial ---- and comparatively insignificant ---- interests.

Of course, Carlsbad is not the only offender. Many cities and government entities in the region are looking for help with their pet projects, some more defensible than others.

For instance, the San Diego County Water Authority wants $175 million in federal stimulus funding to help subsidize the costs of desalinated water. The money would go directly to Poseidon Resources, a private company that is building a desal plant in Carlsbad. Poseidon would, in turn, use the money to reduce the rates it charges local water agencies that have agreed to purchase its water.

That’s right; the SDCWA wants to reduce the costs of water by getting taxpayers to foot the bill. Of course, by doing so you have not "reduced" the cost of anything; you have just moved the cost around.

Such shenanigans are just a small preview of the free-for-all that’s going to take place if the stimulus package passes. But do not worry, President-elect Barack Obama and Democratic leaders in Congress have assured us that none of the stimulus money will be used for such pork. We will find out soon enough if they meant it.