Journal-News.com

Liberty Twp. Trustees said Tuesday, March 3, they philosophically disagree with the federal stimulus bill approved late last month.

As a result of their protest, a majority of trustees voted against township officials moving forward to start the process of applying for a portion of the $787 billion bill.

Receiving the money would have been a long shot anyway, said Trustee President Patrick Hiltman, who joined Trustee David Kern in issuing the dissenting votes. But township administrators say two local projects totaling approximately $6.5 million — a new firehouse and a new administration building — could have qualified for the federal funds.

"It's not a stimulus bill, it's a strangulation bill," Kern said. "It's like playing with Monopoly money.

"I'm probably going to lose this vote, but by God my hands will be clean," he added. "And I say shame on you if you do vote for it. "

Had trustees approved the motion Tuesday, the township's economic development director would have notified the state's Department of Development of the community's interest in receiving federal money. Then the township would have been issued an application specifically intended for their purposes.

"These are two projects that we thought could have materialized rather quickly," said Caroline McKinney, township economic development director.

Trustees said they disagreed with several aspects of the stimulus package, including the rapid three-day turnaround at the federal level and uncertainty about project timing and cost.

They also said there were too many strings attached.

"I know that we're going to have to pay the piper at some point," said Hiltman, who was the deciding vote. "There's no free lunch."

Trustee Christine Matacic, also a member of the Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of Governments, cast the only vote of approval.

"If they're (local residents) already on the hook for this stimulus money, no matter what, why shouldn't we provide a service to our community that will create jobs?" she said.

She added later: "At least take it to the next step to explore the possibilities and see if there are strings attached."

McKinney said the township could have backed out of the application process at any time.

Kern then continued, taking shots at the federal government, calling President Barack Obama "a devout Marxist."

"He wants us broken," Kern said referring to Obama. "And we will be broken like suckers ... There's nothing in this that's stimulation. Look at the market. People are panicking.

"Big government wants our money and they're going to clean our clocks. And I will not be a part of it."

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2112 or dgreber@coxohio.com.