Government waste Archives - Voice For Liberty

Aug

Border wall procedures criticized

A government watchdog says the procedures for acquiring the southern border wall are inadequate, and the ability to maintain complete operational control is diminished. A report by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security finds that U.S. Customs and Border Protection found the procedures for procuring the southern border wall inadequate for the task. Specifically, the IG found that CBP did not attempt to identify "the most effective, appropriate, and affordable solutions to obtain operational control of the southern border as directed." Instead, the IG described the methods as "outdated." The report found other deficiencies and…

Is the pursuit of intergovernmental grants wise?

Jul

By Bob Weeks

Is the pursuit of intergovernmental grants wise?

Is the pursuit of intergovernmental grants wise? Would local governments fund certain programs if the money was not seen as "free?" An eariler version of this article failed to distinguish Jim Howell's position from the majority of candidates. I regret the error. At a forum of candidates for Sedgwick County Commission, the subject of intergovernmental grants was discussed. All candidates except for current commissioners Richard Ranzau and Jim Howell were fully in favor -- enthusiastic, even -- of the grant system. Both Ranzau and Howell expressed skepticism of the wisdom and efficacy of the grant system. Other candidates participating in…

Dec

By Bob Weeks

Wichita bridges, well memorialized

Drivers -- like me -- on East Twenty-First Street in Wichita are happy that the work on a small bridge is complete, but may not be pleased with one aspect of the project. It's a small bridge, on East Twenty-First Street between Mosely and New York Streets. At 49 feet long it is designated a bridge by the Federal Highway Administration. And we're glad it's there. But with city lane width guidelines for arterial streets at 11 feet, this four-lane bridge may not be not much longer than it is wide.[2. City of Wichita. *Street Design Guidelines, Approved by the…

Wichita perpetuates wasteful system of grants; feels good about it

Oct

By Bob Weeks

Wichita perpetuates wasteful system of grants; feels good about it

While praising the U.S. Economic Development Administration for a grant to Wichita State university, Wichita city planners boost the growth of wasteful government spending. News that Wichita State University received a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration was praised by City of Wichita bureaucrats. Such praise only serves to perpetuate a federal agency that does more harm than good, entrenching the "You take yours, I’ll take mine" logic that leads to ever-rising spending. The tweet from Wichita city planners is designed to make us feel happy for Wichita State University. Having accepted these funds, now we have to tolerate…

Jul

By Bob Weeks

Westar: First, control blatant waste

As our electric utility asks for a rate increase, let's first ask that it stop blatant waste. Westar, our state-regulated electric utility, is asking for a rate increase. As part of any increase, we ought to insist that the utility do a better job of controlling blatant waste. Streetlights burning unnecessarily in the middle day in downtown Wichita is an ongoing problem. See In Wichita, wasting electricity a chronic problem and Waste in Wichita, the seen and probably unseen for examples. The problem may not be solved soon. No one has much motivation to solve the problem. The city pays…

Jul

By Bob Weeks

A big-picture look at the EDA

While praising the U.S. Economic Development Administration for a small grant to a local institution, the Wichita Eagle editorial board overlooks the big picture. While praising a grant to Wichita State University from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Wichita Eagle editorial board doesn't waste an opportunity remind us of its big-government, anti-taxpayer ideology. (Pompeo would eliminate source of WSU grants, July 11, 2015) The op-ed also criticizes U.S. Representative Mike Pompeo, who has sponsored legislation and offered amendments to end the EDA. While the Eagle op-ed is designed to make us feel happy for Wichita State University (and bad…

WichitaLiberty.TV: Bad news from Topeka on taxes and schools, and also in Wichita. Also, a series of videos that reveal the nature of government.

Jul

By Bob Weeks

WichitaLiberty.TV: Bad news from Topeka on taxes and schools, and also in Wichita. Also, a series of videos that reveal the nature of government.

In this episode of WichitaLiberty.TV: The sales tax increase is harmful and not necessary. Kansas school standards are again found to be weak. The ASR water project is not meeting expectations. Then, the Independent Institute has produced a series of videos that illustrate the nature of government. View below, or click here to view at YouTube. Episode 88, broadcast July 19, 2015. The "Love Gov" series of videos from the Independent Institute can be found here: Love Gov: From first date to mandate.

In Wichita, wasting electricity a chronic problem

Jul

By Bob Weeks

In Wichita, wasting electricity a chronic problem

The chronic waste of electricity in downtown Wichita is a problem that probably won't be solved soon, given the city's attitude. Street lights in downtown Wichita burning during the middle of the day. It's a continuing problem. What can citizens do to solve this problem? The attitude of the city is "don't bother us with this problem." The city advises citizens to call Westar when they see street lights wasting electricity. That's the city's attitude, even though this is a chronic problem. The city is concerned that working with Westar to turn off street lights during the day may not…

Jun

By Bob Weeks

Wichita has cut waste, officials say

Wichita city officials say they have worked hard to eliminate waste. Well, except for this. It's been an ongoing problem in downtown Wichita. Not only are bench lights apparently permanently switched on, we find the tall street lights also burning in the middle of the day. This is especially problematic given these two Fridays -- with street lights switched on near noon -- were Riverfest Fridays. Many visitors, both natives and tourists, may have been downtown to see the waste on display. It doesn't promote a good image for our city and its leaders. The wasteful spending on illuminating street…

Mar

By Bob Weeks

Legislation to end Economic Development Administration introduced

U.S. Rep. Mike Pompeo calls for an end to a wasteful federal economic development agency. If you think a proper function of the federal government is spending your tax dollars to build replicas of the Great Pyramids in Indiana or a gift shop in a winery, you're not going to like legislation introduced by U.S. Representative Mike Pompeo, a Republican who represents the Kansas fourth district, including the Wichita metropolitan area. Others, however, will appreciate H.R. 661: EDA Elimination Act of 2015. In the following article from 2012, Pompeo explains the harm of the Economic Development Administration, which he describes…