Commentary on hidden taxpayer costs for 'Extreme' project was 'petty'

Editor:

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Somewhere in the Augusta area, there is a puppy in need of training or a birdcage in need of lining. Someone please get The News-Times' editorial from Dec. 19 to these folks ASAP.

The hidden cost to taxpayers in Richmond County for the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was the topic. Thousands rallied to help a family in need. The workers developed a sense of community by pitching in as a team to get this done, despite a 24-hour schedule in freezing temperatures. The city and county got a lot of good publicity out of this.

But the editorial's myopic view shows only wasteful spending - on the topside, about a dime per resident of Richmond County. I hope they can spare it. Columbia County came off easier. Costs were much, much lower because we're such "a safe, secure community," among other things.

Please, Barry Paschal, see if you can imitate Bill Kirby of The Chronicle and get someone to send you postcards to use in "writing" editorials. It will be drivel, like Kirby's, but at least it won't be petty.

Bill Trammell

Evans