Spending Just to Spend

David Pugh, Jr., who was elected in 2004, is the youngest member of the current Brooksville City Council but has shown much wisdom for his youth. At the Brooksville City Council meeting Monday night, he voted against the purchase of seven date palm trees for the beautification project along US 41 near SR 50. Councilman Pugh's quote was, "We are spending money to spent money." The seven date palms will cost $42.6 K, which is a dramatic expediture, compared to the cost of seven sable palms that would cost $2.1K. The mind-think of the majority of the city council seems to be that it is FDOT's money, not local taxpayer money, being spent in conjunction with a state grant to beautify the the city's (entrance) corridors along US 41, so cost doesn't matter to them. This excessive expediture of over $40K could have went a long way on other items for this beautification project to create that "strong visual impact" such as an exclusive, lighted sign, that could advertise the historic significance of the city of Brooksville. Besides, date palm trees are not native to Florida like the cheaper sable palms. Thank you, Mr. Pugh, for realizing that a state grant is comprised of local taxpayer money, too.