WHO: Asheville, North Carolina
WHAT: The city wants to use $13,500 in federal stimulus funds to buy helmets, bike locks, and six bicycles for short-distance employee travel. City officials say the bikes are faster than walking and greener than driving.
WHY IT’S AN OUTRAGE: Thirteen grand seems like an exorbitant price for six bikes. And while the $787 billion stimulus package was supposed to lower unemployment, this proposal won’t create any jobs, according to Capitol Monitor, a North Carolina government watchdog firm.
WHERE TO VENT: Contact Asheville city manager Gary W. Jackson at 828-259-5604.
