People seem to associate government corruption only on a state or federal level, however, one need not look much further than their own local government or public office to see a vast amount of pilfering.

The easiest and most lucrative method of skimming (kickbacks) is through construction projects. The good ole boy method is alive and well just about everywhere you look, and it’s as easy as laundering money at your local casino.

As a former small business owner, we were responsible and accountable for any and all construction or improvements to our business. Unfortunately that’s not so clear cut in the funded by the taxpayer construction projects, where kickbacks are as common as the super sized fountain drink.

Getting elected to a local school board, a city or county commissioners post, or even on the board of directors for a small or large company or corporation can be a ticket to the corruption carnival. Of course this isn’t always the case, some are genuinely committed to serving without notoriety or profit. We can only hope that most elected officials lead with virtue, the true meaning of public service. Public service can often become a springboard to self service if one has bad intentions or a lack of self control. Just look at our mess in Washington, where greed and corruption has strangled our future well being.

The Federal Grant project is another common practice for padding one’s pocket, as taxpayers fund approximately 500 billion dollars annually to local and state projects. The bridge to nowhere or the sidewalk in the woods can easily be appropriated if it’s proven to be an asset to improving a communities lifestyle.

It’s time we make those we vote in office accountable for spending our money wisely, and it should begin locally. We should make sure that project plans and dollars are fully disclosed with total transparency, and we should question unnecessary spending or overspending.

Just because money is available for those that apply for it, it’s hardly an excuse to waste it to accommodate a few people over the many, especially when so many are struggling to put food on their table.

Hopefully I don’t come across as a crazy cynic, but greed and corruption is something that affects every citizen. We all pay the price, and by ignoring it, we are all guilty to some extent.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.

-Abraham Lincoln

Sincerely,

Mike Atchley

Kingfisher