Shameful
Ever wonder how Washington manages to spend so much of our money so inefficiently? Here’s how: A new warplane, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, is being developed for the U.S. armed forces. It was supposed to have been ready for use by 2013. The initial estimate of the cost of developing and building 2,400 F-35s just a few years ago was $209 billion. By a few weeks ago, the cost estimate had rocketed to $300 billion. Don’t expect delivery of the jets until 2015, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley told members of Congress this week. And oh, by the way, the F-35 project cost probably will be significantly higher than current estimates, Donley added. How did this happen? The two-year delay occurred after the Defense Department uncovered problems with the F-35 contract. Last month Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced that $614 million in “performance bonuses” will be withheld from the lead contractor, Lockheed Martin Corp. Gates also said $2.
» Full StoryHot Water
Parkersburg City Council members will have to make a tough decision in the future when they will vote on a Parkersburg Utility Board request for a water rate increase.
» Full StoryWorthy
Apparently many West Virginia state senators do not want to suffer the same fate as one of their own, Sen. Erik Wells, who has been targeted by a teachers’ union for defeat in this year’s election.
» Full StoryNo Sprees
It is not at all difficult to suggest that state legislators should provide more money for obviously worthwhile programs. Too often it escapes lawmakers’ notice that fiscal restraint is the most worthwhile program of all.
» Full StoryDeadly Mistake
Police in San Diego, Calif., say 17-year-old Chelsea King was murdered by a convicted child molester, John Albert Gardner III. He has been charged with rape and murder.
In May 2000, Gardner pleaded guilty to molesting a 13-year-old gir.
Correction is Needed
Earlier this year the Legislature approved a bill to give West Virginia school districts more latitude in deciding when to hold classes.
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