PORKER OF THE MONTH

During 2007 and early 2008, Attorney General Dann flew on the state’s Beechcraft King Air 90 twin-engine airplane 13 times.  Many of the flights shuttled the attorney general to in-state events. 

According to media reports, Dann’s flights cost taxpayers $22,039.  The attorney general could have saved thousands of dollars had he opted for a commercial carrier.

For example, Dann recently used the aircraft to attend a New York City press conference.  A quick search on Internet travel services Travelocity.com and Orbitz.com found one day, round-trip flights to New York City priced at $286 and $284 respectively.   The state aircraft costs taxpayers $440 per flight hour to operate.  Commercial airlines clock a flight from Columbus to New York City at 1:40 each way.

In addition, Dann’s preference for departing from his home in Youngstown requires the state-operated aircraft to fly from Columbus to Youngstown before leaving for its primary destination.  This adds nearly two additional flight hours to each trip and increases the cost of each excursion by at least $880. 

An attorney general spokesman cited Dann’s family interests when explaining the high cost of flying from Youngstown.  “Marc’s kids play sports and he is very committed to his kids and he takes every opportunity he can to get home,” Leo Jennings III told the Dayton Daily News. 

“The attorney general should look for ways to spend tax dollars more efficiently – especially in this time of Ohio job losses and tight state budgets,” Buckeye Institute President David Hansen said.  “We urge Attorney General Dann to exercise fiscal restraint in the future.  This type of wasteful spending should and must be avoided.” 

PISTOL OF THE MONTH

State Representative Brinkman recently introduced and presented testimony in support of HB 420, his taxpayer transparency and accountability bill.  The legislation provides taxpayers with online access to legislative earmarks, state government vendor contracts, state-owned property management and state program effectiveness. 

Brinkman deserves credit for crafting important legislation that will expose wasteful spending and force more accountability in state government management.  He has also assembled an impressive and bi-partisan list of legislative co-sponsors for the bill, including leaders from both House caucuses.  

“Rep. Brinkman understands the importance of transparency in government budgeting and spending,” Hansen said.  “His legislative efforts encourage government efficiency and prudent tax dollar spending.  This measure will be a tremendous benefit to all taxpayers.”

For more information, contact Carlo LoParo at (614) 224-4422.