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Opinion
The following is presented as part of The Columbian’s Opinion content, which offers a point of view in order to provoke thought and debate of civic issues. Opinions represent the viewpoint of the author. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus opinion of The Columbian’s editorial board, which operates independently of the news department.
News / Opinion / Letters to the Editor

Letter: Return COVID funds to taxpayers

By James K. Thorne, Vancouver
Published: November 21, 2023, 6:00am

The Clark County Council is diverting more than $3 million in COVID American Rescue Plan Act money to set up a 10-employee public defense office (“Clark County Council approves $3 million in ARPA funds to start public defenders office,” The Columbian, Nov. 15). This appears to be unrelated to the true purpose of this act, that is, economic stimulus as a result of problems caused by the COVID epidemic.

After this money is spent, “the positions will be funded from savings in the general fund.” Really? A governmental bureaucracy actually saving money? Not likely. After another bureaucracy is created, and after the COVID relief money is spent, there will be a plea for additional tax money to fund this office. Here’s a thought: If COVID relief money is no longer needed for its intended purpose, send it back instead of increasing the national debt. But when has a politician ever done that?

We encourage readers to express their views about public issues. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for brevity and clarity. Limit letters to 200 words (100 words if endorsing or opposing a political candidate or ballot measure) and allow 30 days between submissions. Send Us a Letter
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