Homeland Security Watch

Generally I’ve found that tales of wasteful spending involving homeland security grant money are taking out of context, but it’s clear that there are examples out there - and the latest one I’ve seen comes from Skagit County in Washington state, where I grew up. KOMO-TV’s Ken Schram reports on the recent doings of the three County Commissioners:

Skagit County Commissioners Ted Anderson, Ken Dahlstedt and Don Munks…come on down!

Anticipating an $8,000 windfall from the Department of Homeland Security, Skagit County’s own version of Moe, Larry and Curly decided to splurge on a brand-spanking-new, state-of-the-art copy machine for their new emergency response van.

Fact is, they haven’t bought the van yet.

Well, with no van to go into, that $8,000 copier wound up tucked away at a county warehouse.

But wait…

That warehouse is where Skagit County also stores all its surplus items. And that warehouse is where the county recently held a big, public auction to sell all those surplus items.

And THAT is how the county’s brand-spanking new, state-of-the-art, $8,000 copier wound up being sold.

For $250.

After about a month goes by Skagit County officials decide they should get the copier returned.

The county reportedly offered $5,000 to buy back it’s $8,000 copier.

“No thanks,” said the businessman who’d bought it.

So now Skagit County officials will spend God only knows how much money as they sue the businessman in an effort to force him to give the copier back.

This is embarrassing and shameful. Hopefully DHS and Washington’s Emergency Management Division will demand that this money be returned, or withdraw it if it hasn’t been distributed yet.

(Hat tip: Mom)