The Weatherization Assistance Program was designed to aid low-income families, generate shovel ready jobs and make older homes more energy efficient. An FBI raid on the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency has put a halt to continuation of projects funded through the federal stimulus program. According to a Cincinnati Enquirer report the agency must repay more than $630,000 in misspent taxpayer funds. Ohio Inspector General Randell Meyer launched a statewide investigation into how weatherization program money was spent through county Department of Development offices.
Ohioans shared their thoughts on how the federal aid was administered via email, instant messaging, in-person interviews and Twitter.
* "I wish I could say that I was shocked that taxpayer money was wasted, but I am not. The paper said that workers charged for jobs not actually done, fixed a vacant house and that invoices were altered or falsified. I am anxious to see if there are any criminal charges filed once the FBI completes its investigation." -- Marcus Rodgers, small business owner, Cincinnati.
* "I do not believe there was some mass conspiracy to defraud the government or large-scale theft by public employees who dedicate their lives to helping the weakest of society. This is probably just an attempt by Republicans to cast dispersions on President Obama and the positive things which came from the stimulus before the 2012 election." -- Rashawna Eastman, Ohio State University graduate student, Columbus.
* "Taxpayers should not have to pay for home improvements unless it involves their own property. All of President Obama's talk about shovel ready jobs and green jobs amounts to $630,000 of lost money. The money would have been far better spent in the pockets of those who earned it." -- Todd Colliter, systems analyst, Columbus.
* "It is a shame that so much corruption exists in government. The weatherization program could have really helped people in need and conserved energy. Now, Cincinnati and Hamilton County low-income residents are without any help to replace aging heating systems with energy efficient ones." -- Chris Simpson, Ohio University student, Athens.
* "Maybe some good can come from this awful experience. If the FBI and the Ohio Inspector General are right, then reforms and better review of government aid need to be put into place. The funds social services agencies spent does not come from a miracle money tree, it is generates by all of us. Every single penny should be spent like it is their own. I am sick of hearing about embezzlement and fraud committed by Cincinnati and Cleveland public employees, union leaders and elected officials." -- Trent Henrickson, retired military, Cleveland.
* "Since the FBI and Inspector Meyer are involved, I hope the issue won't get swept under the rug. This city cannot take any more scandals and cover-ups. After the Demarcus Jackson murder case involving JFS workers, the trolley car debate and Diana Frey embezzlement guilty plea, we are do for some positive headlines for a change." -- Maggie Richards, small business owner, Cincinnati.
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