Having read the newsletter on occasion years ago, I found that it had some points worth considering and in stark contrast it a had a mean streak in utilizing personal attacks mostly aimed at the other evil empire here in town known as ‘The Old Guard’. Those attacks now pale in comparison to those of the new purveyors of spin here in the local blogosphere.

Since the passing of Mr. Masiello (rest his soul), the organization itself carries on largely as a myth to be used as the biggest straw man in town. This is evidenced by the great pains undertaken to demonize this entity all the way to Hartford as part of the Breen Proposal, as well as reference to the organization in continued attacks of being anti-education (among other things). I don’t think anything could be further from the truth. It is sometimes referred to as a group as large as to number in the hundreds, and when it suits the purpose, just a few old, angry men who support Proposition 46 which as we all know is the third rail of Woodstock politics, but that is for another article.

As the newsletter hasn’t been circulated in years and the Citizens for Prudent Spending website has been stagnant for quite awhile, I don’t see where either perception is true. Based upon the repeated margins in the referenda regarding Prop 46, my observation is that a few men could only wish to have that kind of power in town to influence the outcome of the vote on Prop 46, or any other. I also do not see any signs of a well oiled machine with a large membership seeking to inform the electorate of their agenda and purpose.

Looking into this further reveals that a couple of names loosely associated with CPS asked some questions and uncovered anything but prudent spending with regard to our school lunch program back in ‘03/’04 resulting in a resignation, a spanking by the State, and also resulting in a swing to the black of in excess of $40K per year for that program. See the documents –HERE- There are other examples.

Has CPS has made its mistakes in the past? Sure, we all have. My contention is that the light shines brightly on their patriotism in investigating the questionable practices of our government. If that ruffles the feathers of those in public positions, oh well, as that is the price they pay for those positions.

Sans the myth and perception built by the spinners, in this economy can we all afford not to be citizens for prudent spending?