Stimulus watch: Here we go ... the scramble for money begins

The final decision has been made and the race for the more than $700 billion in federal stimulus money is on.

But Washington, D.C., is not the only place where there is going to be lobbying and deal-making.

Keep a close eye on Raleigh, too.

When Gov. Bev Perdue was in Wayne County campaigning this past year, she promised to represent all of North Carolina -- not just the big cities. She talked a lot about her roots and the rest of North Carolina and its needs -- especially with regard to the eastern portion of the state.

Now, we are going to put that promise to the test.

There are a lot of big cities and influential lawmakers eager to get stimulus money in their districts. There will be many who will do significant string-pulling to make sure their projects rise to the top of the state's list.

We expect Gov. Perdue to make sure that the money goes where it is needed and not where the loudest voices are.

Now, rest assured, this area's delegation also will be making its presence felt. But it is critical that the governor take a leadership role and divide the fund equitably.

After all, it is our tax money, too.

Published in Editorials on February 16, 2009 10:58 AM