In these days of economic hardship, many police departments across the nation are in need of new equipment that they simply don't have the budget for.  A couple of departments in Ohio are no different but how they are handling their needs sure differ.

The Piqua Police Department has decided that they need a new sniper rifle. And since there is no money in the budget, how do they wish to pay for it?  By applying for Federal stimulus money, that's how.  I'm sure they will get it. I'm not quite sure I see how Piqua having a sniper rifle is going to stimulate the economy. It may stimulate one gun dealer but that's about it.  Of course at least buying a gun is better than wasting our tax dollars on Chinese hookers I suppose.

On the other side of the state, Guernsey County Sheriff Mike McCauley also is in need of equipment. All of his squad cars are high mileage and in need of replacement or repair. So how does Sheriff McCauley propose to solve his dilemma? By auctioning off department owned Tommy guns.  While most departments destroy their unwanted assets, this sheriff realizes that he has something of value that is no longer used and intends to use them to get the equipment he does need. Brilliant.

A politician with fiscal responsibility is about as rare as hen's teeth. We need him on the state level. Perhaps he could start by advising the Piqua Police Chief.