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Martin: A desperate grab for cash

Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger explains his reasoning behind his veto of the 2016 budget, saying a move by county commissioners to restore discretionary money is "fiscally irresponsbile."
Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger explains his reasoning behind his veto of the 2016 budget, saying a move by county commissioners to restore discretionary money is "fiscally irresponsbile." Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger explains his reasoning behind his veto of the 2016 budget, saying a move by county commissioners to restore discretionary money is "fiscally irresponsbile."

By David Martin 4 min read

photo Columnist David Martin

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Fiscally irresponsible? Jim, you’re too nice.

After having their taxpayer financed re-election slush funds (aka “discretionary funds”) stripped out of the 2016 budget by Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger, six commissioners made moves in the last two weeks that shouldn’t surprise anyone who follows politics.

They made a desperate grab for cash.

All but Joe Graham, Greg Beck and Marty Haynes voted to rob the county’s rainy day coffers to support pet projects in each of their districts.