The city can't afford bus service or health care but can afford fish for a salt-water aquarium.
You've got to be kidding, right?
On October 24, 2008, a claim was submitted to the city council in the amount of $423.00 for purchases made at Pet Playground, 6944 Kennedy Avenue.
A variety of tropical fish (Black Bar Soldier, Yellow Angel, 2 Bluefin Damsels, Pajama Cardinals) were purchased for a salt-water aquarium.
Further investigation revealed claims in 2006 for $2,239.35, in 2007 for $3,693.95 and in 2008 (up until October) for $2,766.50 for fish, salt and other aquarium-related items. This comes to a grand total of $8,699.80!
Where did the money come from to pay for the $8,699.80 in fish and aquarium supplies? The mayor's discretionary gaming fund. Contrary to what the mayor believes; gaming revenue is still taxpayers' money!
Hammond citizens will lose their ability to get to work, the doctor or grocery shop when bus service is cut as of June 30, 2009 but hey! the mayor has a beautiful salt-water aquarium with tropical fish for him to enjoy.
Well you know what they say, it's all about the RIGHT PRIORITIES!