Every Friday, Eye on the Statehouse will announce its “Fiscal Pistol.” It’s our way of recognizing an individual who, during the course of the week, demonstrated prudence in spending the people’s money.

This week’s pistol is Senate Finance Committee Chairman John Carey.

In response to a Senate inquiry, it was discovered that the Regents spent over $113,386.83, during a two-year period, at some of central Ohio’s finest restaurants including, Hanke’s Cuisine, Lindey’s Restaurant and the Granville Inn.

Sen. Carey skewered the Ohio Board of Regents for its extravagant tax dollar spending on breakfasts, lunches and dinners. He was livid and pointedly stated, “That could be a hundred and thirteen $1,000 scholarships for Ohio students is how I look at it.”

Senator Carey’s discovery prompted Governor Ted Strickland to immediately freeze this type state food spending. The governor promised to “make sure our agencies are spending wisely, cost effectively and keeping expenditures in line with the mission of their agency.”

We will be watching to make sure the governor keeps his promise. Nonetheless, he deserves credit and an honorable mention for his swift action.

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