Governor right to call for restraint in capital spending

The state Senate has proposed spending $2.8 billion on capital projects that span the state from one end to the other. Could this be because it’s an election year? Last year the capital project spending was sparse. Lawmakers say they were conservative then because oil prices were down and the future looked grim.

Gov. Sean Parnell has called for the House to take corrective measures. He’s likely spitting into the wind because legislators who don’t deliver the goods to their districts will not be looked on favorably. Couple that with a growing sentiment to vote out all incumbents and they have a struggle on their hands to keep their seats.

Supporters of the massive spending bill this year say it’s because the state has the money and there’s no time like the present to build and create jobs.

On the surface, it looks like a good decision, especially in the Valley where infrastructure needs upgrading.

The jobs would also be welcome — if the jobs go to Alaskans.

That’s not always the case. We’ve seen government building projects go to Outside companies because they had the low bid. Often that means Alaskans don’t get the jobs. The payroll goes back home and lines somebody else’s coffers.

Then there’s also the questions about whether some of the projects are truly needed. In the Valley, there are two that contrast.

First, the Palmer Senior Center is up for $6 million to build a new facility. The center already has $5 million and the land, so the budget help would get that done. Anyone who has gone to the center will say it is in sad shape. And it helps a lot of people, so that money would be well-spent.

Another project is questionable.

Does Mat-Su College really need an arts and learning building at a cost in excess of $23 million?

The college is underutilized as it is. In the middle of the day, empty classrooms are easy to find. If the college needs more computer labs or equipment, that would be one thing, but building another structure that would only increase the number of unused square footage seems unnecessary.

Nobody here is anti arts, or learning for that matter. The college should show it needs more space, not just desire it.

Undoubtedly, every project will have its supporters and critics. The House of Representatives needs be more critical of the budget. That’s not likely to happen since It’s an election year.

The governor is right to be concerned.