Reading the article regarding manhole covers to be custom made with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles painted on them makes one wonder [Shelter, food, art funded through $4 million ARPA grant,” Gazette, Feb. 24].

It is the opinion of this writer that the American Rescue Plan money was to be used to “build resilience” for future public health disasters or go to similar covid-related causes. If a painted manhole cover fits this bill, I’ll eat my hat as the phrase goes. The spending has been described as a “frivolous expense” of taxpayer’s money. Homelessness, shelter for students sleeping in their cars could be much more beneficial.

Thomas Newton

Bernardston

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