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Commissioner named one of Olbermann’s “worst people”

Kilburn says he's "amazed" by reaction, does what he feels is right.

Watch MSNBC host blast Warren County commissioner At msnbc.msn.com
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By Marie Rossiter, Staff Writer Updated 3:31 PM Thursday, April 23, 2009

Keith Olbermann of MSNBC criticized Warren County Commissioner Mike Kilburn Wednesday night on his national TV show about the politician’s refusal to spend federal stimulus money.

During his April 22 “Countdown” broadcast, Olbermann included Kilburn on his “Worst Persons in the World” list, a regular feature on his nightly show. The cable news commentator slammed the commissioner on his recent statements against using stimulus money for county transit and energy efficiency improvements.

On April 21, Kilburn defended the county’s rejection of $373,000 for new buses and vans and other transit upgrades.

“I’m tired of paying for people who don’t have,” he said. “As Reagan said, ‘government is not the answer, it’s the problem.’”

Olbermann didn’t mince words in his response to Kilburn’s statement.

“Mr. Kilburn, Reagan is dead and he was a lousy president.”

Kilburn said he was surprised that the stimulus debate has become such a big story.

“I’ve been working in government for 27 years,” he said. “It’s the easiest job in the world. I’ve never lost a minute’s sleep at night over a single decision I have made. I just do what I think is right.”

Kilburn said he got a number of calls from friends about his “appearance” on Olbermann’s show.

“I didn’t realize I had so many liberal friends,” Kilburn said. “It’s kind of amazing where this has gone.”

The county commissioners are looking for a way to turn down another $1.8 million in stimulus funding available to the county for energy efficiency improvements to government buildings.

Commissioners said they would rather have the money go to pay down the national debt.

Kilburn insisted his motives were not political.

“I was critical of Bush when he supported the bank bailout and the fact he didn’t veto a single budget,” said Kilburn, a staunch conservative. “The fact is, Obama is the man now. No one should be surprised. He’s never run anything, never done a payroll. I’m singling out actions and fiscal policy that will run this country off a cliff.”

But not all Ohio county officials feel the same about the stimulus money.

Lucas County Commissioner Ben Konop, a Democrat, sent a letter to the commissioners Tuesday, April 21, stating “if Warren County doesn’t want or need the help, Lucas County will take it.”

The stimulus fund debate may not be over any time soon. Warren County Engineer Neil Tunison said he will ask the commissioners to approve $2.9 million dollars for county road projects. The money comes from the Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments, which is funded by stimulus dollars.

Kilburn said he will not approve spending of stimulus money for any local project, no matter who requests it.

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