A Saturday letter writer asked how new hybrid buses will stimulate the economy. The answer is easy.

First, the buses are built in Indiana. With vehicle supply chains all over the Midwest, the 18 new hybrids we plan to purchase with the help of federal stimulus money will create good manufacturing jobs in America.

Second, our experience with our current five hybrids indicates they are about 30 percent more fuel efficient. They will help move our economy away from its perilous dependence on foreign oil.

Third, Dane County is near Environmental Protection Agency dirty air limits. If we cross the line again, we're threatened with severe limits on our ability to grow our economy. Cleaner buses mean cleaner air.

Finally, hybrid buses are only one of dozens of ideas we have for use of the stimulus package. Other ideas include stepping up the rebuilding of worn streets and putting kids to work in summer job programs. A full list of ideas should be ready this week.

- Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz

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