Suddenly, council members realize the money belongs to the taxpayers

Look at how the debate on county planning and construction has changed. Montgomery officials usually say the money they spend belongs to the "county," and they spend it freely.

But in giving excuses for not reimbursing citizens who exposed official county wrongdoing, the officials say that the reimbursements are unfair to the "taxpayer."

County Council member Marilyn Praisner: "We should not be introducing taxpayer money into the process."

County Council member Nancy Floreen: "Any costs that are associated should not be borne by the taxpayer."

County Council member Steve $ilverman: "I'd like to get it resolved without taxpayer money, but I don't know how that happens."