On Oct. 16, Gov. John Baldacci and Maine Sate Housing Authority’s Dale McCormick jointly announced that the LIHEAP program would fund $79 million to Maine households for the upcoming winter. They went on to say that some 84,000 Mainers would apply and qualify for an average of $792 for heating oil. That meant that in terms of both dollars and numbers of recipients, more people would qualify for more assistance.

Given the recent drop in oil prices, that is even more fortunate for those who most need it. But where is the rest of the money?

If the average is $792, and you expect 84,000 to qualify, then basic math brings a total of $66,528,000 spent, leaving $12,472,000 unaccounted for.

While I understand the need to pay for administration of the program, I find it hard to believe that the cost could be that significant. That’s the equivalent of some 249 full-time, year-round employees earning $50,000 in pay and benefits to manage a program of that size, where eligibility is determined once for the year.

In tough times, people have to ask tough questions.

Where did the rest of the money go?

Robert Reed, Lewiston

City councilor, Ward 7