BOSTON -- As Governor Deval Patrick prepares for re-election, he is defending his decision to install new road signs that have his name at the bottom.
The signs read: We're on the job for you and courtesy is given to Governor Deval Patrick.
Since August, the Mass Highway Department has put up 48 signs at construction sites across the state.
The signs cost $15,000.
Additionally, the governor has spent $70,000 in federal stimulus money on other signs crediting the stimulus program for construction projects.
Patrick said they are worth it.
"I get questions all the time about where the federal stimulus money is being spent and now I can say look at the sign, you can see it for yourself," Patrick said.
Given the economic times, some Bay State residents are saying it is a waste.
Critics are saying the signs are being used as an excuse to get the governor's name appearing in as many places as possible.
In putting his name on the signs, Patrick is reviving a practice that Gov. Mitt Romney stopped in 2003.
The Patrick administration said that the signs are not part of a re-election campaign. One official said when the Governor goes into campaign mode everyone will know it.
(Copyright (c) 2009 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Fire tears through old Lawrence mill Cars collide; 1 into Peabody business building New Hampshire police seize 322,000 prescription pills Dump truck takes out utility pole in Topsfield Flaming truck leaves cloud of smoke in Framingham Woman trying to cash bad check arrested Hospital security staff to be trained by Boston police Holliston recreates Halloween for boy who had flu
