The mayor of Solvang, California, is under fire for opposing a request by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians to tap into federal stimulus funds.

At a meeting of regional governments, Mayor Jim Richardson cast the only "no" vote against a letter that supported the tribe's request for transportation funds. He said he resents the way the "rich" tribe asked the public for a "hand out."

"It's like Mr. Rockefeller going to the soup kitchen to eat lunch. It's just not right," Richardson told The Santa Maria Times. “And, plus, the real reason is there are other tribes that can use those funds that aren’t as rich as Chumash," he told The Santa Ynez Valley Journal.

Members of the Solvang City Council do not share his views. One called Richardson an "total embarrassment" to the city.

Get the Story:
Mayor's Chumash vote riles Solvang City Council (The Santa Maria Times 2/26)
CITY COUNCIL 'EMBARRASSED' WITH RICHARDSON'S VOTE ON TRIBAL LETTER (The Santa Ynez Valley Journal 2/26)

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act:
H.R.1 | S.1