Hackensack, April 1, 2011
Why was heavy scaffolding surrounding the dome of the Bergen County Courthouse yesterday?
Two words: budget cuts.
Continuing her crusade to get a handle on expenses, Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan decided there was a bit too much gold atop the Courthouse. After declaring that "heads will roll", she ordered that Enlightenment's noggin be replaced with that of another local icon (see Before and After below).
It appears to be not only an aesthetic improvement that uses less of the precious metal, but it's also scaring away hordes of pooping pigeons, thus lowering the external maintenance budget of the Courthouse area as well.
Well done, Ms. Donovan!