Add your thoughts: Tough times? NY gov mansion gets $21K antique rug

Times are tough, but evidently not so tough New York couldn't spend $21,000 on two antique rugs for the governor's mansion.

That purchase came as Gov. David Paterson was ordering state agencies to cut spending and warning of dire economic hardships to come as budget deficits mount to $2 billion this year alone.

The Times Union of Albany reports Thursday that Office of General Services records show the 10-foot-by-15-foot custom-stitched rug was shipped July 31.

A spokesman from OGS said the purchase was part of routine maintenance.

Critics say government should cut waste before asking citizens to sacrifice. Elsewhere, the Texas House of Representatives recently ordered about $140,000 in items for its lounge, including antique chandeliers and big screen televisions.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE PRICEY TURKISH RUGs NEW YORK SPENT FOR THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION?  FEEL FREE TO WEIGH IN BELOW IN OUR WEB FORUM.

*Note: Governor Paterson did not order the rugs, they were ordered by the Office of General Services as part of "routine maintenance"