With the kingpin of the Dominican Municipal League (LMD) Amable Aristy Castro recovering from the very serious infection bacterial meningitis, opponents to the organization that is in charge of distributing city government funding are again discussing whether the LMD has outlived its purpose for being. Opponents say it is a very politicized organization and does not fulfill its initial role as counsel to city governments. On the contrary, they say it is an obstacle to the efficiency of city governments. This year the LMD handles RD$8 billion, and RD$13 billion in 2006. The LMD channels government funds to city governments.
Diario Libre reports that of the RD$8 billion assigned to the city governments this year, the LMD will retain RD$1 billion this year. In the past, press reports have criticized the excess liquidity of the organization to the point that its director, Amable Aristy Castro mobilizes himself from his home in Santo Domingo to city governments in the interior using a helicopter purchased with tax payer money.