Some universities across the country are experimenting with Amazon Kindles as a digital replacement for printed material. Now some politicians are dabbling as well. Cincinnati's mayor and city council members are all getting Kindle DXs, part of an effort to save money on printing costs. Some council members are balking at the price tag, however, with one calling the purchase "ridiculous."

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports the city is paying $7,200 for 10 Kindle DX units and accessories, plus a monthly fee of $120. The city clerk tells the newspaper the Kindles will reduce the need to print copies of ordinances for committee meetings and save an estimated $25,632 a year in paper.

But some council members are pushing back against the Kindle-ization of city politics. City councilman Charlie Winburn said he is "speechless that we would make such expenditures that by most appearances seem reckless and irresponsible to the average taxpayer" and councilwoman Leslie Ghiz called the move "ridiculous," according to the Enquirer.

"It sounds like somebody just wanted a Kindle but didn't want to pay for it," Ghiz is quoted as saying.

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