What Would You Drive, if the Taxpayers Paid? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Cynthetiq · 05-01-2008, 02:05 PM

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What Would You Drive, if the Taxpayers Paid?
May 1, 2008
What Would You Drive, if the Taxpayers Paid?
By RAYMOND HERNANDEZ
Representative Anthony D. Weiner, Democrat of Brooklyn and Queens, drives a 2008 Chevrolet Impala, leased for $219 a month. Representative Michael R. McNulty, a Democrat from the Albany area, gets around in a 2007 Mercury Mariner hybrid, a sport utility vehicle, for $816 a month.

“It gets a little better than 25 miles a gallon,” Mr. McNulty said.

Charles B. Rangel, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, is not so caught up in the question of gas mileage. He leases a 2004 Cadillac DeVille for $777.54 a month. The car is 17 feet long with a 300-horsepower engine and seats five comfortably.

“It’s one of the bigger Cadillacs,” Mr. Rangel, of Harlem, said cheerfully this week. “I’ve got a desk in it. It’s like an airplane.”

Modest or more luxurious, the cars are all paid for by taxpayers. The use of a car — gas included — is one of the benefits of being a member of the House of Representatives.

There are few restrictions on what kind of car the members can choose, and there is no limit on how much they can spend. But the benefit can be politically sensitive, given the growing concerns about automobile emissions and an economy that has left many people struggling to pay for the rapidly rising cost of gas, which was averaging $3.63 a gallon nationwide earlier this week.

Not only does the federal government pick up the cost of the lease and the gas, but also general maintenance, insurance, registration fees and excess mileage charges. The perk itself may draw heightened attention in the coming weeks as members of Congress consider proposals to address gas prices, including one to suspend temporarily the federal excise tax on gasoline, 18.4 cents a gallon.

Congressional records show that about 125 members of the House make use of the benefit, which has been in place since at least the 1980s and is part of the allowance provided for their office operations. They include Representatives Charlie Melancon of Louisiana (2007 Chevy Tahoe), Bobby L. Rush of Illinois (2007 Lincoln Navigator) and Alcee L. Hastings of Florida (2006 Infiniti M45).

The Senate does not permit its members to lease cars with public money.

Of the 42 representatives from New York and New Jersey, at least a dozen lease cars, and their choices run the gamut. Some choose not to lease a car, in an effort to avoid yet one more headache.

“There are so many ethical issues people can raise,” said Representative Peter T. King, a Long Island Republican, who stopped leasing a car through his office in 2004. “I felt it just wasn’t worth the trouble or the aggravation. With the issues that people can raise against you, I just figured it didn’t make sense.”

Members have found themselves under fire in their districts for what their constituents may regard as extravagant tastes or for leasing foreign cars. Before the 2006 election, one Ithaca resident denounced Representative Maurice D. Hinchey’s lease of a BMW 530i to The Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin, saying that Mr. Hinchey, a Democrat, “sticks it to” the taxpayers and American workers. (Mr. Hinchey also leases a 2007 Nissan Altima for $200 a month for his chief of staff.)

In 2007, the House adopted a rule requiring members to choose cars from a list of low-emissions vehicles approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Asked about their cars over the past week, many New York representatives offered environmental rationales, some more persuasive than others.

Representative Edolphus Towns, a Brooklyn Democrat, said he had begun to take fuel economy into consideration and recently traded in his 2005 Lincoln Town Car (at $845 a month) for a 2008 Lincoln MKX, called a crossover utility vehicle, (at $715 a month).

“I no longer have the big car because of the gas situation,” Mr. Towns said.

It turns out, however, that the Town Car and the MKX get the same gas mileage: about 16 m.p.g. in the city and 23 on the highway, according to the Department of Energy. House leaders were concerned enough about the issue that they sent a memo to members suggesting that they consider leasing hybrids, according to one lawmaker who leases. Still, among the New York and New Jersey delegation, only one member — Mr. McNulty — uses a hybrid, according to the best available information.

“I think more members are going to be going to the hybrids,” said Mr. McNulty.

Mr. McNulty would not offer an opinion of members who lease more luxurious cars. “I’m not going to judge another member’s decision,” he said. “Mine was utility.”

Other members stand out for their more downscale choices.

Representative Jim Saxton, a Republican of New Jersey, leases a 2004 Chevy TrailBlazer at what he views as a reasonable $310 a month.

“Congressman Saxton feels an elected public official should choose a car that doesn’t cost taxpayers an extravagant amount,” said Jeff Sagnip, his spokesman.

Of course, there are concerns beyond cost, other members say.

“I can tell you Lexus has one of the best services and is one of the most reliable cars I know,” said Representative Gregory W. Meeks, a Queens Democrat, who leases a 2007 Lexus LS 460 at $998 a month. Mr. Meeks, interviewed a few feet from the House floor last week, seemed reluctant to go into detail, saying he was worried that a story about members’ cars could be “distorted” or negative.

“These are never lighthearted stories,” he said. His spokeswoman declined to discuss details of his leasing agreement.

Mr. Towns said leasing makes sense when you put as many miles on a car as he does traveling his Brooklyn district. He typically turns in the cars every few years. “After two years of traveling in the district, that’s a lot of wear and tear,” he said.

For Representative Louise M. Slaughter, a Buffalo-area Democrat, safety was a worry, given her sprawling district. Ms. Slaughter used to drive her personal car to get around, she said. Then, in 2002, her political rivals in the Legislature in Albany redrew her district, in what she viewed as a deliberate effort to force her from office.

The new map, she said, resulted in a vast swath of western New York that is treacherous to travel in winter. She turned to a 2007 Buick Lucerne, which she leases for $808.29 a month.

“For the longest time, I didn’t do it at all,” she said of leasing. But the Lucerne, she said, had good traction and, perhaps more important, came equipped with a satellite tracking system. “I figured if I got stuck in a snow bank people could find me,” she said. “If I’m in an accident, they might be able to find me and not have to wait until the thaw.”

Mr. Rangel said he frequently offers rides to constituents so they can discuss their concerns in the luxurious confines of his DeVille.

“I want them to feel that they are somebody and their congressman is somebody,” Mr. Rangel explained. “And when they say, ‘This is nice,’ it feels good.”

Not taking this down the politics route, but more along your own responsibility and values.... Simple layout, you keep your current job, just that the taxpayers make sure that you can get to and from your job without any hassles. They pay for the gas, parking and maintenance of your vehicle.

If they don't like the job you're doing, they ax you and you lose your car rights, so I doubt anyone could get away with a Ferarri or a Veyron.

I'd drive a Chrysler Minivan. It's versatile enough and transports with enough space. I can meet with people as I travel, and it gets a reasonable gas mileage for the trade off of hauling people.

What would you drive if the taxpayers paid?

Shauk · 05-01-2008, 02:07 PM

I think they could focus more on finding them housing near their offices so they can walk or take public transit.

Giant Hamburger · 05-01-2008, 02:27 PM

1957 Nash Metropolitan Convertible

uncle phil · 05-01-2008, 02:29 PM

a phrase from my latin I class in high school comes to mind...

"what killed the latins long ago..."

Willravel · 05-01-2008, 02:33 PM

I'd get a baseline Yaris. 40 MPG.

Ustwo · 05-01-2008, 02:40 PM

$800 a month?

Christ.

genuinegirly · 05-01-2008, 02:42 PM

Same thing I have now: 2004 black and white MINI. I'd just be happy to not pay for the fuel and insurance.

Terrell · 05-01-2008, 02:45 PM

2010 Camaro Z/28 Coupe. She would be blue of course.

hunnychile · 05-01-2008, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giant Hamburger

1957 Nash Metropolitan Convertible

Although I'd look damn good in this Nash, I'd prefer an older Jaguar XJE!

Lasereth · 05-01-2008, 03:57 PM

I want electric cars. When electric cars come out then the tuning scene will make badass electric mods and electric "forced induction" so the fast car enthusiasts will still be able to have a hobby that they love while not paying out the ass for gas.

So basically if it was 2020 when electric cars finally come out and the taxpayers were paying the costs, I would drive a fast electric car.

guyy · 05-01-2008, 04:01 PM

I'd get around the same way i do now: by public transportation, by foot, and by bicycle.

silent_jay · 05-01-2008, 04:05 PM

De Tomaso Pantera GT5

blahblah454 · 05-01-2008, 04:33 PM

Pantera's are awesome.

I would get one of those new vans with the swivel back seats and the table in the back. Perfect for impromptu meetings and gatherings. And they are decent priced, so not a huge burden on the tax payers.

lotsofmagnets · 05-01-2008, 05:52 PM

i´d get the biggest hummer i could with the least fuel efficient engine possible and throw an anchor out the back and drag that around just for good measure

BadNick · 05-01-2008, 06:09 PM

I'd go for something sporty but somewhat economical, maybe a new Civic Si coupe. It's a cute little peppy car. I'd get it converted to run on propane and they'd pay for that fuel ...quite clean burning.

Or if I worked across the river in Jersey, I'd get an Amphicar and save the bridge tolls plus the gas:

Quote:

Originally Posted by hunnychile

...I'd prefer an older Jaguar XJE!

There was/is an XJ sedan, but I don't think "E" was ever part of that designation. I think you might mean "XKE", the gorgeous 2 seat sports car? Good choice, I had a '67 Roadster and loved it beyond compare ...and as I've been told already for my own erroneous ways, the hardcore Jagophiles say "no such thing as an XKE ...it's an E-Type"

Fotzlid · 05-01-2008, 09:22 PM

I'd probably keep my current car. It gets decent, though not great, milage and I can live with it on a daily basis as far as room, power and handling are concerned.

snowy · 05-02-2008, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Giant Hamburger

1957 Nash Metropolitan Convertible

My grandma drove one of those when I was a little girl. Teehee.

I'd either go for a Toyota Yaris or a Honda Fit--I'd have to see which fit better, and which would give me the most bang for my buck, in terms of balancing features, fun, and fuel efficiency.

LoganSnake · 05-02-2008, 08:29 AM

Aston Martin DB9. I wouldn't settle for anything less.

telekinetic · 05-02-2008, 09:24 AM

If I was driving, a CTS-V

If I was being driven, and didn't have to pick up the maintenance bill, a slightly souped-up Chrysler 300...came to that choice after watching History of Violence.

Giant Hamburger · 05-02-2008, 09:43 AM

Painted · 05-02-2008, 10:12 AM

Might as well enjoy it while you can!

C350 Benz. A little compromise between flat out not giving a shit and being aware of the fuel situation.

aceventura3 · 05-02-2008, 10:58 AM

Porsche 911 Turbo. I am certain that I would be a one term guy, for not caring about being politically correct.

Giant Hamburger · 05-02-2008, 11:01 AM

Manuel Hong · 05-02-2008, 11:18 AM

Tesla!

05-01-2008, 02:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
uncle phil comfortably numb... Super Moderator Location: upstate	a phrase from my latin I class in high school comes to mind... "what killed the latins long ago..." __________________ "We were wrong, terribly wrong. (We) should not have tried to fight a guerrilla war with conventional military tactics against a foe willing to absorb enormous casualties...in a country lacking the fundamental political stability necessary to conduct effective military and pacification operations. It could not be done and it was not done." - Robert S. McNamara ----------------------------------------- "We will take our napalm and flame throwers out of the land that scarcely knows the use of matches... We will leave you your small joys and smaller troubles." - Eugene McCarthy in "Vietnam Message" ----------------------------------------- never wrestle with a pig. you both get dirty; the pig likes it.

05-01-2008, 02:40 PM	#6 (permalink)
Ustwo Pissing in the cornflakes	$800 a month? Christ. __________________ Agents of the enemies who hold office in our own government, who attempt to eliminate our "freedoms" and our "right to know" are posting among us, I fear.....on this very forum. - host Obama - Know a Man by the friends he keeps.

05-01-2008, 02:42 PM	#7 (permalink)
genuinegirly Eat your vegetables Super Moderator Location: Arabidopsis-ville	Same thing I have now: 2004 black and white MINI. I'd just be happy to not pay for the fuel and insurance. __________________ "Sometimes I have to remember that things are brought to me for a reason, either for my own lessons or for the benefit of others." Cynthetiq "violence is no more or less real than non-violence." roachboy

05-01-2008, 04:05 PM	#12 (permalink)
silent_jay Her Jay Location: Ontario for now....	De Tomaso Pantera GT5 __________________ Absence makes the heart grow fonder

05-01-2008, 05:52 PM	#14 (permalink)
lotsofmagnets Upright Location: reykjavík, iceland	i´d get the biggest hummer i could with the least fuel efficient engine possible and throw an anchor out the back and drag that around just for good measure __________________ mother nature made the aeroplane, and the submarine sandwich, with the steady hands and dead eye of a remarkable sculptor. she shed her mountain turning training wheels, for the convenience of the moving sidewalk, that delivers the magnetic monkey children through the mouth of impossible calendar clock, into the devil's manhole cauldron. physics of a bicycle, isn't it remarkable?

05-01-2008, 02:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
Shauk Confused Adult Location: Spokane, WA	I think they could focus more on finding them housing near their offices so they can walk or take public transit.

05-01-2008, 02:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
Giant Hamburger Gastrolithuanian Location: low-velocity Earth orbit	1957 Nash Metropolitan Convertible

05-01-2008, 02:33 PM	#5 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	I'd get a baseline Yaris. 40 MPG.

05-01-2008, 02:45 PM	#8 (permalink)
Terrell Insane Location: Orlando, Florida	2010 Camaro Z/28 Coupe. She would be blue of course.

05-01-2008, 03:57 PM	#10 (permalink)
Lasereth Knight of the Old Republic Location: Winston-Salem, NC	I want electric cars. When electric cars come out then the tuning scene will make badass electric mods and electric "forced induction" so the fast car enthusiasts will still be able to have a hobby that they love while not paying out the ass for gas. So basically if it was 2020 when electric cars finally come out and the taxpayers were paying the costs, I would drive a fast electric car.

05-01-2008, 04:01 PM	#11 (permalink)
guyy Addict Location: Cottage Grove, Wisconsin	I'd get around the same way i do now: by public transportation, by foot, and by bicycle.

05-01-2008, 04:33 PM	#13 (permalink)
blahblah454 Let's put a smile on that face Location: On the road...	Pantera's are awesome. I would get one of those new vans with the swivel back seats and the table in the back. Perfect for impromptu meetings and gatherings. And they are decent priced, so not a huge burden on the tax payers.

05-01-2008, 09:22 PM	#16 (permalink)
Fotzlid Junkie Location: Greater Boston area	I'd probably keep my current car. It gets decent, though not great, milage and I can live with it on a daily basis as far as room, power and handling are concerned.

05-02-2008, 08:29 AM	#18 (permalink)
LoganSnake We work alone Location: Cake Town	Aston Martin DB9. I wouldn't settle for anything less. __________________ Maturity is knowing you were an idiot in the past. Wisdom is knowing that you'll be an idiot in the future. Common sense is knowing that you should try not to be an idiot now. - J. Jacques

05-02-2008, 09:24 AM	#19 (permalink)
telekinetic zomgomgomgomgomgomg Location: Fauxenix, Azerona	If I was driving, a CTS-V If I was being driven, and didn't have to pick up the maintenance bill, a slightly souped-up Chrysler 300...came to that choice after watching History of Violence. __________________ twisted no more

05-02-2008, 11:18 AM	#24 (permalink)
Manuel Hong Addict Location: Land of the puny, wimpy states	Tesla! __________________ Believe nothing, even if I tell it to you, unless it meets with your own good common sense and experience. - Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha)

05-02-2008, 09:43 AM	#20 (permalink)
Giant Hamburger Gastrolithuanian Location: low-velocity Earth orbit

05-02-2008, 10:12 AM	#21 (permalink)
Painted Pleasure Burn	Might as well enjoy it while you can! C350 Benz. A little compromise between flat out not giving a shit and being aware of the fuel situation. __________________ I came across a nice rack at the department store

05-02-2008, 10:58 AM	#22 (permalink)
aceventura3 Junkie Location: Ventura County	Porsche 911 Turbo. I am certain that I would be a one term guy, for not caring about being politically correct. __________________ "Democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on lunch." "It is useless for the sheep to pass resolutions on vegetarianism while the wolf is of a different opinion." "If you live among wolves you have to act like one." "A lady screams at the mouse but smiles at the wolf. A gentleman is a wolf who sends flowers."

05-02-2008, 11:01 AM	#23 (permalink)
Giant Hamburger Gastrolithuanian Location: low-velocity Earth orbit