The Cellar - Mayor buys Hummer H3 for $29,970

Mayor defends city buying himself a gas guzzling Hummer

Quote:

Some politicians seem to have such a dense understanding of what's going on around them, it's a wonder they were elected. Exhibit A: the mayor of Gary, Indiana, who is driving a government-purchased, gas-guzzling Hummer, despite the fact that his city is operating with a $36 million deficit.

Recently, Rudy Clay asked for a cap on property taxes for his city, but when Ryan Kitchell, chairman of the state panel that decides these sorts of things, learned about the purchase, he was a wee bit upset. Ever since, Clay's been doing the interview circuit, including a stint on Fox News, being grilled about his decision to buy such an expensive and unpopular -- these days -- vehicle.

If the economy wasn't in such dire shape, it would almost be funny how tone deaf some politicians can be about the economy. Oh, never mind. It is kind of funny.
Clay defended himself mightily when he spoke in front of the state's Distressed Unit Appeals Board: "What do you want me to do, walk around here? I've got to have a car."

Sure, but a 2009 Hummer H3 for $29,970? Clay proudly noted that he received a $5,000 discount. Otherwise it would have cost more. And until he was criticized for the purchase, the cash-strapped berg of Gary, Indiana was picking up the gas tab. Now, apparently, the mayor is paying for his gas.

And in Clay's mind, he is a cost-conscious mayor. After all, as he told the state board: "We're saving taxpayers money by riding in a Hummer. I could've bought a $50,000 Expedition."

Hmm. Perhaps Gary could use another mayor? Maybe one who already drives a Prius...

We need more articles like this calling these hypocrites out.