Schrammie: Does the state really need to be buying SUVs?
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SEATTLE -- If it's not your money that buys it; if it's not your money that puts gas in it; if it's not your money that pays for maintenance and repairs, what kind of car would you choose to drive?
I’d like to ask Joyce Turner, who heads up Washington State Fleet Operations, to ease off the gas pedal and come on down.
Joyce is the latest in a line of directors likely loved by SUV dealers.
That's because the state loves buying expensive 4-wheel drive vehicles.
Even with edicts handed down about buying state cars that cut fuel consumption and reduce emissions, Joyce - and those preceding her - have managed to find loopholes big enough to drive a hybrid SUV through.
After all, state workers entitled to drive a state car on the taxpayer's dime have an aversion to driving, say, a Prius, even if it does cost about $7,000 less than a hybrid SUV, not to mention the significant difference in mileage.
The state bought some $270 million worth of vehicles from 2000 to 2011. Fleet Operations being on the hook for about 20 percent..
Only time will tell if corrective legislative action taken in the last session will put the brakes on this nonsense.
So until then, I’d like Joyce Turner to get out, kick a few tires and spend our money more wisely.
Oh, and take a bow, Joyce, because this “Schrammie” is for you.
Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com. You can also hook up with Ken on Facebook.
I’d like to ask Joyce Turner, who heads up Washington State Fleet Operations, to ease off the gas pedal and come on down.
Joyce is the latest in a line of directors likely loved by SUV dealers.
That's because the state loves buying expensive 4-wheel drive vehicles.
Even with edicts handed down about buying state cars that cut fuel consumption and reduce emissions, Joyce - and those preceding her - have managed to find loopholes big enough to drive a hybrid SUV through.
After all, state workers entitled to drive a state car on the taxpayer's dime have an aversion to driving, say, a Prius, even if it does cost about $7,000 less than a hybrid SUV, not to mention the significant difference in mileage.
The state bought some $270 million worth of vehicles from 2000 to 2011. Fleet Operations being on the hook for about 20 percent..
Only time will tell if corrective legislative action taken in the last session will put the brakes on this nonsense.
So until then, I’d like Joyce Turner to get out, kick a few tires and spend our money more wisely.
Oh, and take a bow, Joyce, because this “Schrammie” is for you.
Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com. You can also hook up with Ken on Facebook.
