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| Detroit CC Member Gives Up Free Car; Paging Mr. Liepa? Mr. Liepa? | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Aug 27 2009, 11:06 AM (266 Views) | |
| Ms. AK | Aug 27 2009, 11:06 AM Post #1 |
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Veteran
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Will Mr. Liepa give us his free car to show alliance with those beneath him being squeezed to give concessions? http://www.detnews.com/article/20090826/METRO/908260435/1409/METRO/Detroit-councilwoman-turns-in-city-leased-car-to-help-budget Detroit councilwoman turns in city-leased car to help budget David Josar / The Detroit News 8/27/9 Detroit -- City Councilwoman Alberta Tinsley-Talabi says she'll turn in her city-leased Crown Victoria on Thursday as part of her effort to get the city's budget under control. "It is extremely difficult to debate cuts in public transportation which services 40 percent of Detroit residents while continuing to utilize a vehicle provided by taxpayers," she said in a statement. "If I can't ensure citizens have adequate transportation then I certainly should not have a taxpayer provided vehicle." She said she was told by the city's General Services Department, which manages the city's fleet of vehicle, that turning in the car will save about $7,200 a year. Tinsley-Talabi added she will not seek any other reimbursement from the city for vehicle expenses. Earlier this week during a hearing on reduced bus service, Tinsley-Talabi said the city should focus only on "essential services" such as public transportation, public safety and trash removal. The city received a letter from the councilwoman today indicating her desire to return the vehicle, which is one of the perks all council members receive. Tinsley-Talabi is up for re-election, and she came in ninth in the primary last month. Residents will choose nine council members among 18 candidates Nov. 3. A recent poll showed her slipping out of the top nine. So far, Tinsley-Talabi is the only council member to give up their vehicle voluntarily. City leaders have come under fire from organized labor after Mayor Dave Bing asked them to take a 10 percent pay cut to help improve the city's finances. Tinsley-Talabi and all other council members have indicated they will also cut their pay 10 percent from $81,312 but have yet to take any actions to do so. Union leaders have said the city should start cutting from the top before going to the workers and cited the vehicles as one perk that could be eliminated. "There is fat to be trimmed," said Henry Gaffney, president of the bus drivers union. "Cut from the top." Most city directors and deputy directors get a car allowance that is either $600 a month or $500 a month depending on their position. Former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick eliminated most of the city's fleet of leased vehicles in favor of the stipend. All council members, however, still get the vehicle. djosar@detnews.com |
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Krome on Cars | |
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