They may not have invented the political gravy train in The Region, but they sure know how to ride that thing:
GARY, Ind. - City officials are considering whether to stop allowing city employees, including police officers, to take cars home in a cost-cutting move. But Mayor Rudy Clay isn't ready to give up his city-leased Hummer.
Clay compares his 2006 Hummer H3 to the 2003 Ford Expedition, now owned by the city, that was driven by former Mayor Scott King. Taxpayers spent more than $9,000 a year for the car, city records show. The city is leasing Clay's Hummer for $5,000 a year.
"It's a very economical car," Clay said
Government agencies list King's 2003 Ford Expedition's gas mileage as 12 miles per gallon in the city, 17 on the highway. The Hummer's gas mileage is rated as 14 in the city and 18 miles on the highway.
Whoo -- 14 miles in the city and 18 on the highway. Man, that is one economical car. The mayor also has a paid driver, which he says he needs because he has to have his hands free. "I do a lot of work while I'm in the car." I bet. Sort of fits Leo Rosten's definition of Chutzpah: "gall, brazen nerve, effrontery, incredible 'guts,' presumption plus arrogance such as no other word and no other language can do justice to."
