NEW AGE? - When it comes to one of the biggest perks of being a city official -- getting a city car -- the class of 2013 is pretty low key...so far.
Three incoming officials have passed up the chance to have the city provide them with a new vehicle, and others are taking wheels from the executive vehicle pool, according to the city General Services Department.
Mayor Eric Garcetti is required to use a bulletproof vehicle provided by the Los Angeles Police Department. But others have a wide array of possibilities.
Controller Ron Galperin and Councilmen Gil Cedillo and Felipe Fuentes have opted out, choosing instead to use their personal cars. All the other new city officials took what was made available from the pool.
City Attorney Mike Feuer ended up with a 2004 Toyota Prius, Councilman Bob Blumenfield received a 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid, Councilman Curren Price is getting a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria, Councilman Mike Bonin has a 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid and Councilman Mitch O'Farrell gets a 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Three departing city officials purchased the city cars they had been driving.
Former Controller Wendy Gruel purchased her 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid for $5,581, former Councilman Bill Rosendahl bought his 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid for $8,965, and former Councilwoman Jan Perry took ownership of her 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid for $12,289. The selling prices were based on the Kelly Blue Book rates, officials said. (Read the rest of Rick Orloff’s Tipoff … including the lesson newly minted mayor Garcetti has learned … here.)
-cw
CityWatch
Vol 11 Issue 59
Pub: July 23, 2013