Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
In the wake of what’s been dubbed “guzzlegate,” Salt Lake County probably isn’t the only government entity in Utah that could benefit from a thorough evaluation of its motor vehicle policies.
The sad case of the county’s former auditor should give all elected officials as well as high-level bureaucrats pause for thought. However, beyond the revelations about excessive gasoline purchases as well as allegations of so-called double dipping by others, what is this affinity some politicians and bureaucrats seem to have with large, gas-guzzling vehicles?
It seems especially hypocritical for those politicians who proudly espouse platforms of fiscal restraint to use uneconomical vehicles. Granted, the love affair with big rigs blossomed before the recent spike in gasoline prices. Regardless, couldn’t a modestly outfitted set of wheels get the public servant from here to there as easily as a hulking SUV?
KSL urges political entities across Utah to look closely at their motor vehicle policies and protocols. When the taxpayers are footing the bill, those who are on the public payroll should exercise vehicular restraint. Smaller, more economical vehicles, in most cases, could just as easily get them where they need to go in the official performance of their duties.
