POLL: What Kind of Car Should the Town Supervisor Be Driving?
With an aging Crown Victoria on its way out, Southold Town considers a new ride for its leader.
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Two Southold Town Supervisors have driven up and down the North Fork in a black Ford Crown Victoria— first Josh Horton and now Scott Russell.
But the 10-year-old car is "done," according to mechanic Teddy Griffin at Lou's Service Station in Mattituck. Repairs to the 10-year-old car have exceeded its value.
"The reason it got deadlined is because it needs a new intake manifold," he said. "And to fix that you have to change the whole top of the motor."
The Town Board is advertising for bids for a new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4X4, or a similar model. At Tuesday's work session, models such as the Ford Escape and the Ford Focus were also suggested.
What do you think would fit the supervisor the best as a replacement vehicle in 2012? An SUV or a smaller, more fuel-efficient car? Would it bother you to see the Town purchase a foreign car if it was the best deal?
Take our poll or let us know your thoughts below.
In This article
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Town of Southold
53095 Route 25, Southold, NY -
Lou's Service Station
825 Pacific St, Mattituck, NY
Greg Scholand
1:02 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Something all or 4 wheel drive, purchased from a Southold Town Dealer!
lynnie
5:35 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012
definitely
Denise Vasilakos
1:02 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Jeep all the way!!
Denise Vasilakos
1:48 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Grand Cherokee is extremely reliable and extremely SAFE. Just my thoughts! :)
Benja Schwartz
1:10 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4X4 for which the Town Board ratified the Supervisor's action to advertise for bids is estimated to get 17 MPG. Why is this the first choice?
I believe the 2003 Ford Crown Victoria purchased for Supervisor Horton is the first car Southold Town provided for a supervisor.
I believe the car was used both for Town business and personal reasons.
Does the Supervisor need to drive a luxury class SUV?
Why are Southold Town Police Detectives driving luxury class SUVs?
The Russell administrations prides itself on running a tight economic ship, but this is another example of the reality that taxpayers are being treated like a cash machine.
Gary M Charters
7:09 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Benja, don't believe yourself the Town of Southold has been providing vehicles for the Town Supervisor to use for years at least 30+. Supervisor Murphy drove his own car but if I remember correctly he got an allowance for something.
Benja Schwartz
1:15 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
MSRP and MPG estimates
Jeep Grand Cherokee >$27,000 17 city 23 hwy
Jeep Compass >$19,295 23 city 29 hwy
Ford Focus >$16,500 28 city 40 hwy
Ford Fusion >$20,200 23 city 33 hwy
Ford Escape >$21,440 23 city 28 hwy
Tammie Hildesheim
1:34 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
First thing I say buy American. Plus go with a vechile that can be serviced within the area to support local businesses.
A question I have is how long can the current car last? Are they able to keep it until the end of this year? Ford's 2013 Fusion Hybrid is supposed to get 100 mpg. It is gas, electric and plug in. I feel that if they can hold out till the new model year rolls out this would be the best. Great mpg, a go green vechile and a mid sized car.
forward thinking
2:06 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
I HAVE HAD BOTH HYBRID ESCAPE AND FLEX FUEL ESCAPE - BOTH WERE SUPERIOR AND SAFE - I GOT "REAL" NOT EVERYONES INFLATED NUMBERS - 22.4 MPG ON "FLEX FUELED 2011 ESCAPE FOR 40,000 MILES AND 33.2 ON THE HYBRID 2009 ESCAPE FOR 60,000 MILES.
LUCAS VERY GOOD AND LOCAL - I HAD JEEP B4 THEM AND MPG WAS AT BEST 16 MPG
ABetterWayforRiverhead
5:21 pm on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
I'd like to see him in a Jeep or hybrid Ford, AS LONG AS IT IS PURCHASED FROM A SOUTHOLD DEALERSHIP!
John Kramer
10:13 am on Thursday, January 19, 2012
If we must provide a car then it should be the smallest most economical available. Toyota Yaris or Ford. Another question: I thought we had mechanics in the highway dept. Why is Lou's Garage maintaining his car?
Erin Schultz
2:37 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012
John - Police Chief Martin Flatley had this to say to answer your question: "The Highway Department mechanics are just responsible for maintaining all of the equipment/vehicles used by the Highway Department, Lou's Service Station services all of our vehicles at the police department, as well as the Nutrition Center and other Town-owned vehicles and has done so for over 20 years. As far as the Supervisor's new vehicle is concerned, it is important to remember that Scott is the head of Emergency Management for the whole Town and must be accessible during adverse weather such as snow storms, hurricanes, floods with a vehicle that is appropriate for such driving."
Erin Schultz
1:28 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012
Stephen Husak said on Facebook: "Volkswagen Jetta Diesel. According to their website it gets between 40-50 mpg. Fully loaded retail should be $26,000. Alot less than any hybrid and easier to maintain. Diesel should last years longer than a gas motor or a hybrid."
Erin Schultz
1:28 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012
Rich Anderson said on Facebook: "a bicycle"
Gregg Charles
3:09 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012
OMG just get a decent running car within a normal families price range that has 4 wheel drive since he has to ge out and about during extreme weather or crisis within the town. Think like Average Joes is all most of the public expects. Lets not live above our "stations" is a good guideline. Average Joes dont get fancy jeeps, or "expensive hybrids", BMW or Mercedes. Hyundai, Kia, etc. have many reasonable 4x4 vehicles in a good price range.
Tom
2:31 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012
The Supervisor should drive a car that is common and used by the town. We should not but a "one off" vehicle because it satisfies someone's personal political views of what they "think" the Supervisor should drive. Southold should try, to the best of its ability, to have a standardized fleet. If we have already own Ford Escapes, then fine, get another. If we already own Jeeps, then fine, get another. (By the way, a Jeep is not a "Luxury Class SUV" per any reputable publication or reviewing body. Lexus, yes. Mercedes, yes. BMW, yes, Cadillac, Volvo, Infinity, and on, yes. Jeep, most certainly not).
Want to save money for the town or foster your green streak, then focus on the big picture, fire department vehicles, police department vehicles, and other larger taxpayer funded fleets. 2 MPG saved in the police or fire fleets makes up for whatever the Supervisor drives by a factor of 10.
Southold town resident
7:13 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012
Why should the Town Supervisor enjoy the same vehicle perks as your local fire department chiefs and deputy chiefs?
Marty
9:01 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012
Why is this even a discussion. The real question is why are we letting the town board WASTE our money on a car that everyone knows is used for pleasure as much as it is for town business. When was the last time you saw Scott and his family in his "personal" vehicle. Does he have one?
I dont think we should deny him a town car, but he should get the CHEAPEST 4wd (doubt he needs that - but whatever)... with NO bells and WHISTLES.
This is ridiculous. I understand buying locally and all but seriously? You gonna pay Mullen and Lucas prices. Go to a county auction slap down 5 grand and be done with it.
Backwards. This town is BACKWARDS.
Occupy Southold!
William Swiskey sr
10:54 pm on Thursday, January 19, 2012
We can buy off the state contract and save big bucks and they should make the inquiries. That's just common sense.
Sharon Sailor
12:00 am on Friday, January 20, 2012
How about using his own car like the rest of us?
not a farmer
9:32 am on Friday, January 20, 2012
His own effin car and powered with his own purchased gas.
Gary M Charters
9:53 am on Friday, January 20, 2012
Lets give Supervisor Russell a brake here he is more that a 24/7 365 day a week supervisor and town employee. He does make a decent salary for the area but is not nearly compensated for the job he does and the hours he puts in. All you who complain should try a stint at public service and see how you make out. If they want to deal local they should tell the two car dealers if they want the bid they should get more in line with the state bid. No one minds pays a little more to support a local business.
Benja Schwartz
12:17 pm on Friday, January 20, 2012
I just don't buy the "I want it, I need it, I gotta have it" policy.
I expect more from our Town Board.
Taxpayers should not be broken by a vehicle that gets less than 20MPG
I agree Supervisor Russell deserves a break.
He can get one at Mc Donalds.
Tom
2:55 pm on Friday, January 20, 2012
With the amount of garbage this man, or any person in the position of Supervisor has to take, from the myriad of wackos out there, including those who believe they are the second coming of Joan Egan, the poor guy should be given a chauffeured Rolls Royce with his own personal wet bar inside.
Say what you want, that it is a down economy, that anyone could do his job, that he is overpaid, they are all overpaid, they should all be thrown out into the cold and be thankful for whatever pittance we deem worthy to deposit upon them, but in all honesty, I don't see legions of people lining up to be Supervisor, and certainly not for that salary. Why take crap from the Joan Egan wannabe and others, daily, while working for less than just about any police office, teacher, or other professional in this town... and with raises few and far between, if at all. You think you can be Supervisor, then great, let's see your name on the ballot next time. Until then, shut up, sit down, and let what should be the mere ministerial act of the town in purchasing one vehicle, be just that, a car purchase. Not yet another forum for every tom, Dick, and harry, to weigh in on the issue. It's a car. We have a hundred of them in this town. Buy another one. Who the hell cares.
Jeep Cherokee, by the way, that's my vote.
lynnie
1:26 am on Saturday, January 21, 2012
I agree tom, who cares. This man is out in the worst weather to make sure everything is being done to keep us all safe.
Patricia Dzenkowski
12:29 pm on Friday, January 20, 2012
Pat Dzenkowski
Mark Lesko, who supervises one of the largest towns in New York( Brookhaven) uses his own vehicle. I think Southold's Supervisor should use his own car and get mileage for town business. As a matter of fact, all town officials should use their own vehicles.
Gary M Charters
2:41 pm on Friday, January 20, 2012
Pat I think you're on to something, and if BOBPALADIN had any idea how Supervisor Lesko operates they wouldn't call it crook haven any more, great suggestion.
forward thinking
3:16 pm on Friday, January 20, 2012
THINK OF THE TOTAL BUDGET HE "MANAGES" COMPARE IT TO BUSINESS BUDGETS. WHAT KIND OF CARS DO CEO'S DRIVE.. HE SHOULD HAVE A FORD ESCAPE HYBRID.... FOR THOSE WHO WAN HIM TO "PAY HIS WAY" INCREASE HIS PAY BY THE NORMAL OVERHEAD RATE BUSINESS HAVE (45%) -- OVERHEAD IS THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS IN THE GLORIOUS STATE OF NY - ITS THE MONEY IT COSTS BEFORE YOU PUT KEY IN DOOR AND TURN ON LIGHTS ... REALLY MCDONALDS ... HOW QUAINT - HE HE GETS HIS BREAKS ALRIGHT AT BOARD MEETINGS...
Patricia Dzenkowski
6:14 pm on Friday, January 20, 2012
Pat Dzenkowski..Thank you Gary...When officials use their own vehicles, they tend to take better care of them. That is my own personal opinion. Besides, right now is no time to make purchases that are not necessary. And Gary..the gentleman say "watch who you compare us to." US????? If Mark and Karen ever move to the North Fork, she will always be US, and as much as I love Mark, he will always be a move in.
Gary M Charters
9:24 pm on Friday, January 20, 2012
Pat anybody that I know personally is considered US. At least we are proud enough to use our real names.
William Swiskey sr
8:27 pm on Friday, January 20, 2012
Scott
Whatever you do, don't let the Village Board get involved in picking it. Not unless you like Lemons
john dough
8:33 pm on Friday, January 20, 2012
Bill, How is your blog coming along with Mr. Trowbridge? I heard it's a real riot.
John
9:20 pm on Friday, January 20, 2012
Actually I think it's pretty cool, at least it provides its readers some real information about Village government.
William Swiskey sr
9:06 pm on Friday, January 20, 2012
Seriously Buy the Suv with the Capabilities the supervisor needs. If a local dealer can match the State Price go local. If it lasts 8 years that's less then $2500 per. Get it.
As to John Dough. I would know how to run a blog. I'm a computer dinosaur.
Benja Schwartz
11:51 pm on Saturday, January 21, 2012
The real problem is not picking a vehicle it is the process.
Usually Southold Town Government operates without public participation.
Occasionally public outcry influences decisions.
In this case the Town Clerk posted the Notice uploaded as an attachment to this article before the Town Board Meeting. Even though the Town Board voted to modify the Notice the original ultra vires Notice is still posted (on http://southoldtown.northfork.net/) on Sunday. The modification addressed, but did not cure, the illegal character of a Notice which arbitrarily favors Jeep. The Town Board recognized that the historic policy of buying Crown Vics is in need of an upgrade. What we don't need is a policy of vanity and personal preference.
forward thinking
9:35 am on Sunday, January 22, 2012
OH-GOD , IS TOILET PAPER NEXT-- what does brkhvn use, dem/rep type, 2 ply /one ply, lets foil it, is it made locally, what about the twice as much green, ?newsday in strips???...
Amy Martin
2:45 am on Monday, January 23, 2012
Why does it have to be a brand new vehicle with a big price tag. We've been riding up & down a mountain out here in my daughters pre- owned ford escape during WA's recent blizzard with no problems. buy it locally. Service it locally. Ford has a much better track record than jeep.