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Omaha, NE
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November 21, 2009
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Mayor Jim Suttle has leased a 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid SUV similar to this one.
Jim Suttle promised voters a greener Omaha. Now the mayor plans a greener ride, with a new hybrid SUV that will cost taxpayers a pretty penny. In one of his first acts as incoming mayor, Suttle has leased a 2009 Dodge Durango Hybrid SUV for an annual cost of $15,717.
That's $2,157 per year more than what former Mayor Mike Fahey paid to lease a 2008 Chrysler Aspen SUV. The city typically provides a vehicle for the mayor to use on official business. A spokesman for Suttle said the new mayor wants to tout energy efficiency. “We're trying to increase awareness of the use of other forms of technology and different ways of looking at things,“ said spokesman Ron Gerard.
He said the lease, through GMAC, came at a higher cost because the nations' lending collapse last year made leases more difficult to get. The city also is paying more to be able to get out of the lease quickly, if needed, Gerard said. The increased costs come at a time when the city faces a budget shortfall that has forced cutbacks in services such as pools and libraries. Suttle has said that fixing city finances is his No. 1 priority.
Gerard said leasing a hybrid would save gas money. The hybrid gets about 21 miles per gallon. Fahey's city-leased SUV advertised fuel efficiency of 15 mpg. Gerard said he did not have an estimate for how much Suttle would drive the new SUV on official business. City records show that before Fahey’s 2008 SUV was returned Monday, it had about 19,500 miles on it. It was unclear exactly when Fahey started using that vehicle and whether any miles were on it already.
City Councilman Chuck Sigerson questioned the cost of Suttle’s SUV lease. “I’m a little troubled by the monthly expenses of this vehicle,“ Sigerson said.
Sigerson said he didn’t have a problem with Suttle using a “green“ vehicle, but he didn’t understand how the payments were determined. The payments seemed high based on Sigerson’s experiences with vehicle leasing. The Web site leasecompare.com listed a four-year lease offer for a Durango hybrid at $797 a month, or $9,564 a year.
“There’s no precedent here for the use of an alternative fuel vehicle“ by an Omaha mayor, Gerard said. “We can’t compare it to Fahey’s vehicle because (Fahey’s) wasn’t an alternative fuel vehicle.“
Gerard said the mayor would address the “slightly more expensive option“ for Suttle’s vehicle through savings Suttle will seek in the city budget.
The total cost of the Durango’s four-year lease would be $62,868, including interest. The purchase price for a 2009 Dodge Durango hybrid is about $40,000. The total purchase cost would be higher depending on the loan terms from a lender.
Suttle decided to lease because that is how the city traditionally has handled mayor’s vehicles, his office said.
When asked why Suttle didn’t choose a less-expensive vehicle - even a non-hybrid - Gerard said Suttle had campaigned on increasing the use of alternative energy and driving a hybrid fit that message.
Money for the leased official vehicle is allowed in addition to Suttle’s mayoral salary. The current budget lists his salary at $98,000.
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103 Comments
Posted by: Anolderlady on 06/10/09 @ 12:30 am:
Oh yeah...that's the way to make a good impression Mayor Suttle! Why is it when one comes into power, the first thing they do is spend money? Why didn't he just stay with the vehicle he was using before being Mayor.
Posted by: fnooner on 06/10/09 @ 1:04 am:
What I don't get is why an SUV?? Hybrid SUV's are a joke and not worth the $$$
Posted by: jbird on 06/10/09 @ 2:10 am:
why not a Prius or something with good gas mileage? Also this new format is very jumbled please go back to the old format.
Posted by: Jbird on 06/10/09 @ 2:15 am:
Great gas mileage
Official numbers from Dodge
399 Horsepower
20 city / 22 hwy
Posted by: Doug on 06/10/09 @ 3:41 am:
Already a complete disaster after only one day in office!
Posted by: SuttleWatcher on 06/10/09 @ 4:14 am:
He says this city is going bankrupt and he spends money on this??? He is crazy! We will not city one dime back from this. Hybridsare overpriced yuppy mobiles.
Posted by: Bill on 06/10/09 @ 5:24 am:
He is off to a good start - spending the taxpayers money!
Posted by: Polite on 06/10/09 @ 5:49 am:
$1,309.75 a month, the mayor must have used the same negotiator used on the police and fire pension funds. What's wrong with leasing a car for $300 a month, I guess when it's not your money who cares.........nice start so far mayor I cant wait to see whats next besides the fact you still don't do background checks.
Posted by: Anna on 06/10/09 @ 6:04 am:
I see he has his priorities in order. And way to set the tone when the city is, according to him, teetering on the edge of bankruptcy.
Has Jim Suttle done a single thing right yet?
Posted by: mute on 06/10/09 @ 6:29 am:
The other mayoral candidate probably would have chosen another helicopter....
Posted by: ed on 06/10/09 @ 6:32 am:
hybrids are only efficient at speeds below 35 mph. they are not practical in omaha, maybe chicago or other large metro areas where traffic is heavier. add in the added maintenance costs as well as the higher price tag and this appears to be another bonehead move made by the new administration.
Posted by: AYoungProfessional on 06/10/09 @ 6:43 am:
$1300 a month on a vehicle is ridiculous - and yeah, if you really wanted to be "green", then go for a sedan or even a crossover. Crazy...
Posted by: nierika on 06/10/09 @ 6:49 am:
"Oh yeah...that's the way to make a good impression Mayor Suttle! Why is it when one comes into power, the first thing they do is spend money? Why didn't he just stay with the vehicle he was using before being Mayor."
Did you miss the part of the story that said "for his official use?"
This article is a non-story and ignores the amount of money that will be saved with lower gas consumption.
Posted by: rainie on 06/10/09 @ 7:27 am:
I dont understand why he gets to lease a vehicle in the first place. Arent we trying to save money here? What is wrong with driving his own vehicle to work? i drive my car to work everyday! Why an SUV?
Posted by: fun2swim on 06/10/09 @ 7:31 am:
And the city budget can afford this? Talk about porkbelly and wasteful spending.
Posted by: carmalapple on 06/10/09 @ 7:35 am:
A SUV??? With the city in such dire straits for $$$. WHY?
Posted by: (Anonymous) on 06/10/09 @ 7:40 am:
Good luck Omaha!
Posted by: S on 06/10/09 @ 7:40 am:
What does Warren drive? And what does it cost?
Posted by: Unbeleivable on 06/10/09 @ 7:43 am:
Good thing Omaha has endless tax dollars to help fund Suttle's extravagent life style.
Just remember his running plaform, "I'm an engineree", whoo! whoo!
Posted by: sam on 06/10/09 @ 7:45 am:
Not a good way to start off. He should have priced around. I know he could have gotten a better deal. Maybe he could get cars for all the firemen and police officers too.
Posted by: green teacher on 06/10/09 @ 7:55 am:
At least he is trying to set a good example, although not the best one, of trying to be a good steward of our environment. What are YOU doing?
Posted by: cashishift on 06/10/09 @ 8:04 am:
Hey at least it was made in ameri... i mean Mexico!
Posted by: J from Bennnington on 06/10/09 @ 8:07 am:
He's driving an SUV because he has no confidence the streets will get plowed when it snows.
Posted by: RVB on 06/10/09 @ 8:10 am:
With serious budget problems facing the city and an economy that is in the tank, now is not the time for the mayor to be throwing taxpayer money around for a "green" SUV. If the new mayor was truly concerned about the city's budget problems, he could have chosen a "ride" that would have been considerably easier on the city budget and the taxpayers.
Posted by: Omahanative on 06/10/09 @ 8:12 am:
I guess it could have been a Hummer like Arnold!
Posted by: jp on 06/10/09 @ 8:15 am:
Nice work Shaw...on the half of the story you included. How many miles does a mayor put on the vehicle? Any effort/commitment to reduce the use? How does the mileage compare to the last mayor's SUV ride? If the new SUV gets 7 miles per gallon better then the old mayor's and he goes 20k at 3/gallon he saves $1,600. If Suttle drives 5K less then Fahey he'd save $1,100...but that would be a article that took longer then a cup of coffee write.
Posted by: Joemaha on 06/10/09 @ 8:18 am:
Who negotiated the price on that? $1309/month?!?!? The math has to be bad here because that number is so astronomical. Maybe it includes licensing and the initial down payment on the lease...
Posted by: MJ on 06/10/09 @ 8:19 am:
Of course, chances are that Suttle's hybrid will probably save the city $1500 in gas each year.
Posted by: Henwy on 06/10/09 @ 8:27 am:
The SUV that Mr. Suttle is leasing is certainly well within the parameters of the type of vehicle that goes with the job. This vehicle is no more out of line than the vehicle Fahey leased. The press appears to be unduly critical of Suttle early on. If the press wants a story, go after the City's use of fleet of vehicles by various City departments for use by upper management who get to take home the vehicles at night at taxpayers expense. This is a practice that has been going on under previous administrations and needs to be corrected. Why can't the City managers drive into work, with their own vehicles like everyone else does, and pick up the City vehicles there. I'm sure there would be some type of spin on how it saves money to drive directly to various jog sites from the managers home, but don't buy into that, they usually drive right into work. Check their mileage sheets and wear and tear on the building. This is where you should be focusing your attention, not on creating a feeding frenzy on the new Mayor.
Posted by: Chris on 06/10/09 @ 8:36 am:
20 city/22 hwy... He should have purchased a non-hybrid sedan... or given up 6 city/2 hwy mpg and saved $17,000 with the base model.
Posted by: omahavoter on 06/10/09 @ 8:36 am:
Omaha deserves what it gets - I voted for Daub.
Posted by: stimp on 06/10/09 @ 8:37 am:
I love how this article spins a good story into a negative. How about the amount of fuel the hybrid will be saving and not costing the tax payers? It probably won't equal $2,100 but it's something. How about the positive influence this will have on his constituents? God forbid we allow our government leader set an example for the rest of the community.
Posted by: paysonlonghorn on 06/10/09 @ 8:37 am:
The greenies are already complaining. The mayor should be driving an suv. We all know how poorly the streets are maintained in the winter and he has to get to work. I wouldn't be caught dead in anything other than my suv. Contrary to what the media says, humans are not the cause of global warming. How do you think we got from the ice age? The earth warmed when there were no cars.
Posted by: Jim Redelfs on 06/10/09 @ 8:41 am:
It took from the beginning of civilization but, finally, money is NO object if the expenditure is a GREEN expenditure. Monetary value means nothing. Return on investment means nothing. Cost containment, not to mention <gasp> SAVINGS, means nothing - as long as it's [drum roll] GREEN. Still, Mayor Suttle's INTENTIONS are good, so that's all that matters. Results and practicality are meaningless. We'd better get used to it, folks. You voted these types into office and with virtually all major media outlets firmly in lock step behind them, it's going to be an uphill battle to replace them with those with at least a modicum of fiscal and common sensel. <sigh> -JR
Posted by: J on 06/10/09 @ 8:43 am:
So, you're telling me "Anolderlady", that after toiling for months in order to secure the position you have been vying for that you wouldn't feel that the least of things you deserved was a new car? And let's not consider what he was driving before he was elected - I don't want the mayor of my city riding around in nothing but the BEST!
Posted by: WWTOD on 06/10/09 @ 8:46 am:
Wow... the World-Herald really has it in for Suttle... and this is coming from a Daub guy.
The vehicle will cost about $5/day more... is that the point? Okay, let's assume a 2009 vehicle is going to cost a little more than a 2008 to lease. Then.. let's say it gets a little bit better gas mileage.
Between those two things, I'm guessing that covers the $2,157 difference.
Now, what was the point of this story again?
Posted by: Jimmy on 06/10/09 @ 8:53 am:
He is our mayor, who really cares what he drives. He can drive whatever he wants. Be glad he did not get an Escalade Hybrid.
Posted by: abetteromaha on 06/10/09 @ 9:00 am:
If spending more money to set a strong example of being more conscience about the importance of green technology, then so be it. i'll support it with my tax dollar anyday! Good move Mayor Suttle!!!!
Posted by: greeneromaha on 06/10/09 @ 9:02 am:
why the headline as greener is costlier when in fact it saves in so many ways? slow news day??
Posted by: TGinOmaha on 06/10/09 @ 9:06 am:
"it's going to be an uphill battle to replace them with those with at least a modicum of fiscal and common sensel." As opposed to the fiscal and common sense we had when the Republicans were in control? Riiiight... that's a good one. I needed a good laugh this morning! Because as we all know, the economy was in such good shape at the end of 2008 before Bush and the (then) Republican majority left office.
Posted by: srebolloso on 06/10/09 @ 9:14 am:
This is a step in the right direction "energy savings" this will be one of many steps that the city leaders and adminstration will have to do.
Sylvio Rebolloso
Posted by: John on 06/10/09 @ 9:22 am:
Joke - this is all it is - the Mayor should be held to higher standards - and this is not that.
Posted by: Drew on 06/10/09 @ 9:29 am:
This is what people get when they support the extremists in the enviromental movement.
Posted by: Govt Observer on 06/10/09 @ 9:30 am:
Three problems arise with this. First, a Dodge hybrid only gets between 4 and 5 MPG better than the gas version of the Durango. This is also 2 to 3 fewer MPG that the Chevrolet Suburban/Tahoe hybrid gets, which costs the same as the Durango. So basically for the additional $2700, you will get 20% less fuel economy than the sedan that the previous mayor drove. The next problem is that not only is the cost of the vehicle higher, but the cost of the fuel is going to be more. Worse gas mileage, more expenses. Finally, do you know that the batteries in the hybrids wear out? That require replacement at a cost of around $3,000. Not a warranty item either. If you thing I'm wrong, ask a Prius owner that has had the car more than a couple of years. Great way to save the city money in these trying times Mr. Mayor!!!!!
Posted by: seriously? on 06/10/09 @ 9:34 am:
daub voters are out today. let's complain about being more energy efficient - that's why you LOST not only in Omaha, but in the presidential election too.
Posted by: soashamed on 06/10/09 @ 9:39 am:
now i know why i moved out of omaha 5 years ago. plenty of ignorant comments here. for example; Drew wrote: "This is what people get when they support the extremists in the environmental movement." are you kidding me? do you understand supply and demand?? if you do, you should understand the importance of hybrids and any other green technology. guess not tho. Drew, time to move away from your comfort zone of Omaha and educate yourself.
Posted by: cal2neb on 06/10/09 @ 9:53 am:
If Suttle really wants to demonstrate commitment to the environment AND the community, he will use public transportation -- and encourage others to do so.
Posted by: Joe S on 06/10/09 @ 10:03 am:
I love all the greenies talking about how much money will be saved in gas by having the hybrid. I'm guessing tha you are the same people buying a Prius at an $8000 premium to save $800 in gas annually.
Why lease a vehicle in the first place? What we have here is a $1300/month rental car that when the lease is up, the city has nothing to show for it. How much would it have cost to buy a new Durango Hybrid with a 5 year lease. A fully loaded Durango HEV runs for about 50K in the Omaha area. Putting 0 down and getting a rate of 6% for 5 years, the payments would have been $966 per month or $11592 annually. In 5 years, the city owns the car for less than the cost of the lease, and can sell it after those 5 years and get some of there money back, or trade it in and reduce future costs.
Posted by: atlhusker on 06/10/09 @ 10:03 am:
i dont get what everybody's getting all upset about. who cares what he drives! my problem is this baseball stadium. y are we building 2 brand new ballparks? i'm for the new stadium downtown. it will showcase Omaha beautifully on its biggest stage. my problem is the royals building their own stadium in a field out yonder. who's gonna drive out there to see amatuer baseball players? is there something worng with Rosenblatt? if they dont wanna play in the new stadium then they should just stay at Rosenblatt! i see no need for another ballpark.
u dont see them tearing down the civic auditorium. it still serves a purpose. i just think its a waste of money to have 2 brand new baseball parks.
Posted by: scblogger on 06/10/09 @ 10:05 am:
Green is expensive and this phony phenomominom was tried in the late 70's. The only difference between now and then was that global cooling was on its way to destroy us. This mayor believes we all work for him. but then again, 70% of you who were eligible to vote didn't. When only 30% show up, chances are the greenies, socialist, fruits and nuts do and they are good at electing their own i.e..Obuma, Suttle, Pelosi etc. In most ways, this is our fault and we have to now deal with it either by shortening his stay or shortening his leach.
Posted by: shawnag on 06/10/09 @ 10:09 am:
Omaha, you had another choice for mayor. He was a seasoned, dedicated professional. Not choosing Daub was a huge mistake. Those of you who chose Suttle, deal with it. Those of you who did not care for him and did not vote on election day, shame on you.
Posted by: Philistan on 06/10/09 @ 10:17 am:
Does he get a driver?
Posted by: husker1815 on 06/10/09 @ 10:57 am:
With huge deficits in the city budget, why does he get a vehicle provided at all? I am assuming that Mr. Suttle found a way to work before he became mayor. Maybe the city should remove that perk.
Posted by: enough already on 06/10/09 @ 11:28 am:
Maybe Suttle can drive the tax funded SUV over to Daubs house for dinner in his tax funded remodled kitchen of $10,000. Oh how soon we forget.
Posted by: concerned on 06/10/09 @ 11:28 am:
"As opposed to the fiscal and common sense we had when the Republicans were in control? Riiiight... that's a good one. I needed a good laugh this morning! Because as we all know, the economy was in such good shape at the end of 2008 before Bush and the (then) Republican majority left office."
WOOSH! You entirely missed the point, once again blinded by political bias. What a shame.
Posted by: Get Over It on 06/10/09 @ 12:26 pm:
People - be thankful that we here in Omaha do not pay for an official residence, vehicles, meals and permanent police/executive protection like most other large market Mayors receive.
Posted by: coughunter on 06/10/09 @ 12:30 pm:
Seriously? Are people still complaining about either stadiums? Get Over it!!! If you don't like it move somewhere else people. And who really cares if he buys a car or not. He's the mayor, he can do what he wants. Free Country! If you don't like him why didn't you vote for someone else. I guarentee at least 85% of you would do the same if you were in the same position and had that luxery. Don't try to say you wouldn't.
Posted by: mysweetiepie on 06/10/09 @ 12:36 pm:
Really great of him to spend money, my husband works for the City of Omaha and he wants them to sign a contract stating no raises for 3 years and make them pay more for their insurance. Going backwards huh
Posted by: bvogie on 06/10/09 @ 1:01 pm:
What a bunch of whiners and hybrid-haters spreading the same tired miss-information about hybrid drive systems without any first-hand knowledge or experience with them. Anyone that continues to state the following are ignorant and/or lazy:
1. Hybrid batteries wear out after 2-3 years {FALSE}
2. Hybird batteries are not covered under warranty {FALSE}
3. Hybird batteries are going to add to landfills {FALSE}
4. Hybrids are no good over 35 mph {FALSE}
5. You will never recover the additional expense of a hybrid through fuel consumption. {FALSE}
6. Hybrids are more expensive to maintain {FALSE}
Posted by: DB on 06/10/09 @ 1:09 pm:
I don't care what he is driving. I am no rocket scientist and I would never pay that kind of money a month for a vehicle. That is way more than my house pymt. Give me a break. Uh I'm helping the environment "BULL" just like Al Gore is. When he sells his mansion and vows never to make any money or his family make any money on the environment Global Warming\Climate Change scam. Then I will believe. It's not going to happen. He is paying way to much for this vehicle. Would Joe citizen go out and pay that for that vehicle. NO! Then a Mayor of a major city should be smart enough to make a better deal. Unless he is repaying another favor.
Posted by: HellO on 06/10/09 @ 1:16 pm:
I want my pool open!
Posted by: GRANNY on 06/10/09 @ 1:18 pm:
So the civilain employees go with out a pay increase and he pays more for his ride. Why can't he drive his own car to work? Is this really the way to get us out of debt. Close pools lay people off.
Posted by: L on 06/10/09 @ 1:25 pm:
Why can't he just drive a normal car, like a Ford Focus or Honda Civic?
Posted by: Jack on 06/10/09 @ 1:29 pm:
What's wrong with a used car? Why an SUV? What about the cost of replacement batteries for the Hybrid part of this fiasco? Mr. Suttle will be remembered for a lot of things, most unfavorable. But his financial irresponsibilty and arrogance will be among those items at the top of the list. He's a civic disaster in the making.
Posted by: To Concerned on 06/10/09 @ 1:33 pm:
What ARE you talking about. Talk about a good laugh! please post more!
Posted by: Tom on 06/10/09 @ 1:34 pm:
Is everyone crazy? This guy is setting a good, green example.
Anyway, if you didn't vote, then don't complain.
Posted by: Omaha68106 on 06/10/09 @ 1:35 pm:
> On June 10, 2009 at 10:44 am Central, Philistan wrote:
>Does he get a driver?
---------------------------------
Yep!
Posted by: Laugh Out Loud on 06/10/09 @ 1:36 pm:
What can I say ... you all voted him in!
Posted by: Partyman on 06/10/09 @ 1:43 pm:
I'm surprised he didn't go with the liberal democrat company car, the Toyota Prius.
Posted by: MAT on 06/10/09 @ 1:44 pm:
What's wrong with Public Transportation>? he's a public servant is he not? Seems to me, if the bus is good enough for the common folk, it ought to be good enough for those elected to serve them.
Posted by: urworthless on 06/10/09 @ 1:44 pm:
What'a wrong with a city official using a vehicle already in the fleet of government vehicles owned. Don't spend money when it's not necessary. Would you spend money at home if you were low on cash??
Posted by: J on 06/10/09 @ 1:45 pm:
I agree going green is a good example, but as asked why an SUV? Why not a nice, eco friendly, full size car? He makes $98,000, if he really wants to help the economy of Omaha why doesn't he buy the car instead of allowing the city to go further in debt for his car?!
Posted by: Mayor Suttlbama on 06/10/09 @ 1:49 pm:
Nice work Jimmy. I'm all for a 'greener' alternative, but I am sure you would have gotten around town just fine in a Toyota Prius or Ford Fusion Hybrid, and at much less expense to the taxpayer. Trying to pawn this off as a 'greener' alternative is assinine considering this SUV gets 21 mpg, which is still much less than cars sold under the Hybrid banner.
Posted by: HatetheIdiots on 06/10/09 @ 1:53 pm:
first of all, this is not about hal daub. That loser didn't win the election and if he had, im sure he's be trying to spend thousands of our tax dollars on "studies" not making a difference in our community at all. Secondly, I think its ridiculous that last week, the city is reporting that our libaries have to close on sundays now due to no money, other depts are having to prioritize their spending....etc... so now the new mayor can run out and get a new vehicle??? MAKES NO SENSE!!! All politicians are the Same!!! they don't care about the citizens, only themselves. WHAT A SAD WORLD!!!
Posted by: Granny on 06/10/09 @ 2:09 pm:
He could have 3 Honda Pilots for that price and they get about 19 mpg in the city! Why not just purchase the vehicle and sell it if you get desperate? What a waste of money.
Posted by: Be Committed ... on 06/10/09 @ 2:18 pm:
If you really want to go green, get a bike.
Posted by: SRV on 06/10/09 @ 2:24 pm:
You've got to be kidding me! I'm no rocket scientist, but seems to me paying a $62,828 lease over five years for a $40,000 vehicle is just plain stupid if you have CASH! Now assuming the city is not completely bankrupt by now, wouldn't it be smarter to purchase an ASSET for $40,000, use it, and sell the thing for its residual value once its not needed any more. Heck, trade it in if you need another one! Doesn't matter who's the mayor is or who did what in the past, it is time for those we elect to realize that it is not their money to spend, it is ours. We entrust them to act in our best interest, but are they and do they care? Apparently not, at least not when it comes to fiscal responsibility. I was once told a long time ago to lead by example. Great first couple of days, Mr. Suttle. At least you got the right idea going with a hybrid.
Posted by: plskhappy on 06/10/09 @ 2:33 pm:
I agree with atlhusker, who cares about Suttle's car - the two stadiums is a big concern. AND the name..
TD Ameritrade!!!! Really???? America's favorite past time, baseball, apple pie and Canada? Nice!
Posted by: DavekaPow on 06/10/09 @ 2:47 pm:
Does the horn sound like a train whistle?
Posted by: To bvogie on 06/10/09 @ 2:55 pm:
I hate to burst your bubble, but after a set time frame, batteries are NOT under warranty, unless it can be shown that there is a defect in the battery. It is like saying your brake pads are covered if you wear them out before the warranty expires. Also, the batteries DO wear out, on average, around 3 years of age, depending again on their use. This can be less or more depending on weather, use, etc. To recover the the extra cost of the vehicle, you have to own and operate the vehicle for nearly 3 years or more depending on the usage (simple math will tell you this). An example is you have a Prius that gets 42 miles per gallon and a Corolla that gets 38 miles per gallon. How many miles do you have to drive to make up for the $2,000 added cost for the Prius? Hybrid vehicles ARE more expensive to maintain (see battery replacement). One statement you made is only half true, you can recover the additional costs of paying for a hybrid, it just takes a very long time. Two of your statements are correct, the batteries will not go into land fills, they are turned in for recycling by the dealership. Also, hybrid vehicles, such as the Durango, are just fine at any speed. The Durango can even tow trailers and haul heavy loads.
I know this because I have an immediate family member that works for a major manufacturer dealership that produces two different hybrid vehicles.
Posted by: jtemp on 06/10/09 @ 3:01 pm:
outrage. $1,300/month for a leased vehicle? Then spins it as fuel efficient? He must think Omaha citizens are idiots. What I don't understand is why do something like this when the impact is so small but it sends such a huge message. These are $ amounts and issues that people can relate to. I'm more enraged by paying $1,000 too much a month for a lease than paying $5 Million too much for a bridge or a police collective bargaining agreement. Why? because I have a car. I know what my personal budget is...This is going to be a loooooong ride with this guy.
Posted by: -chet on 06/10/09 @ 3:13 pm:
Honestly, what did you fools expect when you elected a democrat?
Saving 2mpg on a SUV is a token at best, but if image is all it takes to fool his constituents, you deserve who you elected.
Why Suttle don't Fusion Hybrid?
Posted by: Bill on 06/10/09 @ 3:31 pm:
Wow, thanks for wasting money. A lot of this green stuff is okay but in reality, it costs much more than non-green, some green efforts to the point of being so green your brains fall out.
Posted by: anonymous on 06/10/09 @ 3:53 pm:
... or forget hybrid all together. A 1989 Geo gets far better gas mileage than any hybrid out there today.
Now I don't expect the mayor to be driving around an old beat up Geo, but I do expect him to drive around something that gets better than 22mpg. That's just ridiculous, especially by today's standards.
Posted by: Circuitbreaker on 06/10/09 @ 5:03 pm:
What's with all the complaints? You voted for him Omaha!
Posted by: patriot on 06/10/09 @ 5:14 pm:
Maybe he should just ride a bike.
Posted by: Allye001 on 06/10/09 @ 5:34 pm:
Hey ... maybe if the mayor obtained a less expensive car, the money could be directed towards the reopening of the Morton Pool? Think of the money that will be saved from some parent who ends up sueing the city because their chld was at the Sundawgs Shack at Morton Park in the morning and then got hit by a car crossing 42nd and Q Street to get to the pool.
That's all I can say.... and I do ride a bicycle -- the bike trails are great!
Posted by: John3821 on 06/10/09 @ 6:09 pm:
If you're going to spend money on a hybrid SUV (why he needs one is beyond me), why not get the only one that is practical and gets good gas mileage, the Ford Escape. It costs much less and gets 33mpg.
In the end, I think voting this man in is going to be a big mistake.
Posted by: railgirl on 06/10/09 @ 6:10 pm:
First of all once again you have a democrat that the first thing he does is spend money. I am sick to death of all this green bull. The warming of the earth is not caused by man or man made products. Get over Al Gores lie!!!! There are many in the scientific community and even NASA agrees that global warming is not caused by man and in fact the temperature is decreasing.
Posted by: Ellen1974 on 06/10/09 @ 6:15 pm:
I drive a Toyota Prius, I guess that makes me an eco-liberal, tree-hugging, hippy buying into the liberal agenda.
The backwards thinking of the majority in this city is scary. If we keep it up, we just might catch up with Kansas in the category lead!
Posted by: Shazamiam on 06/10/09 @ 9:46 pm:
You Omaha Voters need hold yourselves accountable. HAHAHA - you got what you voted for!
Posted by: didn'tvoteforthisdude on 06/10/09 @ 9:48 pm:
Hi All, I expect nothing but junk out of his office. In fact many of us should just move out of Omaha.
I know of cars from the 80's that get 37 miles to the gallon.
For those who voted for him, call the Mayors Hotline and complain if you don't like what is going on.
For the rest of us Sarpy, Washington and Dodge Counties aren't that far away. And good old CB is even closer.
Posted by: fed up! on 06/10/09 @ 10:05 pm:
Oh sure, cut back and close the swimming pools, so the Mayor can spend it on a 2009 Durango. He should drive a cheaper vehicle and keep the pools open, so the children of Omaha can have some summer enjoyment!
Posted by: Seriously? on 06/10/09 @ 11:39 pm:
Are you people serious? Omahan's complain about EVERYTHING. That is what we do best. The guy has been in office one day and you are already talking about a recall? Some of you conservatives need to get your priorities straight if you you're letting a car ruffle your feathers. Grow up people and don't let this disrupt your daily listening of Rush Limbaugh.
Posted by: Eaglenut on 06/11/09 @ 8:28 am:
Real good.. Lets close some neighborhood pools so the mayor can have a nice ride!
Posted by: amy on 06/11/09 @ 8:37 am:
I have a Prius. It is not true that you only get good gas mileage below 35 mph like another poster said. I drive to work on I-80 every day, and right now I'm AVERAGING 48 mpg. I paid less than $23,000 for my car, and I have not had one maintenance problem with it in the three years I've owned it.
That being said, hybrid SUVs are a joke. 20 mpg? Please. He could drive a non-hybrid vehicle like any of the small compact cars on the market and get much better mileage.
Posted by: Jeff on 06/11/09 @ 8:56 am:
Why is 20 mpg considered fuel efficient? I guess compared to the measly 9 or 10 mpg a regular SUV gets sure, its double. I drive a compact 4 cylinder, no hybrid, its a '95 model and it gets 28 mpg around town. What a joke. Fuel efficient my a*! Thats why this country used so much oil and we pay $3 a gallon for gas.
Posted by: Nice journalism on 06/11/09 @ 8:57 am:
It's nice to see the World-Herald takes a total non-story and makes it front page news because the editors aren't happy that their candidate lost the election. Do we even know what most mayors have spent on their official-use vehicles? What are the related fuel costs? If this was only $2,000 more than Fahey's annual expenditure, we're not talking about a significant difference. But I guess they know their audience who has nothing better to do than nitpick about every decision a democrat makes.
Posted by: mytwocents on 06/11/09 @ 9:18 am:
I don't understand all the arguing over the type of car the mayor leased with taxpayer funds. I drive my own car to work and would expect the mayor to do the same. If he uses it for work he can deduct those expenses on his personal tax return just like the rest of us. It seems that the privileges given to elected officials is what should be under scrutiny to eliminate some of these unnecessary expenses. Or better yet, elected officials should recognize this unnecessary "pork" and not participate. Acting on behalf of the citizens best interest may be a good way to get re-elected.
Posted by: Adam on 06/11/09 @ 4:43 pm:
Are you kidding me? How long until we can vote him out?
I would rather he tout fuel efficiency rather than green energy. 21 mpg green < 35-40 mpg non-green.
Posted by: (Anonymous) on 06/11/09 @ 10:18 pm:
Vote him out??!! No, RECALL!!!
This clown is closing down pools that serve thousands of citizens all summer long and cost roughly what he is spending for his new toy. Is paying $1300 a month for this vehicle fiscally responsible? He's paying over $60K for a $40K vehicle. That's some great negotiation. There is no such thing as a green SUV. It's only slightly "less bad" than a regular SUV. Why not drive your own vehicle to work, or getting one that isn't over-priced like a sedan that's green? Is THIS what he means be leading by example? He keeps talking about the city going bankrupt and then does this??!!! Hey Jim, when the city goes bankrupt, will they be reposessing your luxury purchase or do you get to keep that?
Posted by: Al on 06/12/09 @ 4:39 am:
What's wrong with a Honda Civic?
Posted by: Alan on 06/13/09 @ 5:17 pm:
ok....Baxter lowers rate by calling finance company? LOL...good one. A car company IS NOT going to give up profit on a sale. The city, after all the heat, called baxter and tried to negotiate the price. A lease is a joke...and a waste of money. A purchase would have been smarter and saved $15k in interest charges and OWNED vehicle at end...and still had value. If this is Suttle's financial knowledge then we are in trouble. That's what you get by hiring 20 somethings for his staff!!!