freetime wrote:
On the subject of misusing taxpayer gas and vehicles, is Hammond Mayor and LC Dem Chairman Tom McDermott violating city policy with his daily use of a take home vehicle?
Some months ago, McDermott told the Post-Tribune he uses his take home vehicle for personal business.
Now, since he became the Dem chairman, he attends many political functions to which he drives the vehicle the Water Department provides for him.
McDermott told the Post he would write a check for 1/3 of the gas he puts into his take home vehicle to cover the personal use.
Whether or not he has done that I don't know. But it would appear he is breaking the city law even if he pays.
Read it for yourself:
37.003 CITY SEALS ON CITY-OWNED VEHICLES.
(A) All vehicles owned or operated by the city shall be used exclusively for official purposes only.
(B) All vehicles owned or operated by the city, excluding Police and Fire Department vehicles used for official purposes only, and the Mayor’s automobile, shall bear a replica of the city seal on the front, side doors of the vehicles. The seals shall not be less than 10 inches in diameter, with the words “City of Hammond, Indiana†printed in 4-inch letters immediately above or below the city seal replica.
(C) Any person operating a vehicle in violation of this section shall be subject to a fine of up to $2,500 or dismissal as an employee or officer of the city. In addition, that person shall not be indemnified by the city for any damage caused by the operation of that vehicle.
The only part of this policy the mayor is exempt from, and I don't know why he should be, is the requirement to have a city seal on the vehicle.
I'm sure he and his legal mouthpieces would argue since the Water Department provides the vehicle, he can do whatever he wants in it. I say that's nonsense. The law says "or operated by the city." HE'S the city.
So when is he going to be held accountable to the taxpayers?
$2500 a day! Van Til didn't pump that much gas.
OK, well McDermott is a piece of sh!t, just like the rest of them, no argument here.. But why do you keep suggesting VanTil is any better? Your city ordinance does not say anything about gasoline by the way.