I don't really want to become involved in this discussion. However in order to make the discussion fair, I feel obligated to share a few facts concerning this which I am aware of. Yes, these are facts, not opinion. I do have my own opinion concerning the matter but I choose not to voice that here (b/c many others will do that well). And yes, I am aware that facts can be presented in a manner to support just about any opinion. So, take these facts for what they are:
- This vehicle was purchased by the city for with the intention to support the single largest employer in the city/region. Some will say the life-blood of the area. I'm sorry - but the reality is that even once fully on-line, many "regular" people will not realize the Regal is built in Oshawa. "Most" people do know the Camaro is built in Oshawa.
- Had it not been a Camaro purchased, another vehicle would have been purchased (yes, "purchased"). Read carefully - the Mayor is provided a vehicle - period. This isn't a new rule that was created to purchase this exact car. If Ms. Parkes wishes to include in her electoral platform the position that the position of Mayor should only receive an allowance rather than a "company" vehicle, then fine. However she has chosen to also use the type of car to generate negative for the Mayor. This matter (the Mayor driving a "muscle car") has been bantered in the press previously.
- A similar article (I understand) was printed in the Toronto SUN this week. One of the differences between the 2 articles, is the SUN had the decency to contact the Mayor and ask if he would like to provide comment on the matter - The Star simply published the story without contacting the Mayor's office. Some might say that presents an unfair, lop-sided story
- You can be guaranteed that the Regal that Ms. Parkes drives is not a "base model" at $32K. Furthermore the Camaro is in fact a very affordable car (yes, even at Canadian pricing). I have not checked the pricing of the Regal to compare, but I suspect that the top-of-the-line Regal prices out much higher than a 2SS/RS (I could be wrong - can't be bothered to check) (are Oshawa built Regals even available yet anyway?). So I don't believe the point of inappropriate use of tax payers money holds water.
- I would also like to point out something that isn't mentioned in the article. That is the tax treatment of the 2 positions presented (city purchased car vs. car allowance). I won't get into details because they are complex and I don't know all the facts. However, depending on those facts, it is VERY likely that the Mayor will be paying much more personal tax for this benefit received compared to an individual receiving a car allowance who "may" not be paying any tax on that benefit. Now who's paying back into the pool of tax money?