Local cities feel pinched at pumpBy David Slade (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
The Post and Courier Charleston Mayor Joe Riley If filling up the gas tank is causing a pain in the wallet, imagine what filling up 990 tanks is doing to Charleston's tax-funded budget. Charleston and other local governments are getting squeezed between rising fuel costs and declining tax revenue from residential construction. Department heads in Charleston have been asked to cut spending in noncritical areas by at least 5 percent for the 2009 budget. The city also mandated immediate, 25 percent spending cuts for office supplies and travel expenses and put off hiring some temporary office workers. The city planned for fuel prices to rise this year, but not by $900,000. A decrease in business permits has accelerated at the same time. "We thought we had it covered, but did not expect it to go up so much," said Steve Bedard, chief financial officer for the city of Charleston. The city's spending for gas and oil is expected to rise to $3.7 million this year from less $2.6 million last year. Meanwhile, revenue from permits and fees is expected to decline by $800,000. If construction permits and fees drop this year, that means license fees based on business income will likely drop next year, reflecting the slowdown. The 2009 city budget could be "our most challenging budget in memory," Mayor Joe Riley said in a memo to City Council. "New spending in 2009 must be at or near zero." Charleston operates on a calendar year budget that starts Jan. 1, so the city has six months to craft a spending plan. Many other municipalities in the area start their budget year July 1, and some already have passed spending budgets that reflect fiscal pain. Mount Pleasant, for example, reduced spending, dipped into its fund balance, left several positions unfilled and reduced employee pay raises. The residential construction slowdown cut the town's impact fee revenue in half, while fuel costs rose $500,000. The drop in revenue is being felt most in communities where home construction was previously surging, such as Mount Pleasant and Charleston. In North Charleston, Finance Director Warren Newton said the city's recently approved budget anticipates no decline in construction-related revenue. "Commercial construction is still strong, though we have seen residential slip," he said. "We won't see the growth we've seen over the past two or three years, but we're better than flat. "The city of North Charleston is the number one retail location in South Carolina." Newton said North Charleston is facing higher fuel costs, just like everyone else, but there are limited options because most of the fuel is used by police cars and garbage trucks. For now, municipalities are trying to run lean, hoping to avoid tax increases or visible service cutbacks. Charleston and Mount Pleasant's governments will get by with unfilled jobs, but they have no plans to reduce services such as garbage collection or police protection. "If it's sanitation employees or someone who cuts the grass at a park, we're still going to hire them," Bedard said. Reach David Slade at 937-5552 or dslade@postandcourier.com. |
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Comments
This article has 80 comment(s)
Posted by Thomas1776 on July 1, 2008 at 2:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How much for the SSS lot?
How much in legal fees over an obsession with James Island?
How much did parking garage fees go up?
Why are gas gUzZliNg 4 wheel drive trucks and SUVs being driven by the City Police and other City Departments?
Why is Cuckoo Riley even still Mayor?
Posted by zoomru on July 1, 2008 at 2:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Furthermore.....
Montenay is still bribing for a contract and BEES Ferry Landfill is without a plan for closure. Is Puerto Rican and Panamanian land worth more than OURS. www.startech.net
Talk about tax revenue in OUR state. 3.5 Million Tons of trash is a lot of tax revenue being buried.
Tick, Tock, Tick.....
Posted by wpc3iop on July 1, 2008 at 6:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hmmm....The SSS lot purchase will just about cover the shortfall...Hmmm
Posted by feb251939 on July 1, 2008 at 7:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Get ready to open your wallets...again.
Posted by a_set_love on July 1, 2008 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Riley, if the City of Charleston is so straped for cash why do we see so many of your police cars tooling around the City of North Charleston and frequently parked up on the curb at the airport terminal? Seems like you have tax payers money to burn.
As stated by wpc3iop, The amount of taxpayers money you spent on the Sofa Super Store, lot purchase, will just about cover the shortfall.
When it comes to spending taxpayers money, you're acting like a alcoholic, just one more for the road, just one more neighborhood.
Posted by bertdogg5454 on July 1, 2008 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If every city employee drove there own cars to work and not used city vehicles, using gas taxpayers paid for then maybe it wouldn't be so bad. You can drive through any neighborhood and see cop cars parked. For example, I live in Westcott and know first hand-why are Mt Pleasant police that live in Westcott driving patrol cars home? That is a pretty good distance away from Mt. P costing someone a lot of $$$. You drive by the gym on Trolley in Summerville and there are always cop cars there. These folks need to get there own method transportation, if schools have to cut back and our kids are suffering, you have to start somewhere! Can the county pay for my gas, I will become a crossing guard or something.
Posted by Early on July 1, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So, you don't think we the tax payers are feeling the same crunch yet we can not just simply say to our boss, well boss, gas is going up I need a pay raise but you threaten us with a tax hike? You have a endless supply of money don't you? We the people better see a large effort in reducing your spending.
So you want to close down the incinerator and truck garbage almost three times the distance for what reason?
does lack of common sense qualify you for a political position?
Posted by Jane on July 1, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wish the Dems in Congress would let us drill for oil. They keep voting no. Oh right, Obama says we can't drill our way out of this. Huh?
Posted by postman01 on July 1, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
While this is being caused by forces beyond the immediate control of the United States combined with 30+ years of left wing (read Democratic Party stupidity) and Republican indifference, the fact is that a lot of egotistical people who are and have been severely misguided (most of them in gov't and/or academia) are getting their pathetic little concept of reality handed to them on a NON SILVER platter bigtime and they are badly confused. They still preach the same gospel, like retards. It's pitiful.
This is what happens when people believe in socialism and run to government for the solution to every last "problem". People like me have understood this for decades. Yet, as history shows, it takes this kind of upset or worse to motivate people to reexamine their comfortable assumptions and alter their behavior accordingly. This has been true throughout history and demonstrates that those of us living now (with exceptions) are not significantly advanced over our immediate (meaning the last few centuries) ancestors in any way other than technological. Most of us still have the same flaws they did.
Posted by icbmman on July 1, 2008 at 8:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The city of Charleston may need to reduce its commercial building restrictions, reduce fees on permits, and ease zoning codes around West Ashley and downtown to help with this problem. If revenue is tight, a government needs to make it easier for businesses to come here. On top of that, I think they should sell the SSS site and think about a memorial park elsewhere. As wpc3iop said, the cost for that piece of property would more than offset the rise in gas costs.
The solutions are simple, but too many people in government become inhibited by their own agenda. You have to adapt, and Riley, while he can cope with change occasionally, is very rigid in other ways...just like most of the city council.
Posted by Early on July 1, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What did he say????
Posted by icbmman on July 1, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Postman01, absolutely dead on.
Posted by BillytheKid on July 1, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by Thomas1776 on July 1, 2008 at 2:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How much for the SSS lot?
How much in legal fees over an obsession with James Island?
How much did parking garage fees go up?
Why are gas gUzZliNg 4 wheel drive trucks and SUVs being driven by the City Police and other City Departments?
Why is Cuckoo Riley even still Mayor?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just to add to this, I see JIPSD trucks colecting trash in front of my house while my the house accross the street, which is in Charleston, has his home trash and his yard trash bicked up by the city of charleston. What a waste of gas in these big trucks.
Posted by drp7773 on July 1, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Outside of the fire chief who needs to be able to get to a fire no matter where he may be, who really needs a free car and gas that tax dollars pay for. Why dosen't this paper or the tv news stations run a report on all state, city, county cars that are used for free and lets see the total gas dollars paid each month. I mean how many crimes to do you see the police chief at, does he or she get a free car? lets look at the simple waste first mmmmmmm prolly wont happen huh, easier to lay someone off then to take care of the real problem..
Posted by Tammie on July 1, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A lot of the resources are being used very irresponsibly. My neighbor who is with the CCPD sometimes drives his patrol car home because "his truck uses up too much gas". My answer? "Walk or get a Smart Car, don't waste our money!"
Posted by jeff61 on July 1, 2008 at 9:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh right, Obama says we can't drill our way out of this. Huh?
I say if a lot more people would spend their time drilling the world would be a better place, and of course I advocate drilling responsibly
Posted by STREETLAW on July 1, 2008 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hello! Maybe be can get IRE (Islanders for Responsible Expansion) involved. This group on James Island is fighting to keep Wal-Mart from blighting James Island. Their picture was in the recent issue of the James Island Journal.
I must note, however, that at least 3 of these ladies seem to have a serious problem controlling their own expansion. I mean these gals are LARGE. I really worry about their health. I mean Wal-Mart wants to cut down a few trees, but these are PEOPLE.
And I really suspect that what they are doing is a knee jerk reaction to planning and zoning issues that even the experts find difficult to mediate.
As to the Taxpayers, maybe John McCain can reform the wasteful bureaucracy (or maybe that should be bureaucrazy) at the federal level and it will waterfall down. Government workers are some of the most lazy, arrogant, dishonest people on the face of the earth. Many of them think nothing of converting taxpayers materials to their personal use, including vehicles and gasoline.
It has a name. It is called theft. And until someone puts their foot down, the taxpayers will always get the shaft. Is it any wonder couples have to work two jobs? One to pay for the governments fraud, waste and abuse. And one to support their family.
Maybe the IRE group could form a taxpayers vigilante group and sue to make politicians accountable for their employees thievery. They could call it Broads Against Tax Stealing (BATS).
Posted by Larz13 on July 1, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
How about privatizing the sanitation workers and then the City doesn't have to pay the high costs of healthcare, pensions, holiday pay, etc. other than what is in the contract between the City and whomever is doing the work. No surprise gas costs, fewer City employees, less cash outflows, less taxes.
Posted by RedHorse7 on July 1, 2008 at 9:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
One of the "perks" of being a police officer is getting to drive your cruiser home. Some of these guys actually believe the car belongs to them. How about leave the cruiser at the station after your shift, drive your POV home like the rest of us, and buy your own gas. I'd love to have a tax-funded car and gas. And I see some of these guys with their families in the cruisers (unmarked ones)driving around on personal business.
Posted by KidYendor on July 1, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The aquarium should be making millions in profits to pay for gasoline, shouldn't it? Maybe they could have Fourth of July tailgating stickers we can purchase to allow tailgating at the concert. That would be more money for gas. Maybe people could buy stickers that would allow them to smoke in businesses that used to welcome smoking.
Posted by blueeyes on July 1, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Wow! Why don't we say thank you to all of the police officer's and other public servants. I agree that there are places where we can cut fuel and be more careful but I appreciate what these people do for me. I am glad to let them drive home and park their cruisers in my neighborhood, it makes me safer. Perhaps limiting City cars to people who actually live in the City would help. These people don't make all that much but they still do a dangerous job for us. I think it's great for them to have a couple of extra perks.
Posted by vofr on July 1, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm all for privatizing a lot of things, but there is no way the city will do that because even if it would be cost effective it would "cost people jobs". Also, the city has taken significant steps towards curbing the misuse of vehicles etc. but it obviously continues. Instead of complaining here you people need to have pictures and document it to the media. City of Charleston workers who have official vehicles are allowed to drive up to 21 miles to work and it is paid for, anything beyond that they have to pay for (if they drive the city provided vehicle) at a per mile rate. So if they are driving less than 21 miles it is allowed, but more than that comes out of their pocket.
Posted by vofr on July 1, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The aquarium barely operates in the black and is more than offset by it's neighbor the Maritime Center which operates way in the red.
Posted by drp7773 on July 1, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Dont make that much money???????? Give me a break why dont you check what most people 21 to 35 make. I bet ya its a whole lot less then these public officials, what your job is or how dangerous is not the point it is very much appreciated but just because its dangerous or they dont make 100,000 a year does not and should not mean they get free cars and gas on the tax payers backs... If this is true then all military personnel and all crossing gaurds and the list can go on and on should get this....
Posted by vofr on July 1, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
tripsa; Postman01:
Do you guys actually have a point to make or are you just complaining about the government to complain? I'm not sure how it's the government's responsibility to tell private companies how to sell power....or what that has to do with the price of gasoline. Last time I checked a nuclear powered car is not feasible.
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on July 1, 2008 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Posted by RedHorse7 on July 1, 2008 at 9:42 a.m.
One of the "perks" of being a police officer is getting to drive your cruiser home. Some of these guys actually believe the car belongs to them. How about leave the cruiser at the station after your shift, drive your POV home like the rest of us, and buy your own gas. I'd love to have a tax-funded car and gas. And I see some of these guys with their families in the cruisers (unmarked ones)driving around on personal business."
You do realize those police officers are subject to call-outs when they are in those cars? You do realize that those police officers are required to stop at wrecks, disabled vehicles, etc.? You do realize that those police officers, on the own time, are backing up police officers on traffic stops and sometimes calls when they are using those vehicles? You do realize that the mere presence of that police officer in that vehicle, be it a Charleston Police car in Summerville or vice versa, does deter crime?
A police officer driving home in his POV will find it hard to do any of this safely. I, for one, am happy to see those cars out there with brave men and women behind the wheel.
If you take away that "perk," you'd better be prepared to up their salaries, too.
Posted by singleroni on July 1, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ARE THE OFFICERS GOING TO GET INVOLVED IN A CRIME, ACCIDENT OR OTHER THINGS WHEN THEIR FAMILIES ARE IN THE CAR WITH THEM? I SEE THE WHOLE FAMILIES AT OUTBACK AND THE MALL RIDING IN THE CARS WITH THEM. ONE THING TO HAVE THE CAR AND LEAVE IT AT HOME BUT NOT TO USE FOR FAMILY AND PERSONAL TRIPS TO THE STORE.
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on July 1, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by bertdogg5454 on July 1, 2008 at 8:10 a.m.
"You can drive through any neighborhood and see cop cars parked." Tell me about all the burglaries in that neighborhood.
"For example, I live in Westcott and know first hand-why are Mt Pleasant police that live in Westcott driving patrol cars home? That is a pretty good distance away from Mt. P costing someone a lot of $$$." Yes, it is. Pity they cannot afford to live in Mt. Pleasant on their salaries.
"You drive by the gym on Trolley in Summerville and there are always cop cars there." Good to hear that they are working out.
"These folks need to get there own method transportation, if schools have to cut back and our kids are suffering, you have to start somewhere!" Great...let's do it for the children.
"Can the county pay for my gas, I will become a crossing guard or something." Sure they can...I believe Dorchester County Sheriffs Office is hiring right now.
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on July 1, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Posted by singleroni on July 1, 2008 at 10:48 a.m.
ARE THE OFFICERS GOING TO GET INVOLVED IN A CRIME, ACCIDENT OR OTHER THINGS WHEN THEIR FAMILIES ARE IN THE CAR WITH THEM?"
More often than you would think.
Posted by SCdeacinNYC on July 1, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Reading all these articles about gas prices makes me cringe and makes me very happy I live in a city with rampant public transportation. Even on the hottest and smelliest days of a subway here all I need to do is look at the gas prices here ($4.35/gallon) and I am ecstatic that I don't have to drive.
I almost screamed the other day when my aunt helped my younger cousin by a car..in NEW YORK CITY for pete's sake. Why in the world would you ever need a car? Maybe if you are making a lot of weekend trips...but even then. Everywhere you want to go you can do it on public transit, subway, train or bus. Sure, having a car is nice for 20 somethings, but sacrifice is necessary. Once she starts driving regularly and has to fill up that tank with 4.35/gallon gas, she will regret ever considering driving.
Alas, per usual people are coming up with half-brained solutions...no drilling in oil reserves will not serve any purpose. As a nation, we've been wasteful with energy and our natural resources. We had the opportunity over 30 years ago during the last oil crises to make our cars and fuel-powered transportation more efficient, but we went backwards. We built an entire generation of gas guzzling vehicles. We should have already been researching and developing alternative forms of energy, now we are wayy beyond the curve. Hopefully we won't get to the stage that they are in Europe where gas (last I went in December) was about 6 euros per LITER, before we decide to force our government to do something about oil and gas efficiency.
Posted by drp7773 on July 1, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My Uncle and Cousin are police officers and they never get called out when they are on off duty, they do use the cars for grocery shopping etc. and if they pass a car broke down they will call it in so another officer can come and take care of it. They have their families in the car on many occasions and never answer any calls when this happens. If they happen along a wreck they may turn on the lights since they cant get by and call it in and wait un til the responding officers come and take over. Again I am not so much against some driving their cars home (as long as they dont work in Summerville and live in Mt Pleasant) But to use these cars for all personal use is a waste of tax payers money.
Posted by jeff61 on July 1, 2008 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by drp7773 on July 1, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My Uncle and Cousin are police officers and they never get called out when they are on off duty, they do use the cars for grocery shopping etc. and if they pass a car broke down they will call it in so another officer can come and take care of it. They have their families in the car on many occasions and never answer any calls when this happens. If they happen along a wreck they may turn on the lights since they cant get by and call it in and wait un til the responding officers come and take over. Again I am not so much against some driving their cars home (as long as they dont work in Summerville and live in Mt Pleasant) But to use these cars for all personal use is a waste of tax payers money.
Gee drp7773, you must really hate your Uncle and Cousin to drop dime on them like this. Can you provide the car numbers while your at it so we can report this abuse of county / city owned vehicles. Better yet since you have all the information first hand, how about you making a report and lets see what happens. Maybe you can bring this up to them at the family 4th of July Picnic??? Gald to see a family member tell it like it is about other family members instead of trying to make excusses for them.
Posted by bigwhip on July 1, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There are many ways for a municipality to reduce costs. Many are noted in these comments. The people that can reduce costs are your elected municipal councils if and when they muster the guts to do so. Let's see......vehicles being used for social events (a reason for all vehicles to be logoed),cell phones, LD calls from offices, reduce/eliminate bonuses, COL increases only, a moratorium on land purchases, get rid of credit cards, remove flex scheduling/a solid ripoff, use of time cards for wage employees, eliminate "educational" junkets. the list can go on. It is your elected official's responsibility. Let them know how you feel.
Posted by brbevil on July 1, 2008 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here is an idea from another paper - Charleston is always catching speeders - lets add on a surcharge!
Soaring fuel prices have forced one police force in the US to increase fines for offending motorists.
From 1 July, motorists caught in Holly Springs, Georgia, will have to pay an extra $12 (£6) to cover the costs of police chasing them down.
The town's police chief says the "fuel surcharge" will generate up to $26,000 (£13,000) in revenue per year.
Recent $4-a-gallon fuel costs have forced other police forces in the US to turn to unusual cost-saving measures.
Posted by BKLYNIRISH on July 1, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Gald (sic)to see a family member tell it like it is about other family members instead of trying to make excusses (sic) for them."
If, of course, the stories he tells are true.
Posted by ColdBeer on July 1, 2008 at 11:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We could save a lot of money if we stop putting up street signs that advertise where the slow children play. We don't put up any signs for the fast children...
Posted by Girleygirl on July 1, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
uh-uh Coldbeer....now sit your tail down & don't say NUTHIN!!!
Posted by drp7773 on July 1, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It has nothing to do with me or my relatives, it was simply making a point just like many on here who have seen these cars going to malls , stores, blockbusters etc. they are doing what many other police officers do and city, county and state officials with free cars and gas do. Like I said I have no problem with at least a cop taking the car home but to use for all personal use, maybe not illegal to do but it just smells bad. This holds true to all county, state and city employees with free cars and gas.
Posted by singleroni on July 1, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i watched a company truck at the gas station fill up with gas then another car with a teenager in it also pulled in and filled up and a middle age woman then filled up at the same pump all filled up by the same guy with the company truck . 3 cars filled up on one credit card purchase.bet his boss would like to know about that. just a sign of the times.
Posted by jeff61 on July 1, 2008 at 12:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by singleroni on July 1, 2008 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
i watched a company truck at the gas station fill up with gas then another car with a teenager in it also pulled in and filled up and a middle age woman then filled up at the same pump all filled up by the same guy with the company truck . 3 cars filled up on one credit card purchase.bet his boss would like to know about that. just a sign of the times.
Maybe the guy in the company truck was the owner of the Company and he was filling up his kid's and wife's car while he was at it. Maybe they actually worked for him or it is a family bussiness. Are we dictating how the owner of a company is required to buy his gas.
Posted by Early on July 1, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Eliminate the mayor position and hire an administrator, that would save a few bucks
Posted by jeff61 on July 1, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by drp7773 on July 1, 2008 at 11:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It has nothing to do with me or my relatives,
Yes it does, your practically called them by name mentioning them as your Uncle and Cousin and telling all of us how they abuse the privilege of a take home car. I think you have an obligation to turn them in since you called them out.
Posted by SCdeacinNYC on July 1, 2008 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
uh huh tripsa, no public transporation saves money and energy it benefits EVERYONE. Not everyone should or can have a car. That's where the benefits of public transportation are.
There are tons of problems with it but at least we aren't at the mercy of oil prices. Sure, using out own resources sounds good, but we don't have nearly as many as other nations. We will ALWAYS be dependent on foreign oil even if we used every untapped resource unless we curb our own oil usage our "grow some more oil" we will always depend on a large oil producer for most of our oil and natural gas. Since the latter option is impossible seems like we need to do something different.
Posted by drp7773 on July 1, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Same as you should turn in the teachers who dont teach..One sided views figures coming from a teacher who teaches in a state that is ranked what in education??? Like I said what they do and all the other officials with cars is legal, but legal dont always make it right....get a grip sport.
Posted by greyrider on July 1, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SCdeaninNYC, how much does the average public transportation trip cost in America? How much did it cost 10 years ago? 20 years ago? Think there's any link between that and rising price of oil?
Granted, for certain people, in certain situations, (city they live in, where they live and where they work) public transportation makes sense, but not for the average American.
Posted by jeff61 on July 1, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes I plan on turning in teachers that don't teach. Hey I have a grip. I am not the one that dropped dime on my realatives misusing vehicles and now feels bad about doing it. I would have done the same thing. I don't like many of my realatives either. But I am with you on the teacher issue.
Posted by singleroni on July 1, 2008 at 12:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)
jeff61 i think we already have. legitimate business expense for a company don"t cover family cars unless they are used for business the teenage car had a surfboard and several people in bathing suits. must have been a business trip huh?
Posted by greyrider on July 1, 2008 at 1 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm really get tired of Washington and their "either this or that" mentality when it comes to energy policy. Again, I hate to sound like a genius, but why don't we drill our own oil AND develop alternative energy sources?
Posted by SCdeacinNYC on July 1, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
greyrider, there are rising costs but mostly due to inflation (everything is more expensive than it was 30 years ago) and increasing ridership and demands.
The most intricate and complex public transportation system in the country is here in New York. We have all sorts of problems with the MTA (as you do with anything in a big city), which is frustrating but most wouldn't have it any other way. Most of the problems are because of increase ridership and NO increase service and infrastructure changes. Basically, there's been a steady increase of riders, increase of fare and construction on new lines is stalled.
I think it could work for most Americans, even those in less urban areas, it it is efficient and well-planned. But the problem is that even in the areas with the higher concentrations of population (like LA), the transit system is shoddy at best. EVERYONE drives in LA, and its takes about two hours to get anywhere, that's why its filled with smog and traffic. Bad planning on part of whoever mapped out that city (urban sprawl is everywhere), bad infrastucture and lack of a public transport system is creating an environmental and economic mess.
My parents both live in rural low country and both have cars and drive. My mom has taken to driving to the nearest CARTA stop and taking that, as many people now do, because it's a cheaper alternative than driving in and out of the city every day. They of course need their cars to get around our neighborhood, but they would prefer it less. They walk more often than not these days. (Which is another thing people can try, walking or cycling, some distances we drive are short enough to do it!!)
Posted by jeff61 on July 1, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am saying if the owner of a private company want to use his company funds to buy gas for his family then that is his businses and why should we care? I am only guessing this was not some Nation Company but a local and privately owned comapny like a Lawn Care Service? Who is to say he was not using his own credit card to fill up. I must be missing the point here. Perhaps this was a County or State truck and the guy filled up two other cars at the Counties expense?
Posted by SCdeacinNYC on July 1, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't know what the costs are for public transport in South Carolina (the places that do have it). But it probably depends from city to city, state to state depending on cost of living ...et cetera. In NYC, my montly metro card is $81 a month..coming to about $1000 a year. I don't have a car, car maintenance, tolls, car insurance or any payments associated with having a vehicle. Many jobs here, like mine, also subsidize your public transportation. I know it's different than anywhere...but when I said why would anyone ever want a car, I was referring to HERE. We have a word for people who buy cars while living in the city...FOOLS.
Posted by greyrider on July 1, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SCdeacinNYC, I will agree with you on your last point. There are people who work 3-4 miles from home, or have simple errands to run close to home and I agree Americans should consider walking and/or cycling, which would also help with the rising obesity problem in America. Some people are obese because of various medical problems beyond their control, but many are just plain lazy.
Posted by vtsusa on July 1, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by jeff61 on July 1, 2008 at 1:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am saying if the owner of a private company want to use his company funds to buy gas for his family then that is his businses and why should we care? I am only guessing this was not some Nation Company but a local and privately owned comapny like a Lawn Care Service? Who is to say he was not using his own credit card to fill up. I must be missing the point here. Perhaps this was a County or State truck and the guy filled up two other cars at the Counties expense?
Even if it was a privately owned company vehicle and he chose to fill up his family's cars at his expense, why should we care? Because he can claim his gas expenses (and those of his family)on his taxes and get a tax break, which is fraud if the expenses are not for company purposes, that is why we should care!
Posted by Newt on July 1, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Trippin – the world is back at its normal rotation! Why, oh why do you always turn an issue into the evil liberals and the poor poor republicans? Maybe, just maybe the energy issues we are facing is an American issue! WOW, what a concept…just plan ole Americans. We have enough enemies in this world than to have to fight each other at home.
Should we drill our own oil, yes….safely!!!! Should we invest in renewable resources, yes! Should we drive more efficient vehicles, yes! Should we recycle, yes! Should we use more mass transit, yes! Should we stop buying shicrap made in China from Wal-Mart, yes! Should we reinvest in our countries infrastructure, yes! Should we upgrade our rail system, yes! Should we turn off the TV and take our dogs for a walk, yes!
None of the things listed above are about republicans or democrats…they are all American issues! Until we stop allowing corporations to line the political coffers and make our representatives live up to their public service commitment nothing will ever change and we will continue to point fingers at each other instead of where the blame should be laid!
Posted by jeff61 on July 1, 2008 at 1:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We do not have public transportation to speak of around here. Maybe in Downtown Charleston and North Chuck. If your in a rual area you are screwed. I was facing a delema of getting my daughter who does not yet a DL from point A to point B for three weeks which is a 15 mile trip but there is no bus route or service in this area that could get her there. The only alt was a cab for $18. To expect someone to walk 3 to 4 miles in this heat is not realistic. Yes the walking would do some people good but they would die first before they got in shape to where it would not bother them.
Posted by greyrider on July 1, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Newt, we actually agree on everything you say, except Wal Mart. Too many morons in Washington (on both sides) keep looking for one-stop solutions to complex problems. All your suggestions make sense as long as Washington looks at it from an opportunity standpoint and not a mandate standpoint. One great idea that is already in place is the option for people to get tax rebates for upgrading to eco-friendly windows or heating cooling systems in their homes. As Washington looks to LEAD Americans to a "greener" way of life without mandating it, that's great. But I think you and tripsa are talking apples and oranges here. You're right in that these things should NOT be seen as Republican or Democrat, but tripsa is right in that unfortunately, too many of these issues end up becoming political battlegrounds and we get that "either or" mentality that drives me, and many Americans nuts. Alternative energy is the best long-term solution, but we can drill our own oil in a few months, not years and see results very soon.
Posted by seriouslyb4real on July 1, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am lol on these comments........
Posted by Newt on July 1, 2008 at 2:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Renewable is the future. And like you said grey – those morons in Washington. I am really tired of the partisan bullcrap….I know I start a lot of the fights with my neo-con statements…..OK the crow tastes like chicken. And I will continue to fight the good fight
I am sick of the politicians giving lip service and never doing anything. I am sick of the dirty money buying political favors. I am sick of committee meetings that produce nothing. I am sick of them making it more difficult than it needs to be to make the RIGHT decision. I am sick of the pandering and kissing of babies. I am sick of report after report from every government department that result in nothing. I am sick of the money we spend for killing and the money we don’t spend on health. I am sick of the mandates from the federal government that are handed down to the state level with no funding. I am sick of $600 hammers and $1000 toilet seats (how stupid do they think we are).
Man, I’m on a rant today…..I think I’ll need a cold beer!
Posted by Newt on July 1, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
If we want to save OUR money, that the city borrows from us yearly……have one guy truly dig the ditch and get rid of the five that stand around and watch!
Posted by jeff61 on July 1, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Even if it was a privately owned company vehicle and he chose to fill up his family's cars at his expense, why should we care? Because he can claim his gas expenses (and those of his family)on his taxes and get a tax break, which is fraud if the expenses are not for company purposes, that is why we should care!
The point is it is not known if any of this was the case. Someone seen something and started making accusations. Next thing you know the story will change to say the truck was filled with illegal immigrants too boot. I am sure this poor guy with yard grass cutting service is not screwing the gov out all that much revenue. Maybe it is his way of recouping the unfair taxes he had to pay on that gas... It all comes out even... It’s all good.
Posted by Thomas1776 on July 1, 2008 at 3:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Want to see how many public employees play around on the internet when they suppose to be working?
Posted by greyrider on July 1, 2008 at 3:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thomas1776, are they among us?
Posted by ColdBeer on July 1, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I felt a pinch at the pump. I turned around to see Rachel Ray standing there. She said I had a cute tushie :)
Posted by greyrider on July 1, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
According to an episode of Anthony Bourdain's show, Rachel did some serious penny pinching tip-wise when she visited the Lowcountry. However, I have noticed that she partakes of various "beverages" on the air. Rachel does enjoy a stiff one, not suprising she would be looking for a ColdBeer.
Posted by ColdBeer on July 1, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
LOL
Posted by MinoritySouth on July 1, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I know this is so like yesterday… Like so hummer when you are thinking prius, many will consider this off topic but I think it is worth a mention.
Halliburton: Houston-based Halliburton, which offers a broad array of oil-field technologies and services to upstream oil and gas customers worldwide, announced the opening of a corporate headquarters in the United Arab Emirates city of Dubai on March 12, 2007. The company, which was once led by U.S. Vice President RICHARD Cheney (because ""ick is censored.. No, Really.. I can't use the Vice President's name, police state..), said that its relocation was part of a strategy that it announced in mid-2006 to concentrate its efforts in the Middle East in order to attract business.
Yeah, if Halliburton would give up some tax money, maybe we could put gas in our school buses or develop a non-fossil fuel future. Talk about socialism...
Sort of like Robin Hood,
tax the poor, no bid contracts,
and The Oil Spoils of War.
(Exxon Mobile, Chevron, Shell, BP are all back in Iraq after 40 years, while we pick up the bill in IOUs to China. You know how the Chinese only have our best interest at heart with the lead and GHB laced toys)
Yes, can you say let’s avoid US taxes as much as possible? Halliburton can. If you thought to yourself, in lieu of all the “no bid” contract money Halliburton has been privy to along with many others; well, ain't that a kick in the $$ (can't add an "A" either, police state, we's all slaves now..), then you might want to welcome some political change from the bottom up. In other words, why are our local leaders not fired up about things like that when there constituents suffer? Our political leaders seem to all lie prostrate to the powerful ironically telling us to tighten our belts when we should all be loosening our belts along with our great leaders for crude lubricated penetration. Censor that...
Yes, Thomas1776, public entities seem almost purposefully inefficient to justify more jobs. Why not, less bureaucracy spawned jobs and more public money allocated to strategic goals.
Posted by common_sense on July 1, 2008 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rachael Ray is annoying as hell. I question the sexuality of any man that's turned on by her.
Large cities have mass transit primarily due to issues surrounding location (Manhattan is an island) or how the city grew (Chicago, dense contruction, no room for freeways). Most other places had room to spread out & grow, including a highway network.
Why, one could say that these places have mass transit due to their OWN poor planning.
I'm just sayin...
Posted by Mayor on July 1, 2008 at 4:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
How about you Thomas1776? You're everywhere all day long.
Rachel Ray couldn't get laid at Leiber. How about that?
I don't believe there is any problem in this country, no matter how tough it is, that Americans, when they roll up their sleeves, can't completely ignore.
Get gas up to $10 a gallon. We can drive in peace for once. Price the jackasses off the road. Who cares what they charge if you want to make a point. Make a point.
Posted by martin on July 1, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Greenville News reported Pickens Countty is converting county vehicles to biodiesel using cooking oil from a prison.
This is the kind of simple idea that almost takes nothing but imagination.
Posted by whome on July 1, 2008 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"If construction permits and fees drop this year, that means license fees based on business income will likely drop next year, reflecting the slowdown."
IF??? That's a done deal. Also, expect a big drop in the local option sales tax, as cash strapped customers lower discretionary spending costs via conservation or the Internet.
Posted by whome on July 1, 2008 at 6:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sure we can blame the left for being too environmentally friendly or the right for being too business friendly, but are we ever going to blame ourselves, for the mess that we all contributed to? Look at the plummeting value of the dollar, which is as much a function of the consumer as the government.
http://quotes.ino.com/chart/?s=NYBOT_DX&...
Because we have a negative savings rate, one day China and the rest of the world will cut off the support of the dollar (3B/day) and then things will get really ugly. Ironically, it might come as early has this 4th of July.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/07/0...
Posted by tomtomdumdum on July 1, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bertdogg5454, You are an idiot
Posted by rollo on July 1, 2008 at 9:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Look at the plummeting value of the dollar, which is as much a function of the consumer as the government."
BS Whome. The consumer takes advantage where it occurs. The govt sets the value of the dollar.
Deflation of the dollar is a problem to those who hold debt.
For you public transportation enthusiasts, Amtrak has had its' best month since its inception, and it is still losing money!!! It will NEVER make money, because it refuses to charge riders what it actually costs to transport them. The taxpayer is forced to pay the difference.
Posted by bvfd271 on July 1, 2008 at 10:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Heres a suggestion regarding local governments coping with high fuel prices and regarding police and fire department vehicles.Alot of this already happens,but needs to be reinforced.Allow take home governent vehicles for ones who are subject to call out at any moment,such as Fire Chiefs,Fire Investigators/Inspectors,Police Chiefs,Detectives,Coroners, and Emergency Prepardness Officals,but limit thier use to Official buisness only,not taking your family to the park,shopping at wal mart,or going to the movies.While the presence of a police vehicle may be a crime deterrent,which does work,limit the use to just that and also limit the distance a take home vehicle can be driven away from the city,county,or other governmental jurisdiction.Its a practice becoming more common where i live,and it works.If it works here,it can work anywhere.I do agree with the posting about the City of Charleston purchasing the SS site as a location for a memorial,which is okay,but did it need to be the SSS site?Brittle Bank Park would have been the ideal location for a Memorial.Why not,there already exists a Fallen Police Officers Memorial there,why could a Fallen Firefighters Memorial been built there,the City already already owns it and could have saved millions of City Tax Dollars?
Posted by CharlestonJim on July 2, 2008 at 12:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
For example, (unnamed city agency) employees could shut off their massive truck engines while taking their midday naps on the West Ashley Bike Trail. I know it is hot, but the guy who is told to stay awake while reading and listening to the radio could move the truck to better shade as the sun passes. They could roll the windows down as well. Also, as a act of kindness, they could stop breaking beer bottles all over the trail to try to stop people from biking by and seeing them asleep while the trucks running. That part I give them credit for.... that was pretty smart. The evil looks weren't getting it done so them improvised. We have some very talented and tired city employees.
Posted by CharlestonJim on July 2, 2008 at 12:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
A few years ago, (I am not sure of current policy), I had heard that County Police could drive their car on personal business pretty much anytime in the county. This made the dept appear to have a greater force than they actually had on duty at any given point, in theory, reducing crime. The same reason appartments give police discounts on rent. What drug dealer wants to live next to a cop? Who robs the units next to the cop? Plus, they could respond quicker if something happened and they were needed. They also take their cars home, and do not have to live in the area they work. Some live in north Charleston county and drive to south Charleston county and Johns Island to work. You also see a lot of police and their cars working for hire, like for funerals, and for cities without police forces (Kiawah,etc). The officer is paid by the 3rd party, but who pays for this gas? Three years ago it didn't matter as much, so I do have to wonder. Anyone know?
Posted by FiscalConservative on July 2, 2008 at 6:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
vtsusa-----------You are also not allowed to mix your business and private funds. This violates the economic entity assumption of GAAP.
Posted by feb251939 on July 2, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It seems way too people on this thread have picked out the police as the main culprit for wasting tax dollars.
How many of us, when we need them, are going to question how much gas they used speeding to help us? This 'perk' is probably on the bottom of the list compared to massive waste of government waste perpetrated by local government.
In my opinion, this whole story is a warning shot across the bow to the public from King Riley that your wallet is about to raided again.
Posted by GSoren on July 2, 2008 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I understand that the various government entities are feeling the crunch due to the escalating gas prices. Perhaps the various city, county, and state employees could take their own personal vechicles to and from work instead of using their work vehicles that our taxes pay for the fuel. That way they would be using their own transportation like the rest of the poulation that are not a public employee has to do. I'm sure that could only help ease the fuel usage.
Posted by auger on July 2, 2008 at 6:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
King Joe is just setting the stage so that the townspeople won't be shocked when they see his gilded carriage litter, carried by 12 lackeys, prancing down Broad Street.