WIth the recent controversy over new KCMO Mayor Mark Funkhouser and his choice of car, along with new data giving high marks to the General Motors and Ford plants in the KC area and the announcement that he would accept a free Honda hybrid from a local dealership, the LMC Board decided to suggest a win-win alternative for the Mayor that hopefully would move him past the controversy. The following letter was sent Monday, June 11
Dear Mayor Funkhouser,
We trust you are enjoying your first few weeks as Kansas City’s mayor. Your fresh, data-driven approach should benefit our city.
However, we were disappointed with your decision to accept the gift of a Honda to serve as your mayoral vehicle. As you know, no Kansas City taxpayers are involved in the manufacture of the Honda. We believe there is a better choice given the following facts:
•Within a mile each of Kansas City city limits are two of the five most productive auto plants in the U.S. One produces the 2007 Car of the Year, another is owned by the manufacturer with the most top quality models in the recent J.D. Power survey.
•These two plants, the General Motors Fairfax plant and the Ford Claycomo plant, are often cited as examples of the city’s highly productive work force and contribute substantially to area charities, schools and to our tax base.
•The Claycomo plant produces popular, energy efficient hybrid SUVs well-suited for tall drivers.
•Both of the plants directly employ hundreds of Kansas City, Mo., residents and create employment for hundreds more,all in good-paying jobs with full benefits, thus playing a critical role in the city’s economy and generating millions in earnings and property taxes. And many of the combined 8,000+ workers at those plants who live in other municipalities shop and play in Kansas City, Mo.
Given such circumstances, we suggest that you ask the Lincoln-Mercury dealership from which the city is leasing the unused Lincoln to replace it with a hybrid Mariner SUV, made by Kansas City-area residents within spitting distance of the city limits. The city would save money, the city’s economy would benefit and the Mayor would show a good example of both civic pride and energy-efficiency, not to mention enjoying a well-made, functional ride.
With the option of driving a vehicle made by Kansas City residents, driving the Honda is like the mayor rooting for the Oakland Raiders. By visibly using a vehicle made by Kansas Citians, the mayor would show faith in our own workforce, in the citizens who work hard and pay the taxes that support city government.
We urge you to reconsider the kind offer from the Honda dealership and instead demonstrate support for hundreds of Kansas City residents while being wise with taxpayer dollars and our environment at the same time.
Please let me know whenever we can be of assistance to you. Thanks for your time.
Sincerely,
Bob Jacobi
Executive Director
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