By Emerson Drake
1/21/11
Eighteen of thirty-one new first year legislators said NO to ordering a new car in order to send a statement to the public that they meant what they said about cost cutting and saving the taxpayers money.
But not Kristin Olsen.Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen, a Modesto Republican who chose a2011 Ford Escape LTD at $32,499, leased to her for four years, said in a prepared statement. "Looking at the numbers, it proved to be far more cost-effective for me to use a state vehicle rather than getting mileage reimbursement to use my personal vehicle for legislative travel," Olsen said.
A nice use of the language but upon a second reading her meaning is clear. It's better for her but not for the state of California.Sen. Anthony Cannella R-Ceres decided not to order a new car bankrolled largely by public funds. He talks the talk and walks the walk but apparently, Olsen just wants to drive her new car around, cost to the taxpayers be damned.
There's a new attitude down there," said Ted Costa, leader of the People's Advocate watchdog group and a longtime critic of legislative largess.
"I don't know how long it will last, but I think they're more serious about (sacrifice) than they have been in a long time."
Except for Kristin Olsen, for her its just another day at the public trough.
