There was a news story late last week about the lease of vehicles by Congressional offices. 

Seems like Congressman Manzullo's staff uses an SUV.

WBBM Radio and the Northwest Herald carried the story.  See these links: www.wbbm780.com/pages/2193182.php  nwherald.com/articles/2008/05/18/news/local/doc4830593917c7d071219578.txt

Here's a response I emailed this afternoon to Northwest Herald reporter Kevin Craver:

Mr. Craver:

Thank you for your article this past Saturday on Congressional vehicle leases.

I am on the November ballot as the Green Party candidate for Congress in the 16th District.  (I will be in a three way race with Messrs. Manzullo and Abboud.)

Common sense -- and good examples -- make a world of difference.

I don't think anyone (including me) has an objection per se to reasonable car usage by Representatives and their staffs.  But I do have some observations in connection with this story.

First, elected officials -- including Manzullo -- should lead by example.  For travel throughout the district, a hybrid car would be a more appropriate choice than a Mountaineer.  (And for strictly local trips in greater Rockford, an all-electric car would set a wonderful example.)

Second, Congressman Manzullo says in a recent press release that he supports "...legislation that would increase or remove the cap limitations on the tax credit of up to $3,000 for consumers who purchase alternative powered motor vehicles."  As a matter of consistency, then, it just makes sense that he and his staff should be using a hybrid vehicle rather than an SUV.

And third, it would set another good example to use the Rockford buses, if only on occasion.  (When I travel to McHenry County College board meetings, I try to use Pace and Metra as frequently as I can -- usually an average of one in three meetings.)

Thank you for your consideration.

Scott Summers