Dutchess County Legislators Block Fleet Purchase - Want More Hybrids

[hatrack]

And of course, it was a party-line vote. :eyes:

Democratic Dutchess County lawmakers will hold up plans to borrow $1.3 million to replace 57 vehicles in the county's fleet unless more hybrid cars are included in the purchase.

Such a demand would have been of little consequence in the past. But in a year where Republicans now hold a slim, one-vote majority in the 25-member Legislature, a united Democratic caucus suddenly has to be reckoned with.

While most proposals considered by county legislators require a simple majority for approval, resolutions approving borrowing require a two-thirds majority vote. With only 13 Republican legislators, at least four Democrats would also have to support the plan to get it through.

The county plans to include three gas-electric hybrid vehicles, among the 57 it plans to purchase with the funds. The total list of vehicles varies from patrol cars for the sheriff's department, to compact and mid-size cars, as well as passenger vans and dump trucks. The vehicles slated to be replaced are older, have high mileage or are in poor shape.

EDIT

http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060211/NEWS01/602110311/1006