ST. LOUIS – The City of St. Louis is moving into the 21st century with the purchase of nine Ford Mustang Mach E crossover SUVs.
Our news partners at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Conner Kerrigan, spokesperson for Mayor Tishaura Jones, said the vehicles were purchased to be economical and cost-saving. But some are questioning the $46,000 price.
“It raises some questions,” Alderwoman Cara Spencer (Ward 8) said. “Is this the most judicious use of tax dollars? I mean, we’re having, as you can see, just filling potholes right now. So, this is certainly raising some eyebrows.”
Kerrigan said the city planned to buy cheaper Chevrolet Bolts before General Motors delayed future production amid battery woes. With the Bolts unavailable, Kerrigan said the Mustangs were the least expensive alternative.
“Wow. Nine of them. That’s a lot,” resident Gary Bogan said. “But, you know, if it helps the city save money on gas, I guess it’s a good thing. I don’t know how dependable electric cars are right now, but that’s the way the world is turning.”
Ford Mustang Mach E’s can reach speeds of 60 miles an hour in six seconds. Four of the Mustangs went to the city health department, three to Forest Park ranger use, one to Streets department, and one to the St. Louis Comptroller’s Office.
Alderman Rasheen Aldridge has asked Alderwoman Cara Spencer to call a budget committee hearing.
“I’m absolutely willing to have that. I think these are questions we need to have answered,” Spencer said. “When members of the community are bringing up concerns, I think it’s important to hear those concerns.”
