In the Oct. 12 “All Politics is Local” column, “Keep an eye out for Mielke’s sweet ride,” it was reported that Clark County Commissioner Tom Mielke had said at a commissioners’ meeting that the $600 per month gas allowance was not enough. Mielke felt a bump up to $1,000 a month was more appropriate because he drives around the county visiting and talking with constituents.
I think we should be asking Mielke for some accountability for the $600 gas allowance he already receives. Even at $3.50 per gallon, he could buy 172 gallons of gas. If his car was getting 15 miles per gallon, that would total 2,580 miles. Since there’s 20 working days in a month, Mielke could drive 129 miles every workday in a month with $600. If the commissioner left Clark County’s Public Service Center and drove to La Center, then to Amboy, then to Washougal and then back to the Public Service Center every workday. it would equal only about 90 miles.
Where is he going with the remaining miles every day and why doesn’t he come to my house to talk about county issues? I live in the Felida area. I’m on the way.
Douglas J. Munson
Vancouver
