Posted on 10/07/2025 6:36:50 AM PDT by DFG
Baltimore residents in Federal Hill say Mayor Brandon Scott owes them answers after revelations that his new city-issued SUV cost taxpayers $163,495 – including nearly $65,000 in upgrades including police lights, sirens and a security microphone.
“Not the taxpayers’ money! If he wants it for himself, yeah. But not with our money,” said Christian Heath as she was celebrating her birthday with friends in Federal Hill Park. She didn’t know about the mayor’s luxury Jeep Grand Wagoneer until speaking with Spotlight on Maryland.
“Our money should be for the city, the schools, the kids. Just to ride around? We don’t have cars like that,” Heath said, as her friends nodded in agreement.
City Councilman Zac Blanchard, who represents the Federal Hill area, defended the purchase in a statement: “I think buying a nicer SUV with relevant safety and communications enhancements twice a decade is pretty reasonable for a large city’s top elected official.”
But several residents told Spotlight on Maryland they see a double standard – one that feels disconnected from everyday Baltimoreans struggling with taxes, potholes and basic services.
Spotlight on Maryland spent roughly 2.5 hours talking to 15 to 20 Federal Hill residents and those from other parts of Baltimore City who went to the neighborhood for the day. Only six people were OK with being quoted and interviewed for the story on camera. Others were happy to chat with us and share their opinions off camera.
Benjamin Luster, a retired Marine Corps veteran who lives two blocks from the park, said the mayor’s purchase doesn’t match his public message. “Why is it that he says the streets are safe, but he still needs to up armor and get protection for his car? He’s making himself more important than the common folk.”
All the residents Spotlight on Maryland spoke with agreed the mayor should have a secure vehicle. What most questioned was the cost.
“I don’t think that’s an appropriate price,” said Ricona Coats, who has lived in Baltimore for two years. “The safety features I guess I can understand because he’s a government official, but I just think the accountants over there (City Hall) could be a little more cost effective.”
When asked about the SUV during an Oct. 1 press conference, Scott defended the expense: “The new vehicle is going to serve the same purpose as the old vehicle – to transport me around. I think the residents of Baltimore will understand the governor or Maryland, the comptroller of Maryland, the county executives, we all have vehicles.”
Coats disagreed: “I am the one that does not understand that. It doesn’t make sense,” she said. “I can’t afford that kind of car.”
Two people understood why the premium SUV, as it’s described on Jeep’s website, costs a lot of money. Only one agreed to an interview as long as we did not identify them by name: “I have a friend who is a PIO (public information officer) for the D.C. fire service. He drives a very similar vehicle. I could see that as a reasonable amount of money. Considering that a basic Jeep Grand Wagoneer is about $70K.”
A dealership confirmed to Spotlight on Maryland the price of a Jeep Grand Wagoneer starts at about $62,000 for a basic model up to $120,000 with all the bells and whistles included. Scott’s vehicle has TVs and leather seats, which the dealership said is more expensive than a basic model but does not quite reach the $120K threshold.
The high price tag has raised questions about city spending priorities. Baltimore recently closed an $85 million budget gap, partly through increased fees and fines, while residents face rising living costs.
“The city is in shambles,” said another Federal Hill resident who also asked to remain unnamed. “People are going through too much in this city for him to be worried about a vehicle.”
Several residents told us they want to see the money go towards education, infrastructure, and safer streets.
David Williams, president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, said there are less expensive options that still meet safety needs. “The mayor should be protected. The mayor should be comfortable,” Williams said. “But you can achieve that for way less than $160,000.”
Luster added, “The people need the money, but the money never gets to the people. It goes to things like this.”
Spotlight on Maryland has filed a public records request seeking the purchase agreements for all city-issued vehicles used by Baltimore city officials. That request is still pending.
Want too bet he gets more , he looks like he can’t be trusted ,LOL
Let me guess, he’s black, likes fancy suits and would rather be called king.
Actually, he’s Black
The good guys are black
Most certainly are but the getto bling culture sure doesn’t endear itself to honest hardworking people.
(Baltimore residents in Federal Hill say Mayor Brandon Scott owes them answers after revelations that his new city-issued SUV cost taxpayers $163,495 – including nearly $65,000 in upgrades)
Livin’ Large
I’m shocked 🙀😳🙀🙀!!
He’s a DEMOCRAT!!
Born
Brandon Maurice Scott
April 8, 1984 (age 41)
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Political party
Democratic
Almost like the character Kingfish was based on real people. Who knew that show was actually a documentary?
Third world despot behavior.
Marylabnd Montgomery County’s former chief executive, Isaiah Leggett used taxpayer $$ for a limo and (IIRC) a half dozen body guard contingent.
BMO’s former (?) superintendent of schools also had (has?) a limo/chauffeur.
How differently do other democrat POC mayors, AG’s, governors behave?
#DemographicsIsDestiny
Seems like a lot, an awful lot. I wonder what the usual charge would be for a normal Po-lice cruiser?
It’s a Jeep Grand Wagoneer, prices run from $85K up to $109K.
No cheap stuff for the King of Baltomire.
EVERY 5 YEARS???????????????????
A JEEP WAGONEER DOES NOT SUFFICE LONGER THAN THAT?
I AM DRIVING A 1976 BUICK WAGON I BOUGHT IN 1981-used
ALSO A 1976 1 ton CHEVY TRUCK I BOUGHT IN 1986-—used
THE ARROGANCE OF DEM POLITICIANS IS BREATH TAKING
MEANWHILE-—MATH & READING SKILLS IN BALTIMORE ARE IN THE TANK
As an accountant, I get annoyed when people say things like this:
“The safety features I guess I can understand because he’s a government official, but I just think the accountants over there (City Hall) could be a little more cost effective.”
The accountants are not the ones spending the money.
C’mon man, Blue Rats gotta be in style on the taxpayer’s money🤷🏼♂️
Only racists complain.
....you be a rassis...!! what be wrong ‘bout Hizz Onnner be driven ‘roun in dat big ol’ SUV...?? he deserves it, man...!! him bein’ da mayor and all.....!!
Baltimore’s version of Bumpy Johnson.
> The accountants are not the ones spending the money.<
The unaccountable are spending it and the mayor isn’t complaining one bit.
EC
This SUV will help feed hungry children.
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