NYC Mayor Orders Lights, Sirens Removed From 250 Vehicles

AP ^ | 2-20-2004

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NYC Mayor Orders Lights, Sirens Removed From 250 Vehicles

The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) - Mayor Michael Bloomberg ordered the lights and sirens removed from more than 250 city vehicles Friday after one of his deputy mayors was caught on video routinely and unnecessarily using the equipment on her official car. Only about 70 civilians in the Bloomberg administration, including the mayor and one of five deputy mayors, will be allowed to keep their lights and sirens.

A week ago, WCBS-TV aired videotape of Deputy Mayor Carol Robles-Roman zipping from work to home in her official car, its lights flashing and siren blaring. Her chauffeur was shown driving on the shoulders of roads to avoid traffic.

Bloomberg ordered an inquiry into which officials truly need the equipment.

"The criteria the mayor used with commissioners was, 'Is this somebody that responds to emergencies as part of their job?'" spokesman Ed Skyler said.

Almost all department heads will lose their lights and sirens, including the schools chancellor, the finance commissioner and the parks commissioner. Among the few who will be allowed to keep the equipment is the sanitation commissioner.

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spoilsport

[CindyDawg]

Such over reaction. Why not just take hers away?

[RikaStrom]

Now Children, see what happens when one of you doesn't play with your toys correctly?? Everybody gets their toys taken away. /teacher nag voice

[stevie_d_64]

Ahhhh, its whats called the "WOO-WOO" syndrome...

WOO WOO, get outta my way!!!

I've seen it many times in some Volunteer Fire Departments...

Its ok though...Its just a phase...You usually grow out of it...Never happened to me...I never wanted the attention...I made it to where I was going just fine without the stuff...

Later,
Steve

[Vigilanteman]

Remember, Bloomberg is really a Democrat and has the same mental capacity as the Liberals-- disarm everyone because someone might use guns in a crime. Don't target the criminals because that would be profiling.

[nuconvert]

Bloomberg never knows what he's doing.

[ml/nj]

A week ago, WCBS-TV aired videotape of Deputy Mayor Carol Robles-Roman zipping from work to home in her official car, its lights flashing and siren blaring. Her chauffeur was shown driving on the shoulders of roads to avoid traffic.

Why isn't this woman being given 30 days (without pay) to think about this in some Sparten location? (And why does a Deputy Mayor get an "offical car" anyway? What was the last "emergency" an NYC Deputy Mayor reponded to? Enquiring minds want to know.)

ML/NJ

[Alberta's Child]

Why not just take hers away?

Actually, the real question that should be asked is why useless city officials such as the parks commissioner, schools chancellor, and finance commissioner ever should have been permitted to use sirens and strobe lights to get through city traffic in the first place.

[nuconvert]

I think she may have to do "quiet time" besides having her toys taken away.

[secret garden]

Good question. If they're not cops, firemen or paramedics, they don't need lights or sirens, period.

[Mark]

What was the last "emergency" an NYC Deputy Mayor reponded to? Enquiring minds want to know.)

Uh, someone smoking in public view maybe.

[Timesink]

Someone still watches Channel 2 News?

[GnL]

Why does the mayor get to keep his? Why in the world would a mayor need to get somewhere in such a hurry by bypassing the little people?

[xrp]

Another good question is was she fired or not?

[freeeee]

I hear you but I can't imagine any legitimate use of a siren for the finance commissioner.

I don't think it would be a mistake to say any time he used his siren would be abuse.

Let's be candid: These high and mighties had these sirens simply because they could. Not sitting in traffic like the 'little people' is one of the perks that comes with being one of the annointed. I find northeast governments rife with this attitude. In fact, I strongly believe such perks are what motivates many 'public servants' to begin with.

Take away these little emporers license to do whatever they like and maybe, just maybe the people left who want the posiition might have a more humble mindset and actually do some good, or at least less damage.

[floriduh voter]

They can put them on ebay for Drudge.

[Alberta's Child]

You've got to be kidding me. New York City? Useless bureaucrat? Fired?? LOL!!

[.38sw]

A week ago, WCBS-TV aired videotape of Deputy Mayor Carol Robles-Roman zipping from work to home in her official car, its lights flashing and siren blaring. Her chauffeur was shown driving on the shoulders of roads to avoid traffic.

Her chauffeur? The deputy mayor gets an official car to go from work to home, and she has a CHAUFFER?!! I suppose the chauffer is paid by the citizens of New York. Take away her lights, sirens, and chauffer. And, make her get from home to work on her own, just like the peasants have to do. Good grief.

[solzhenitsyn]

This woman could have caused a serious accident.