Have you ever noticed all the sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and four-wheel drive pickups that are being driven by federal, stae and local government at a huge cost to taxpayers.

I personally see law enforcement, juvenile corrections, fire departments, traffic investigators, fish and wildlife department, planning departments driving these “gas-guzzling” full-size vehicles.

Is there really a need to be driving large vehicles such as a Tahoe, Dodge Ram pickup, Silverado, Suburban, Expedition or Excursion? I don’t think so.

Not only do these large vehicles consume very large quanities of fuel, but they are very expensive and high-maintenance vehicles. I do know this is a fact because I have owned six of these type of vehicles.

I can only think of one application where law enforcement could ligitamently claim they would need a four-wheel drive or SUV. That would be for search and rescue, and winter-only mountain pass patrol.

So why don’t they save the taxpayers some money and get rid of these gas guzzlers.

Rob Daugherty | Olalla