Bill Would Make Mayor Accountable for DC Vehicle Leases

Last week's SUV scandal has led to legislation making the mayor accountable for D.C.'s vehicle leases.

At-large Councilman Sekou Biddle and Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans introduced a bill Tuesday to require the mayor to approve every lease of any vehicle -- not just SUVs -- and send regular reports to the council.

Last week, reports disclosed that two luxury Lincoln Navigators had been leased for Council Chairman Kwame Brown at a cost of almost $4,000 a month. The second was ordered because Brown didn't like the interior color of the first.

After a public outcry over the expense, Brown returned the luxury cars, but it's unclear what costs the city will still be obligated to pay. The city's attorney general is trying to figure that out.

On Monday Councilman Tommy Wells issued a report saying hundreds of city vehicles -- including almost four dozen SUVs -- are routinely leased by the city.

Mayor Vincent Gray, who pointed out that his vehicle is the same as those provided to previous mayors, said he believed better management would take care of the car issue. City Administrator Allen Lew will clear up the problems, Gray said, and the controversy is not a reflection of how the city government works.

Brown did not comment to NBC Washington Tuesday. The Washington Post reported Tuesday afternoon that Brown said he's determined to win back the trust of District residents.

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