Freshman Sen. Donald "Ducks" Cole has pledged not to use his government vehicle for his own personal use, and will encourage his colleagues in the Senate to do the same.
"I told the people I would make every attempt to cut back expenses for the government, and I intend to do so," Cole said. He will not use his official car after working hours or on weekends, he said. At 5 p.m., he promised, it will be "parked up."
Such measures will save wear and tear on the vehicle and will save on gas as well, the Senator noted.
"If we tell the people we are broke, we have to act like we're broke," he said.
"We need to run this government like a business. If we have a revenue shortfall, we need to find a way to cover that shortfall."
Cole said he has no car of his own at this time. He is driving his uncle's car.
"I could have chosen to use the government vehicle until I get one of my own, but I'm not going to do that," he said. "We have to cut out the fat — or even the lean."