Newark North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. today praised Mayor Ras Baraka’s plans to end the practice of providing non-police and non-fire officials with 24-hour vehicles

Beginning Monday, all unmarked vehicles being used by directors, managers, and other administrative personnel will be returned to the city’s motor pool, where they will be fitted with the Seal of the City and be inspected for condition and damage. Employees will also be required to turn in their city-issued fuel cards.

“At a time when our city is facing a deficit of more than $90 million and many of our residents are still struggling to make ends meet, removing this wasteful perk for city employees is absolutely the right thing to do,” Ramos said. “I fully support the mayor on this initiative and look forward to more plans from the administration to further reduce our spending.”

Ramos is the only City Councilman who does not have a city-owned car or a city-issued cell phone. He also has fewer employees in his city council office than he is allowed to have under the current rules.

Ramos said he would go one step further and require the Seal of the City to be affixed to all cars issued to city council members.

“While I don’t drive a city-owned vehicle, I’m sure none of my council colleagues would object to the idea of having their vehicles clearly marked as city-owned,” Ramos said. “At the very least, taxpayers have a right to know.”