This provoked the following letter to the editor:
Doug Grow's column on the Minneapolis pay raise shows he hasn't been car shopping in a long, long time. His contention is that $400 a month would allow the council members to support themselves in Lexus-like style.
I drive a five year old Lexus RX300. I just sent in the final payment last month. It wasn't $400. It was over $800. I doubt I could buy that car now, at its blue book value, for $400 a month. That doesn't include such minor details as fuel and maintenance.
If Mr. Grow can find a Lexus for $400 a month, I suggest he buy it. I think he'd be pleasantly surprised. In the meantime, I think he should see just how far $400 a month goes toward a car these days, first hand.
I emailed Grow a copy, as well. We'll see if he responds.