Here's what a sample of what candidates for Minneapolis City Council said in answers to a questionnaire about collecting an auto allowance, mileage or other arrangements for transportation:

John Quincy, 11th ward: : I will not accept the $400 monthly car allowance. I do not think it is appropriate for the city budget to absorb commuting expenses for any employee of the city. I will only accept per-mile reimbursement for city business related travel expenses when outside the ward.

Andy Exley, Sixth Ward: I would not collect the car allowance, as I don't own a car and don't plan to get one.

Kevin Reich, First Ward: I would forgo the allowance or donate it to small businesses that would like to put up bike racks. I make a lot of meetings presently without a car allowance.

Dave Bicking, Ninth Ward: I would not collect any car allowance. The Council salary is more than enough to cover costs, and my car expenses are very low (1991 Toyota Corolla). I would be as frugal with the City´s money (your money) as I am with my own.

Laura Jean, Sixth Ward: I would record the mileage and might seek reimbursement. I would not be comfortable using tax payers' money for a car allowance in these economically challenging times.

Melissa Hill, Third Ward: No - I like my bike. I will continue to use that. With city council members already collecting over 70K in salary, this program is completely insane waste of money and resources. Why is a city that is trying to promote a cleaner environment also paying for cars for elected officials?

Jeffrey Allen Wagner, Seventh Ward: Look at what the city tax payers could be doing with this money. Obviously I would need to get around. However: why shouldn't I take the bus?! After all the downtown route is only 50 cents. Seeing as how I live in downtown, shop in downtown and generally hang out in downtown, why should I have such a high gas expenditure? Obviously I will need to go to the state Capitol and when these times come my team/friends will drive me or I'll take the bus like lots of people downtown do.

Charley Underwood, 12th Ward: Pardon me for saying so, but City Council members are grossly overpaid. The actual salary is too high and the car allowance is an illusion. If elected, I would donate at least $5,000 to each of the three neighborhood organizations in my ward. For transportation, I would ask for a light-rail pass. The rest is silly.

Meg Tuthill, 10th Ward: I will not accept the monthly allowance or mileage reimbursement for city travel, especially when property taxes are rising and people are out of work. Council members should not be reimbursed for commuting or travel in the city. I intend to take the bus to work as much as possible.

Grant Cermak, Fourth Ward: This seems like an excessive amount of money. For this much I could lease a car and pay for the gas for a month! What a racket...

Kim Vlaisavljevich, 10th Ward: I think the council should be supplemented for their mileage driven while conducting city business.

Michael Katch: I think council members earn a generous income and do not need any per diem at all for transportation. They only need to travel to city hall, which I intend to walk, and to the neighborhood meetings in their ward. I wouldn't object to providing council members an MTC pass.

Susan Howitz Hanna, First Ward: I would opt for per-mile payments. You would have to do drive more than 684 miles in one month to reach $400 using the standard business rate of 58.5 cents per mile. Mileage is the more cost-conscious way to go.

Kris Broberg, 13th Ward: I would take the $400 per month and either return it to the general fund or donate it to Big Brother's Big Sister's of Minnesota and/or the Boy's and Girl's Club. I can pay to drive myself around.

Steve Brandt • 612-673-4438