Day 8 and counting: Whose money is it anyway?

Interestingly enough, I heard from two different people today that one of the St. Helens City Councilors running for office this election has a city owned vehicle (truck) sitting on city right of way, in front of his house, that sports not one but two signs promoting him for re-election.

I don't know if this is true, but both people who told me have reason to know. So, if anyone has the time to follow the councilors' money (for it surely isn't ours these days, nor are they accountable to citizens as to how it is spent, apparently), I'd love to know if this is true.

I think the way it works is this: the City supported the St. Helens Foundation with money used to purchase (among other things, I'm sure) the truck in question. It is apparently used to haul city-purchased equipment for 13 Nights on the River. The equipment is used for Foundation events, not City events, but that isn't the problem, IF the City actually gave the money to the Foundation to use as it wished.

Questionable is that it is allowed to park on city right of way and carry political signs. Who drives the vehicle besides the one particular councilor? And, is it true that the City is expected to pay for all repairs to a vehicle that purportedly belongs to the Foundation? I'd like to know who the truck is registered to, who pays for its use, who has access to it, why it is allowed to park illegally, and how it is the Foundation or the City deem it appropriate to advertise for that councilior?

Also brought to my attention today by one of these two people, was the fact that a City-owned mower is permanently parked at this same councilor's house. Reason being, I assume, because he mows Sand Island. This volunteer (I hope) service to the community is commendable. But, who has access to the mower, is it used by the City in any other way? Why is it parked in his yard?

This is the same councilor whose been reported to say, frequently, "let the City pay for it" or "the City will pay for it."

It may not be MY money--I don't live there--but I'm fairly certain it isn't HIS money, either.