OTHER SIDE: Yesterday, we printed a letter from a man in
Richardson, Texas, a former Bradford resident, who was tired of
reading about the high gas prices in Bradford.
Today, we return to the other side.
Each day, we receive many reports from throughout the region as
motorists call to report the going price of a gallon of gas in
these various locations.
We do try to get to them but, honestly, in the latest
fluctuations in prices they become out of date almost before we
receive them. It appears, though, that the price of gas has been
dropping steadily in areas near Bradford – Smethport, Ridgway,
Johnsonburg, Port Allegany etc. Some were as low as $2.85 on
Tuesday. Bradford’s price on Tuesday was $3.28.
As for Wednesday, we had heard that at least Bradford location
had dropped to $3.09.
Which brings us to the point of our letter yesterday from the
Texan tired of hearing us whine about our high prices. As we have
said repeatedly, it is not the price itself but that huge disparity
– as of Tuesday, more than 40 cents a gallon! Even at $3.09, the
gap is substantial.
By anyone’s reckoning, that is outrageous. And that’s why we
will continue to complain, officially and unofficially.
And that brings us to a letter we received from Lynne Jackson of
Bradford who suggested everyone in the community file a complaint
with the state Attorney General’s office regarding our high prices.
The website is www.attorneygeneral.gov .
In desperation last week, we contacted state Rep. Martin Causer
to “formally” complain to him about our high prices. Needless to
say, he, too, is being inundated with calls.
He tells us the state is considering an “anti-gouging” measure,
which he will support. If we hear any thing new from him, we’ll
pass it along.
Finally today, a note from Larry R. Fay: “Never thought that I’d
see the day that gasoline would be more expensive back home
(Colegrove-Crosby) than in Alaska. Here gas is $2.659, $2.759, and
$2.859 (low to high test).
“It amazes me that even with refineries in the area, you are
paying in excess of $3 a gallon. Hopefully, action will be taken
to: produce oil from shale in the western states, increase fuel
efficiency, and increase refining capacity. I know of no one who
can afford fillups at these prices!”
