Gasoline prices differ from one side of town to another

Gasoline prices differ from one side of town to another
EDITOR:
While taking care of some business July 14, I had reason to be in the Boardman and Austintown areas. I saw something that has confused me to no end. All we hear about any more is that the price of oil is up again. The oil companies are producing record profits, larger than any other industry in the United States and gasoline is more valuable in Boardman than it is in Austintown?
Someone please make me understand how the following can be explained rationally: BP station at Route 11 and Route 224, regular gas $2.89 per gallon. BP station at Route 46 and Route 18, regular gas $2.79. Sheetz at Route 11 and Route 224, regular gas $2.89. Sheetz at Route 46 and Route 18 $2.79. And the list can go on.
Why are the oil companies doing this? Because they can. The American public seems to actually believe the garbage they're trying to shovel at us. Sure, there are definitely problems in the oil producing countries. That can't be denied, but neither can the record profits and executive bonuses that are a part of the whole mess. I absolutely hate the government being in my business or passing additional laws that aren't needed, but maybe it's time for our state and federal governments to put the brakes on the oil companies. It's getting so the average family can't afford any more than their essentials and a good part of the reason is that gasoline has increased in price about $1.25 per gallon in just over a year. Unfortunately, most of our paychecks haven't kept pace.
I'd really like to know what makes Boardman gasoline more valuable than Austintown gasoline when the same truck puts fuel in the tanks in both areas. Please, someone enlighten us.
ROY W. STRAIGHT
Boardman
Scofflaws undermine society
EDITOR:
Nowadays, everyone seems to be concerned about his or her rights, and very few people care about their responsibilities. Among others, the responsibility to obey the laws of the land are, in my opinion, under serious attack. Contempt for any law leads to contempt for all law and a society without a credible legal system is in serious danger of total collapse. We are currently at the mercy of those who selfishly hide behind the guarantees of liberty and thereby endanger liberty for all.
The legal structure of this country is being played like a game. People seem to be willing to go to any lengths to get away with doing whatever they want whether it is legal or not. The games played in our courtrooms become more and more ridiculous. I do believe in due process and the guarantee of individual rights. But, the system is being abused. Outrageous awards are being granted because people do not behave responsibly. Admitted murderers are walking free because someone in the system forgot to dot an "i" or cross a "t".
The traffic camera in Girard is a small case in point. I may be the only person who feels this way, but I doubt it. The people who were ticketed by that system were speeding at more than 15 mph over the legal limit. They cannot deny it. They have "gotten away with it" because someone stood up for their "rights." Where are the people who will make them stand up to their responsibilities?
A traffic violation may seem to some to be a small thing to become upset about. However, I see it as a symptom of the general decline in our society.
The law is our only defense. Those of us who will be responsible for ourselves (the vast majority of U.S. citizens) need to stand up and let it be known that it is time for everyone who is capable to accept responsibility for their own actions and let the law protect us from those who are either incapable or refuse to act responsibly.
RUSSELL A. NALEPA
Hubbard
Helping dogs and cats
EDITOR:
I recently visited Alchemy Acres Animal Sanctuary at 1859 Depot Road in Salem and was simply awestruck with the work that Julie and Steve Sacco and their family are doing for abandoned cats and dogs. Older animals that were given up, hungry and sick stray dogs and cats and abused and neglected animals were being cared for by this wonderful family.
They use their own money to run this no-kill shelter and feed, spay and neuter and provide vaccinations for these homeless animals whose only crime was being born. And what reward do these people receive for their tireless effort? They received a citation to appear in court because someone complained that the dogs were barking.
In this day and age where life has no value, whether it is human or animal, there is always someone who is ready to frustrate the efforts of people who are just trying to help and make a difference. I know that there are some who do not care about the welfare of animals and that is their choice; but if you don't want to be part of the solution, please don't be part of the problem.
While we were visiting this sanctuary, the dogs did not bark until we came into the facility. They only wanted our attention in the hopes that someone would adopt them.
The Sacco family works tirelessly to find good homes for these animals and to their credit, they have placed over 450 animals in good homes in just 12 months.
Visit their facility at alchemyacres.org and see if you could share your love with one of these beautiful dogs and cats.
MARIANNE B LORDI
Youngstown