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Gas station's signs deceive motorists

This is a 75-cent gripe, but one that all motorists need to be aware of.

On Oct. 13, I made several trips up and down U.S. 19. Going south, I topped off one car with fuel at a Hess station at the posted price of $2.13.9, even though I'd seen $2.11.9 advertised at a Sunoco in the northbound lanes. For 3 or 4 cents, I wouldn't cross that traffic. It's a matter of safety and convenience.

After changing cars, I drove north on U.S. 19 and needing gas for the second vehicle; I pulled into the same (northbound) Sunoco I'd seen earlier.

It wasn't possible to see the price per gallon until after you'd swiped your card and selected the grade of fuel. Only after I'd pumped about a half tank, did I realize I was actually being charged $2.15.9 or 4 cents higher than the posted price on the highway sign. There was a small sticker on the pump that said, in effect, that a cash/credit pricing policy was in effect.

I looked back at the highway sign and sure enough, a much smaller sign said "Sunoco credit cards or cash." I topped off the tank, but left with a sour taste in my mouth.

That small disclaimer sign can't possibly be read or comprehended by a reasonably cautious motorist. On a busy highway like U.S. 19, a prominent price sign can be observed, but to read anything more, is a hazard to other motorists and pedestrians. There is simply no time to read the fine print and pay attention to driving at the same time.

If I'd stopped along the highway for a burger, fries and a soda and found the price vastly different once I got inside the store, I'd have the opportunity to reject the purchase. Once you've swiped your debit/credit card at the pump and started pumping, you're pretty much committed.

I know that the Florida Department of Agriculture has an active program about the accuracy of gas pumps and hurricane price gouging, but does it have a policy about deceptive advertising when it comes to the posted price of gas on the street as opposed to the actual price at the pumps?

I'm not antibusiness and not anti-oil companies; after more than 20 years working in the Alaska oil fields where those companies paid my wages rather well. I do, however feel taken by a sign that, as a reasonably cautious motorist, I had no business trying to read in the middle of busy traffic.

I just hope I don't cause a rear-end accident if I'm forced to slow down to read the fine print before I pull in for the next fill-up. Other motorists shouldn't have to either.

It cost me an extra 75 cents for the fillup, and I won't go back until they make some change in their pricing policy.

Roger Cunningham New Port Richey

Board members need big pay cut

Six buzzing for seat on bug board, Oct. 16.

I was a bit surprised that the incumbent lashed out at the competition like she did.

The race for the Mosquito Control Board has strayed from the issues. The most important issue is that the board members are paid way too much for the amount of time they work. I have pledged that if I'm elected I will work to cut the mosquito board members' salaries in half. My pledge was published in the April 23 article Can mosquito board launch him?

I had honestly thought that the board members worked an average of 10 hours a month, but I was giving them too much credit. The incumbent was kind enough to set the record straight when she stated the members work an average of two to four hours a month. How many people in Pasco average $100 an hour for work they do? It's probably a whopping 2 percent.

The board members' salaries are unfair and downright criminal given the amount of money they're paid for the amount of time they work.

It's time we elect people who will put the financial interests of the county above the financial interests of themselves. Good government isn't about enriching the lives of elected officials, it's about enriching the lives of the citizens.

John J. Ubele, Shady Hills, candidate for Pasco County Mosquito Control Board

Some homes come with rules

What is it about the words "deed restricted community" that some people don't seem to understand?

Surely, intelligent people who look to buy a home in a gated community must understand that there are certain restrictions that govern that community and need to consider what those restrictions are before they sign on the dotted line.

If people do not want to live with deed restrictions or be told what they can or can't do in their neighborhood, then they should look for neighborhoods that do not have a sign at the entrance that clearly states: Deed Restricted Community.

It is ludicrous for some people to think that once they buy into a deed restricted community, they can change all the existing rules to their own liking or just ignore them without regard to those who intentionally buy into that community in order to uphold its integrity and protect the value of their homes.

These are the selfish, self-centered and self-serving mavericks in society who are nonconformists who rebel against all forms of authority and are probably the same ones who break the speed limits and run stop signs and traffic lights with total disregard for the health, safety and well-being of others.

Len Vivolo, New Port Richey

Riders, sheriff deserve thanks

We attended the bike fest in New Port Richey and it was fantastic.

I would like to state that the Italian Angels rode for Sheriff Bob White a 50-mile ride to raise money for the abused children. Give all the riders their due and also thank Sheriff White for us.

Richard and Lillian John, Hudson

[Last modified October 18, 2006, 07:30:10]