Gas prices seem uniquely high in Tri-Cities. Does it seem suspicious to anyone else? | Opinion

Tri-City gas costs appear inflated

While it’s true that the carbon tax contributes to high gas prices in Washington state, it does not explain the significantly higher gas prices in the Tri-Cities. I drove to Spokane on Oct. 14. Credit gas prices in the Tri-Cities were $4.85 at three different stations I passed. Interestingly, credit prices at the Love’s in Ritzville were $4.45. And the small truck stop 10 miles further up I-90 were $4.35 (which could have been cash rather than credit).

Historically, gas prices at service stations in small towns adjacent to busy highways are higher than those located further from the freeway since drivers typically seek convenience over price. This leads me to believe that the high prices in the Tri-Cities must be attributed to the near monopoly of suppliers and to price gouging of their customers. I urge your reporters to dig deeper and get the state Attorney General’s Office involved in the investigation of the real cause of higher gas prices in the Tri-Cities.

Linda Powers, Richland

Retain Millbauer on city council

I am writing to express my wholehearted support for Jim Millbauer for Position 7 on the Kennewick City Council. This is a time when our community needs thoughtful leadership and representation for all people in regard to economic development, jobs and opportunities, not just those who benefit from zoning decisions.

While serving on the City Council, Jim has fostered a balanced and inclusive environment at a time marked by increasing polarization. Jim’s unwavering dedication to finding common ground and seeking solutions that benefit all is vital. His vision for Kennewick reflects a deep understanding of the diverse needs and aspirations of our community.

Jim’s extensive experience in union negotiations, combined with his ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, make him the ideal candidate to bridge the gap between different perspectives and ensure that every voice is heard.

I urge the voters of Kennewick to support Jim Millbauer’s re-election and cast their votes in his favor.

Christy Watts, Kennewick

Ex-councilman backing Madsen

I have known Kent Madsen for many years now, dating back to his many years on the Richland Planning Commission. I believe him to be an honorable man with the very best interests of the City of Richland and its residents in his heart and on his mind daily. He will bring a measured and comprehensive approach to the issues facing the city and you the residents, I believe, without ego, self-interests or personal gain as an agenda.

Phillip Lemley, former Richland councilman, Little Rock, Ark

Millbauer is right for Kennewick

I am writing in support of Jim Millbauer for Kennewick City Council Position 7. I have known and worked with Jim, and I know he is a man of integrity and conviction who has given much on our behalf. Jim helps organize the yearly Bikes for Tikes event in support of children in our community, and he has spent his time on council fighting for the regular people in Kennewick who are all too often forgotten. Jim has been there for us, pushing back and working hard to see that working families and small businesses still have a voice. We simply can not afford to lose Jim Millbauer on Kennewick City Council.

He is the best candidate for the job and will make a positive difference in our community. I urge you to vote for Jim Millbauer for Kennewick City Council Position 7 on Nov. 7.

Jason Lohr, Kennewick

Vote yes to retain Conners for Kennewick schools

As a retired Kennewick School District school teacher and a citizen of Kennewick, I am concerned about the quality of education provided by the district. I attend school board meetings regularly and volunteer at Phoenix High School, so I am aware of issues facing the district.

Michael Conners needs to be retained as a school board member. First of all, he is the only candidate with experience, having served on the board since 2020.

Next, as president of the school board, he has shown strong leadership skills. He is not afraid to speak his mind, but he also listens to both sides of an issue before making a decision.

Finally, he does not let personal agendas influence his commitment to a quality education for all students. Please join me in voting for Michael Conners. The students and staff of KSD need him.

Gayle Hane, Kennewick

Washington no place for grizzlies

Washington is the second smallest of the 11 Western states and the second most populous of those states. Now the Federal government wants to release Grizzly bears in our forests.

Our big game population is being pushed into an ever-shrinking area, making hunting a near waste of effort. Hikers and campers currently enjoy a very peaceful environment.

Releasing grizzlies will endanger their lives as well livestock grazing in our state. Releasing those bears will not benefit our state or restore the forests to their original state.

I encourage you to contact our senators and representatives to put a stop to this dangerous and wasteful proposal.

David Thompson, Kennewick

Terrorists or freedom fighters?

We should all mourn the loss of life and destruction caused by the latest Hamas attack on Israel.

The root cause of this violence is Israel’s continuing military occupation and oppression of Palestine and its displacement of Palestinians from their land for the illegal settlement of Israelis (in excess of 500,000 people).

Also its restriction of Palestinian movement in their own country and its openly racist disdain of Christian and Muslim Arabs in both Israel and Palestine. Israel is helped in its effort by receiving more U.S. foreign aid than any other country.

In the immediate (future), the U.S. must assist in saving lives. But we must attempt to stop this violence by ending the U.S. aid that helps to fund Israel’s military occupation of Palestine. As long as our country annually provides billions in unconditional funding to the Israeli government, this repeated violence will continue.

“Anyone who sweeps the larger context of the latest outbreak of violence under the rug and repeats ritualistic phrases about ‘Israel’s right to defend itself’ is revealing that they couldn’t care less about peace,” wrote Ben Burgis in Jacobin. “They just want to keep going in the same direction and hope it leads to better results. It’s not going to.”

Bill Petrie, Richland

Vote Rasmussen for Benton port

Christy Rasmussen is the best choice for Port of Benton District 2. Christy was chosen to fill the position she currently holds out of a group of four, including Scott Keller who is running against her.

Port districts play an important role in economic development. The port has recently completed a sale to Atlas Agro to build a commercial-scale green fertilizer plant. This project will have significant economic impact and will help keep the Tri-Cities on the forefront of clean energy and innovation.

The port has also decreased the property taxes since 2019 while balancing its budget.

It is interesting, given the port’s role in economic development, that her opponent chose not to respond to the Regional Chamber’s Vote for Business survey of primary candidates. It is also interesting that Scott Keller has a number of videos on his site that start with “Prior to COVID…” and then talks about the lack of use of a facility. Surprise, there were disruptions due to COVID. I am also concerned about his ability to stay in his lane as a commissioner.

Christy was the right choice when she was appointed to the commission and is the right choice moving forward.

Mark Brault, Richland

Before voting, see candidate video

Pasco voters seeking insight into the qualifications, experience and views of city council candidates on the November ballot would be well served viewing the video of the recent candidate forum. Held Oct. 9 and hosted by the Pasco Chamber of Commerce, the video is posted on the Chamber’s website. It is well worth the time, is very informative and is not long.

Christine Hendler, Pasco