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Today's Question: How are gas prices effecting Batavia's commuters

By Howard B. Owens

Gas prices are over $4 per gallon now.  That's got to hurt Batavians who commute to either Buffalo or Rochester for work.

And it's quite possible, likely even, that prices will climb even higher.

What's the impact of gas prices on you?  If you commute, does that have you rethinking either where you live or where you work?  What does it mean for your other household spending?

Wayne Speed

I am retired or as many say -- on a "fixed income".

My wife and I used to travel to Buffalo or Rochester to see a movie and have lunch or dinner. That is over for us. I live in Oakfield and try to drive into Batavia just once a week. On that day, my wife and I will visit her mom in the nursing home, get our groceries and prescriptions, and tend to whatever else needs to be done in one trip.

Our intent was to purchase a new vehicle when I begin receiving Social Security. That doesn't seem to make much sense now. What is the point in having a new vehicle sitting in the driveway that I can't afford to drive?

I like to fish and bought a small boat last year. While I would like to visit Honeoye and other of the Finger Lakes; my fishing is done now in Medina and Albion. For several years before my retirement we traveled to Black Lake -- once in the Spring and again in the Fall for a week of vacation every year. No longer.

If I sound here like a whining senior citizen, that is not my intent. My point is that we are adjusting in order to make it. So far my wife and I are able to do that. The world has changed, I must find ways to exist in the world at hand and leave the past where it belongs -- in the past.

May 29, 2008, 10:41am Permalink
Mark Wiatrowski

Rising costs are on everyone's minds lately. We have a camper and love to travel.In light of numerous costs on the increase we have had to put a lot more thought into where we go, which is a shame because there is a whole lot of countryside I have not seen yet and would really like to take in the sights first hand.

We just count our blessings and enjoy what we can while we can.

May 29, 2008, 12:01pm Permalink
Patrick Weissend

Every day I pass 4 gas stations on the way to work. I always make a mental note of where the price is the highest, and usually it is the same station. And, that station is usually 9 cents higher then the station across the street (And that is full service)

I have not only stopped making multiple trips into town every day, but I refuse to get gas from the BIG oil company.

Maybe an interesting addition to the Batavian would be for the readers to report how much gas is at the different gas stations across the area.

May 29, 2008, 3:37pm Permalink
Gabor Deutsch

Its about time somebody brings this subject up.

The majority of Batavia's working population are confined to traveling to Buffalo or Rochester in order to make a "living wage" let alone have a real career.

Otherwise you are in retirement or "stuck on the system" in a great "Town".
(where you eventually see your kids moving out of for a better opportunity).

The price of gas HAS and WILL effect the price of EVERYTHING period.

It is happening in all Our beloved United States of America.

I am waiting for the "dollar per item store" to change into the "two dollar per item store".

I thank heavens for Aldis.

The economic trickle effect is finally hitting Batavia. Guess what ? It just started. If you save money on gas and walk to the store your gallon of milk will still cost four bucks!

Dont even get me started on the "city council".

Just take a look at how the Batavia Downs Casino has enhanced our community. Jobs? maybe but where does the money go?

Maybe tax breaks to naive businesses that will save money opening a small shop but they will get screwed by the lack of customers because of Big Retail Wholesale stores (no names).

The honest truth is I cannot afford NOT to buy from big stores. We gotta live.

The fact is that Batavia IS and HAS been suffering an economic crunch. There is no simple answer.

Like it or not this is our "AMERICAN" situation.
THE: War,Debt,lack of export etc.

When education was affordable I took the classes. (The money was well spent). They took my "stimulus payment" for student loans.

Where the heck is our DEMOCRACY ?
Where the heck are the jobs?
I want to stay in batavia not move to IRAQ.

The next two choices I have to vote for are wrong for the change this country needs !
What can you do ?
Any response Welcomed.

May 29, 2008, 5:06pm Permalink

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