7 SEP 05: A TAX CUT THEY DON'T LIKE

People still are reporting cases of price gouging at area gas stations. So here's my question: why don't thousands of college students make similar calls when their tuition goes up?

One man told me Tuesday he just returned from Pensacola, Florida - and while many stations were out of fuel, the stations who had diesel were selling it for $2.59 a gallon. But I'm not sure this means Columbus stations are price gouging. It could mean few people along the Gulf Coast can afford BMW's.

Tuesday's AAA gas price report actually showed Columbus with the second-lowest average gas price in Georgia. Only Albany is lower - and stations there can charge a little less, because they're already selling all those deer stands for hunting season.

The Georgia General Assembly began a special session Tuesday, to approve the fuel tax suspended ordered by Governor Perdue. This issue is considered so important, GPB isn't even driving reporters around Atlanta to do "Lawmakers" shows.

Georgia law requires five days for the legislature to pass the two bills suspended fuel taxes for a month. I'm not sure why the state has this rule. Maybe it gives fair time for lobbyists from big oil companies to fly to Atlanta, and twist arms against it.

Republican leaders of the General Assembly are encouraging lawmakers to spend time during the special session at hurricane shelters. After all, you know Democrats will be there - getting upset people to move to Georgia and register to vote.

Despite all this, Alabama's Governor is in no mood to cut his state's fuel taxes. Bob Riley must have been in Washington a few years ago, when all those "Thank you, Alabama!" ads appeared on TV....

Governor Bob Riley at first explained he'd have to call the legislature back into session to approve a suspension of fuel taxes. So? Georgia's legislature had to be called back -- and some of the lawmakers from Mobile might not mind escaping the damage to spend a week in Montgomery.

Auburn House member Mike Hubbard tried to explain Governor Riley's decision further Tuesday. He said Georgia's fuel tax increases as the price of gas or diesel increases, while Alabama's fuel tax does not. How strange is this - Republicans supporting a flat tax instead of a tax cut?!

Mike Hubbard added Alabama fuel taxes pay for roads - and there are plenty of road repairs to make along the Gulf Coast. Are we sure some of those repairs are necessary? After two big hurricanes in 12 months, can't we simply require everyone in Gulf Shores to drive sand buggies?

So for now, there's really no good reason for drivers in the Columbus area to buy gas in Phenix City, Eufaula or Valley. Cross the bridge, save some money - and be thankful no one's dared to propose making them toll bridges.

BLOG UPDATE: Officials provided an answer Tuesday for why the old Phenix Regional Hospital isn't being used as a hurricane shelter. They said the building needs work before people can stay there. How many rats and cockroaches have to be killed?

(The explanation about the building came from Russell County's Emergency Management Director, Chance Corbett. When it comes to emergencies, would YOU feel comfortable leaving things like that to Chance?)

It's been more than four years since Phenix Regional Hospital closed. You might consider that a long time - but remember the old Wal-Mart on the 280 Bypass. It can take years to find just the right furniture store.

By the way, a statement from Columbus city officials shows at least six Sheriff's officers are in the hurricane damage zone - along with one Columbus Police officer. We know the reason for this, don't we? That's the only officer with a big enough bank account to afford gasoline for the trip.

Meanwhile, Habitat for Humanity in Americus announced plans Tuesday to build 1,500 new homes along the Gulf Coast. With the number of hurricanes going up, skeptics would call this an extremely large-scale form of bowling.

E-MAIL UPDATE: I'm not sure if this came from a blog reader or not - but it certainly came as a surprise:

Hi Richard

I just came across your details. We share the same name. Whilst I realise there are a number of Burkards about, you are the first I have come across with the same first name. Not that exciting but I though it worth an email.

Best regards

Richard Burkard

Cheshire

England

Well, well! There's finally an explanation for why I follow European soccer a little....

I don't recall any Burkards from England coming up in recent family reunions. In fact, the last one seemed more focused on whether we had spare tax refund checks hiding in state treasuries.

It turns out my family includes a cousin with the name Richard Burkard. He drove trucks for years in the Kansas City area, including at least one stint with my father's company. Yet my genetics must be weird - because I'm still a bit scared of stick-shifts.

Now let's climb down from the family tree for other notes from a nice Tuesday:

+ Wal-Mart presented plans to Columbus Council for a SuperCenter on Gateway Drive in Midland. The company made sure the parking lot had at least 20 trees, to make local groups happy. Now if it will limit traffic to 20 cars an hour, it might make nearby residents happy.

(One person living near this proposed store told WRBL she's "frightened" by the thought of living in a city where Midland is considered suburban, and "the center is a ghost town." Hey, there's an idea! If Dothan, Alabama is the "Circle City," Columbus can be the "Doughnut City.")

+ Columbus Mayor Bob Poydasheff told WDAK radio's "Viewpoint" he plans to retire and do volunteer work "after my second term." I think that's a subtle clue he's accepting campaign donations....

+ Instant Message to WHAL radio: Yes, your announcer's right - "fewer commercials mean more music." But they also mean something else: last place in the ratings.

COMING SOON: A most curious discovery in the Columbus phone book....

Your PayPal donations can keep this blog ad-free and independent-minded. To make a donation, offer a story tip or comment on this blog, write me - but be warned, I may post a reply.

If you quote from this in public somewhere, please be polite enough to let me know.

© 2003-05 Richard Burkard, All Rights Reserved.