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Comment By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Jan. 28, 2016 at 8:13 PM Updated Jan 28, 2016 at 8:14 PM By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Jan. 28, 2016 at 8:13 PM Updated Jan 28, 2016 at 8:14 PM » Social News Oregon is only one of two states that ban self-service gasoline pumping, thus requiring oil companies to hire attendants who can pump your gas, occasionally wash your front windshield (sometimes the back one too), add a quart of oil and sometimes — if they have a repair bay instead of a Fritos rack — can answer questions about what’s wrong with your car and even fix it. Oregon passed this law in 1951 for safety reasons, feeling that pumping gas should only be done by men who work around engines and understand how flammable gas can be — and that it was a task that shouldn’t be entrusted (or burdened upon) older people. Not teens either. In doing this, Oregon followed the lead of New Jersey. These are still the only states that won’t let you fill ‘er up. This ban has stood the test of time, resisted legislative challenges and become part of “what makes Oregon, Oregon.” The main issue, over the years, seems to have been the fact that the requirement for attendants creates jobs — and keeps motorists from performing the functions that might better be handled by guys in the trade. Another big issue since the Americans with Disabilities Act is the fact that many people can’t handle the complex electronic and mechanical machinery that puts the gas in your car, so self-service doesn’t do anything for them. The ADA required a full-service option at self-service rates, but enforcement of this has been sketchy, according to infoplease.com . Are Oregonians tired of the ban on self-service? Do they want to be like other states? PEMCO, a mutual insurance company for public employees in Seattle recently polled Oregonians about lifting the ban on self-service and found that 69 percent of Oregonians want to keep it the way it is — full service. But now there’s a gray area. A new Oregon law gives non-commercial drivers in less-populated rural counties the option to pump their own gas when an attendant isn’t present between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Does this signal a wavering of opinion on the part or Oregon motorists? Do they want to hop out of their vehicles, flip it on, swipe the card and jam it in the tank? We asked Ashlanders. Carol Carlson — I like to have it pumped. It’s like a sweet thing to me, especially if it’s raining. It employs people and that’s a good thing. I’m sorry they still get paid minimum wage. I also don’t like breathing the gas. I’d like to avoid that. Marcy Tilton — No, I don’t want to get rid of full-service. It’s part of the cultural advantage of living in Oregon. The attendants here seem happy. I know their family and they take really good care of me. I heard the cost of having attendants is factored into the cost of gas. I don’t like the smell of gas on my hands. Sometimes the pumps don’t work for me, at some el cheapo station. I don’t like stations where you have to go inside and pay and they ask what pump are you at. That’s a hassle. When I’m driving out of Oregon, I make sure to top off. Part of it’s lazy. I like life’s little luxuries and full service is one. Jerry Hirschfield — I feel not too good about self-service. I’m 94. I would not be used to pumping gas after all these years of having someone else do it, and they have all these mechanisms now, at the pump and they’re different from station to station and you have to figure them out. I’m pushing the years in this life. I like them to come out and clean my windows, though most of them don’t do it now. Lavelle Foos — No, people need to employ workers and the gas company can afford it and we don’t have to pay more for gas if they have attendants. I want them to employ people. I’m glad we do it here in Oregon. People need jobs. They’re always so nice to me and I always thank them. Renaldo Reyburn — I’m happy to have someone pump the gas. I don’t know how much it costs them. If they save money with self-serve, I’d be willing to pump it. If not, then I’m ok. We need jobs so I would say it’s a good think to keep full service. John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected]. By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Jan. 28, 2016 at 8:13 PM Updated Jan 28, 2016 at 8:14 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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