Since WE Asked: Fuel for Thought - April 25, 2004

Mail Tribune (Medford, OR — Wayback)

2004-05-10

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59 °F Forecast | Road Cams Monday, May 10, 2004   Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery   SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries   Life   Opinion - Politics   AP News   Weather   Classified   Archives   Site Map   EXTRA   Newspaper in Education   Personals   Movie Times   TV Times   E The People   CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad  eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities   Entertainment   Publications   Recreation   Calendar   CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit   Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend April 25, 2004 Since WE Asked: Fuel for Thought Those who responded to last week’s question on rising gas prices agree on one thing — we still have to get where we’re going. HOW we get where we’re going, however, is still open for debate. As the per-gallon price for unleaded didn’t even hit the brakes to slow down before passing $2, we asked: "How will the rising price of gas affect your driving — both on a regular basis and for vacations during the year?" Remember to respond to this week’s question at the bottom. Advertisement I will curtail my driving. I drive to work, the grocery store and in cases that can not wait. If more people would stop making more trips around town than needed, then the oil companies will have a glut of gas and oil. The price will drop to an acceptable price. — Charlie, Medford I will be leaving the Valley for the summer to drive around the USA. Besides California, this place has highest prices. — Howard Grisso, Medford We planned for over a year to make an extended trip in our motor home. We are retired and don't go on many long trips. We will have to give up all our plans. — Paula P., Medford Continuing to carpool with friends, and not making as many little trips to the market. Definitely more planning ahead. — Jenn R., Medford We will continue to go out of town for weekend getaways, but will be staying closer to home. This gas pricing issue is getting way out of hand! — L.V., Medford Not at all. — Betty, Ashland No choice but to avoid unnecessary driving. What happened to the train idea between Medford and Ashland? We need more public transportation. — J. Palmer, Medford We'll cut back as much as possible but driving is still obviously necessary. We're flying for vacation this year. — Barbara N., Phoenix I have to drive for work so I will try to route jobs in a circle. For vacations I will bite the bullet. — Bob Korth, Central Point I have no choice but to pay the price at the pump. I drive 22 miles to work. If I could actually afford to live in Ashland where I work, I would be able to walk or ride a bike. As for our bus system, it is a sad excuse for public transportation and unusable for me because it doesn't run at the time I get off work. I do plan to do less driving on errands and will spend less on "fun" and budget more for gas. I expect my costs to double at least. As for vacations, I may not take the long drive I was thinking of this summer and just hang out in the valley. — Marie, Central Point Where I can, I will cut back on driving. — Jim H., White City We vacation all around Oregon and weekend trips exploring S. Oregon in our motorhome. With the rising price of gas, we will have to be content exploring our backyard. — Butch & Pam, Central Point I bought a 2004 Prius. "Filler’up" means 6 gallons every two weeks, give or take. No crimping my style! — Roberta G. I will only make necessary trips and no vacation this year. I am also looking into buying a scooter and riding my bicycle. — Jack Pullins, Medford This week’s question With the war efforts continuing in Afghanistan and Iraq — and the fire season fast approaching — the availability of reservists and National Guard members has been questioned. This week, Sen. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, a Republican, floated the idea of bringing back the lottery system. To follow up, we ask: "Should the United States consider bringing back the military draft?" Please keep answers within a 25-word limit and on point. Please also include your name and town; to be considered for inclusion in the Sunday print edition, both must accompany your e-mail. Send answers using the form here on the Web site, or you may e-mail directly to [email protected] Mail Tribune Home Local News  | Sports  | Business  | Obituaries  | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives  |  Site Map   E Southern Oregon  | Classified   Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback   ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S RESOURCES Oregon Road Conditions & Cams SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Food for Thought Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Prime Times