May 01, 2012
Forest, VA - At the end of May gas prices are expected to spike yet again. Yes, we've had a break and the prices have come down, but concern continues climbing. Monday, Representative Bob Goodlatte heard that concern from constituents first-hand at a Forest gas station. It was more than just a political meet and greet; Rep. Goodlatte went to work.
Amanda Bierlein is working two jobs, raising three kids and has the good ole days on her mind.
"When I first started driving, filling up meant $15, $20 tops. Now I just filled up and it was $60," said Bierlein.
That was before filling up a car had its own sickness. Now, the catchphrase "pain at the pump" seems as routine as the common cold, with no diagnosis in sight.
"A lot of times it's more expensive than my electric bill," said Bierlein.
It's folks like Bierlein, suffering from gas price fatigue, Rep. Goodlatte wants to talk with.
"The average family is spending an average $200 a month more for gas, and that's having an impact. They are having to forego other things," said Rep. Goodlatte.
But, at the Marathon station on Forest Road, the Congressman did a little more than listen to constituents; he got to work too.
Filling up cars and surprising a few drivers.
"The people really enjoyed it. They were wondering, who was this man pumping my gas today. ya know," said Rosa Jefferson, store clerk.
Goodlatte has been traveling the district pumping gas and hearing story after story of gas prices run amok. And says he gets the same solution.
"A lot of people believe that we have so many energy reserves in the United States and Canada that we can become energy independent, and not dependent on Venezuelan oil, Nigerian oil, Middle Eastern oil," said Rep. Goodlatte.
We asked one driver if she blames any one because of the prices -- the Middle East, politicians, speculators on Wall Street? The answer: No blame. She'd rather have a solution, instead of pointing fingers.
Tags: Energy