Now
Overcast
76.0°
High
87°
Low
68°
Full Forecast

Coupon

Jobs

Cars

Homes

Rentals

Alerts

Subscribe
Home > News > Nebraska
Bookmark Us   •   Make Us Your Homepage

Bruning looking into gas advertising practice

Comments 61 comment(s)  
E-mail Story E-mail Story
Print Story Print Story
Share  Share
Text Size: 
Tools Sponsor

By NANCY HICKS / Lincoln Journal Star

Wednesday, Aug 22, 2007 - 03:31:12 pm CDT

A handful of gas stations along Interstate 80 that lure travelers by advertising a very low gasoline price that is available at just a couple of their two dozen pumps are under investigation by the Nebraska attorney general’s office.

“Common sense tells you that they are stealing roughly $5 to $10 a tank from anyone who stops,” said Attorney General Jon Bruning, who went to the North Platte gas stations on Tuesday morning.

Consumers have reported the practice occurs at Conoco stations in North Platte, Lexington and Ogallala and at the two North Platte BP stations.   

Story Photo
Bruning

Related Link(s):


Sound Off: Should deceptive gas price advertising practices be made illegal?

Bruning’s office is using the state’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act to examine the business practices of the stations.

“It was clear to me that this is deceptive advertising,” he said Tuesday afternoon. “Almost everyone there had been deceived.”

Most people fill all or part of their tanks before realizing they are paying 50 cents more than the price advertised on signs, he said.

“The problem with gasoline is you can’t give it back.”

Bruning visited the Conoco station and two BP stations on both sides of I-80 and said he saw patrons yelling at the BP clerk.  

“I saw more red-faced, angry people in 10 minutes than I’ve seen in a long time,” he said. “So all day long you have angry customers swearing never again to stop for anything in Nebraska.

“This puts our entire state in a bad light. It’s bad for North Platte.  It’s bad for Nebraska.”

Bruning said he took names and contact information from patrons at the stations.

“It’s a shame, and I intend to do something about it.”

 A letter that went from his office to the two gas station owners before the personal visit has more than four pages of questions.   

In it, Bruning’s staff asked for  documentation of gas prices paid by the station owners, the factors that go into advertising decisions,  the advertised prices over the past 12 months, the best-selling fuel and price each month for the past three years and a list of all consumers who have complained about the advertised price of the gas.

People have complained to local chambers of commerce, newspapers, the state’s weights and measures office and the attorney general’s office.

Mark Wilkinson, who owns the Conoco stations, did not return a phone call on Tuesday and refused to comment last week.

Roy Wagner, part owner of the North Platte BP stations, said he has talked with Bruning’s staff about signing an agreement that he would stop the practice if the competing Conoco station did.

“I’ll stop it if the other guy stops it,” he said.

The practice itself is not illegal because the stations do offer gas at the advertised price, albeit at just a few pumps, according to Steve Malone, administrator of the state’s Weights and Measures Division.

But the deceptive practices act gives the attorney general leeway   to look at advertising “where the intent is not to supply reasonably expectable public demand.”

Bruning said the North Platte BP station was advertising gas at $2.89 a gallon, but the cheapest price at most pumps was 50 cents higher.

“It will be up to a judge, but I am very happy to make the case (that it’s deceptive),” he said.

The station owners are under increased pressure to stop the practice.  

One Nebraskan sent an e-mail consumer alert that has gone across the country.

The ConocoPhillips corporate office in Texas is working with the marketer who sells to Wilkinson, an independent dealer. Late Tuesday afternoon, the company was still waiting for answers, said Bill Graham, a marketing executive.  

Lexington-area Chamber of Commerce Manager Susan Bennett said she talked with Wilkinson on Monday about the ill will his advertising is causing but said he is not a chamber member, and even if he were, “we can’t tell our member businesses  how to price … goods.”

Bennett said she didn’t know what effect, if any, the conversation had.

Reach Nancy Hicks at 473-7250 or nhicks@journalstar.com.


$1 Sunday Delivery - Subscribe Today!
Nebraska > Back to Top of Story

Post Your Comment

Standards and Rules
All posts to JournalStar.com are subject to our Terms and Standards.
Your posted comment will appear after it has been approved.
Frequently asked questions about story commenting.
(optional)
   
Hide Comments Hide Comments   Newest First Newest First  
Gasaholic wrote on August 22, 2007 2:17 am:
" Funny how this sort of thing has been going on for years and nothing is done about it till the press writes about it. Must be an election year coming up, eh? Despite the sour grapes, thanks LJS for publicizing the issue. "
Ralph Thomas wrote on August 22, 2007 3:21 am:
" If Bruning is doing it, it must mean that he needs the media to expouse his BS. What a waste of time, paper and ink. "
Way to Go wrote on August 22, 2007 4:14 am:
" Way to go Bruning. Take action after you receive hundreds of complaints. Why haven't you taken action before on these stations. Why not spend more time being an attorney general than running for the senate. If you want to be a senator, resign so you can devote all your time to it. "
George Kruger wrote on August 22, 2007 4:43 am:
" What's with I'll stop if he stops? Sure, competition to the American way, but in this case, I say "hammer them both". The practice is very deceptive and I'd be inclined to bypass Nebraska business' rather than be taken advantage of. Of note, does anyone actually monitor the storage tanks of gas stations for the ratio of condensation (i.e., watered down gasoline)? I'd be curious to know the answer to that question. "
Good job Bruning! wrote on August 22, 2007 5:05 am:
" It's about time somebody put a stop to this. This is not the kind of thing people generally do in Nebraska. I applaud the Attorney General for getting involved in this matter. "
Okie wrote on August 22, 2007 5:23 am:
" So much for wholesome Midwestern values. We have deceptive business owners and a grandstanding wannabe U.S. Senator. "
tom b wrote on August 22, 2007 7:06 am:
" what a joke...investigate something worthwhile... like price gouging...oh never mind... "
Ramone wrote on August 22, 2007 7:16 am:
" Kind of torn here ... if you're not smart enough to look at the price you're paying before you start pumping gas, maybe it would be a good lesson to learn. Then again, in the bigger picture, what these stations are doing is completely ridiculous. And the idea of "I'll stop doing it if the other guy stops doing it" is equally stupid. Perhaps he should be more honest and say "I'll stop misleading my customers when the other guy stops misleading his customers". "
Ed wrote on August 22, 2007 7:16 am:
" Amazing - the guy from out of state writes the AG about this, but nothing happens until it is in the paper and then, suddenly, there is an investigation. Guess you should just start with the JS when you need the Ag to look into something - especially when he's running for senate! "
Politics wrote on August 22, 2007 7:23 am:
" Looks like Bruning is making another political move....what a joke!! This has been an issue for years....now lets do something about! Open your eyes Nebraskans, get a clue and pay attention! "
Sylvia wrote on August 22, 2007 7:51 am:
" Too little, too late, a little less talk, a little more action, there was never any price gouging in Lincoln! NEVER! "
NL wrote on August 22, 2007 8:04 am:
" What lesson am I suppose to learn. That the gas station cheats people and it's my fault because I stopped for gas believing the sign? The problem with looking at the price on the pump before you start pumping is that you've pulled in off the interstate, probably waited in line to pull into a pump, them notice the price, but are blocked in front to back with other vehicles. It really isn't feasable to walk up and down the lines of pumps to see which pumps are the lower price, then try to manuver your vehicle into that pump. If you visit the station often, you know which pumps are priced cheaper, but the traveler off the interstate doesn't know. It's not that I'm not smart enough, but I can't wait forever to get a pump that is marked correctly. "
funny wrote on August 22, 2007 8:16 am:
" It is comical that he's doing this when price gouging is going on in Lincoln and Omaha under his nose. I say gouging because when the fuel is in the ground and they walk out and raise the price 20 cents without any new fuel is dumped into the tank to me that's gouging. It didn't cost them anymore but it sure costs us. "
Lisa wrote on August 22, 2007 8:40 am:
" Nice Roy Wagner. Way to be a grown up. At least you don't sound like your 12! I think the prices should stay as is ((with fine print stating available on limited pumps)). There is no reason to waste more tax payers money to pay this guy ((yeah the AG) to waste time, money, paper, ink, etc. to do pretty much nothing, since they aren't really doing anything illegal. These gas station owners DO have gas available for $2.89, it's called a loss leader. Yeah, kinda shady, BUT 100% ALL AMERICAN. "
JH wrote on August 22, 2007 9:00 am:
" I'm glad he's investigating this. That's his job. It seems like Bruning can't straighten his tie without the "grandstanding" whiners getting in a tizzy. People, you are taking his actions way too personally. "
Thanks wrote on August 22, 2007 9:12 am:
" Depsite the nay-sayers, I'm glad that Bruning is looking into this. Maybe the first letter didn't even make it past an office clerk--its not like Bruning personaly answers all the mail going into his office. He reads about it in the LJS (thanks, by the way, LJS), and voila--investigation. These service station owners need it stuck to them by either the AG or the consumer. Sure, buyer beware is a valid point, but comon' even the most savvy consumer can be taken by this scam. These Yahoos are giving North Platte and Nebraska a bad name. "
Wm. Morris wrote on August 22, 2007 9:12 am:
" I guess the way to get action out of the AG is to make a problem a political issue. Any ideas on how we could make back child support political? "
wow... wrote on August 22, 2007 9:12 am:
" all i have to say is that there is a difference between being able to read and comprehending what you have read. seems there are a few of you that need to re-read this article and try to understand that ljs is simply reporting on the activities of the ag's office. nowhere in this article does it even imply that the ljs started this investigation, or brought this concern to mr. brunings office. "
One Out In The Third wrote on August 22, 2007 9:15 am:
" While the word on the Ogallala...North Platte and Lexington deceptive advertising spread like wildfire through email and blog sites two to three weeks ago...the media either ignored it or were also slow to respond. The story didn't make it into the LJS until last Sunday. Bruning must have read the paper. Kansas law prohibits such activities...I would hope the Governor or Mr. Bruning would do something before the Unicameral comes back into session and botches it up. I am sure it will be a priority item...right after the alligator wrestling legislation. "
Bill wrote on August 22, 2007 9:22 am:
" The big picture is this. Someone will have a bit of temper at one of these stations. An employee will be badly injured...law will be called in and guess what...another big legal expenditure that was completely unnecessary and someone who is 99 per cent law-abiding will be in jail with further expenditures. Can't large signs be installed at those stations stating this station is under investigation of the Deceptive Prices Act. "
MIke wrote on August 22, 2007 9:27 am:
" "I'll stop if the other guy stops." I didn't know a 12 year old could own a gas station. Maybe this guy could look up words like integrity in a dictionary. "
No Offense wrote on August 22, 2007 9:38 am:
" So what is so illegal about doing this, it isn't like they aren't selling gas for the posted price. I always look at the price on the pump I am at and if it isn't what I thought then I move to the pump that is. This is just another example of people wanting someone else to make life easier for them. Come on isn't there more important things to take care of in this state. If AG wants to investigate price gouging then look at the industry as a whole not just a couple stations. What a joke once again! "
Dano wrote on August 22, 2007 9:42 am:
" Too little, too late. This won't persuade me to stop for anything in western NE again after I experienced it first hand this summer, and I am NE born and raised. I was raised to respect people, and this is about as disrepectful to customers, as you can be. Bruning is about as worthless as these gas stations as far as AG goes. Pretty much guarantees that I won't vote for him in anything as well, since he is always there for the publicity. He is a policitcal event - ambulance chaser. "
Arch Kearney wrote on August 22, 2007 9:54 am:
" THANK YOU Mr. Bruning! This is how the system is supposed to work. Whether its because he only recently became aware or because he's running for office, it does not matter. It's how things get done in a democracy. Meanwhile, I hope Nebraska really takes it these rip off artists stealing from our tourists and our citizens! "
Doc wrote on August 22, 2007 9:55 am:
" Hss this practice been going on for years? Before Breuning perhaps? Let's get off of Jon for a minute and solve the problem. Remember the signs, we can refuse service to anyone?? If the Chamber of Commerces were serious in the affect towns, they might want to have their members and other refuse to sell items to the owners and employees of the stations that are doing this bait and switch. No nothing, groceries, or anything else. This could have been handled locally in the beginning. I am sure all the locals know to boycott the high price pumps, now they need to put pressure where it will do some good. That is unless the business people want this reputation around the county because you know that outsiders will paint the whole town with the same brush. "
Rusty Shackleford wrote on August 22, 2007 10:05 am:
" I wonder what Brunings definition of gouging is? The average price of gas in Nebraska Tuesday was $2.89 (http://www.nebraskagasprices.com/retail_price_chart.aspx), if these stations are selling the same grade of gas 50 cents higher then I'd say that qualifies as gouging. "
Marge wrote on August 22, 2007 10:09 am:
" Get off John Bruning's back. I don't care what it takes to get him to investigate this pricing scheme, it needs action. To my knowledge this has not been happening for years, this is new and action has to be taken. It's obvious to me that Mr. Wilkinson is greedy and doesn't care how he earns his money or at what cost to the state he choses to live in. Mr. Wagner needs to get a spine and charge a fair price. If I lived in NP I would be standing outside their stations with a sign alerting consumers. "
Wes wrote on August 22, 2007 10:17 am:
" I'm glad to see the Attorney General is finally doing something about this issue. Considering I wrote to his office 2 weeks ago and heard no response on this issue and that the LJS ran an article earlier this week concerning this issue. While I'm pleased to action done, I would have liked a quicker response! "
BB wrote on August 22, 2007 10:20 am:
" Arch is exactly right! Instead of posting whines and threats, do something. Wright letters to newspapers and officials, thats the only way we are going to change the way things are going (which is down the toilet). Peeple need to start getting involved in the process> "
NL wrote on August 22, 2007 10:26 am:
" Some of the digital pumps don't display the price until you've started the pumping process. One of the stations that do this have several islands with lots of pumps, do you want people to park, walk up and down the pump island to check prices, then wait for that pump to open up. Usually pumps are full, I would venture a guess that the pumps with the cheaper price are in the middle of the rest, making it difficult to pull up to that pump if there are other cars filling. It's not like we aren't smart enough, but how long do you want to take to get gas and get on the road again? This is deceptive, and thank you John Bruning for trying to fix this problem. "
JR wrote on August 22, 2007 10:32 am:
" What is there to investigate? It's just a good old fashion bait-and-switch technique. This practice may be unsavory, but it certainly isn't illegal! It's no different than a special introductory rate on a credit card or low per-minute charges on the first couple months of a long distance phone plan. It's time for the consumer to wake up and check things out prior to purchasing something. Unless you want the government involved in every little facet of your life, grow up and take responsibility for your purchases. Caveat emptor -- let the buyer beware!!! "
MP wrote on August 22, 2007 11:11 am:
" Wait a minute. These price scams can be the boost in economic development for towns west of Lincoln. Since all real planning is being centered on Omaha-Lincoln, why not let the others fight for the I-80 scraps. "
tim wrote on August 22, 2007 11:47 am:
" boy the LJS readers are a sour bunch today. if bruning did nothing his non supports would rip him, now when he is taking appropriate action you rip him. to either way your get to jump on is case. lucky you. additionally when he was proactive about protecting our children like the case in SE nebraska you jumped all over his case for butting in . must be nice to sit up among the gods. and those that suggest he quite his job while he run for the senate let me ask. did you quit your job prior to taking the next one? not if you had a choice you didnt because you have responsibilities and so does he. so get off your high horses. "
Nina wrote on August 22, 2007 12:15 pm:
" This seems no worse than the stations that post a price that you can only get by buying mega gallons and using that company's credit card to do it. Both "bait & switch" ploys have the same reaction from me, and I don't need Jon Bruning's help to do it. I avoid taking my business there, I warn other family members and friends, and I let the business know what I'm doing and why. "
Mrs. Johnson wrote on August 22, 2007 12:24 pm:
" Maybe John could go after hotels and car rentals for baiting with low rates and then not having the rate when you book. We all know he'll do nothing. It's simply a chance for camera time. The Attorney General has no clothes. "
I agree with Tim wrote on August 22, 2007 1:05 pm:
" WTG Bruning and LJS. It's about time someone took action against the crooks. Not all of us can whip out a charge card and pay the higher prices, heck some of couldn't even afford to take a vacation this summer due to the gas prices so we need someone to go against these larger corps that gouge the little guys. I applaud the efforts of Bruning and proud to say I voted for him!! "
Darren wrote on August 22, 2007 1:24 pm:
" Well since bruning has been getting complaints and letters for awhile about this but refused to do anything until it hit the paper and was suddenly publicized I'd say the timing of his actions lends people to belive it's political grandstanding. When Nebraska was paying more than any other state for gas he was silent also. Of course that had alot more to do with corporate Oil than individual station owners who's pockets aren't nearly as deep as big oils. "
Ginny wrote on August 22, 2007 1:36 pm:
" Let's keep a few things in mind here: 1. Jon doesn't read every single piece of mail addressed to him. There's probably a system in place to ensure all the really important issues (child abusers, rapists, murderers, etc.) get to him first. Compared to these cases, deceptive advertising isn't exactly a high priority. 2. It's possible that the gas station letters were given to another attorney who works under Jon by a secretary who didn't deem them important enough for Jon's attention. 3. We all have to work to fight the evil-doers in our state. We can't put it all off on Jon's shoulders. If you want to make a difference, hit these station owners where it hurts-their bank account. Boycotting has long been the american way to fight wrongdoers. Don't buy anything-gas or otherwise-at these stations. Let other people know where the stations are that are doing these practices so that everyone can boycott. Protest where people can see before they enter the lot that this gas station isn't reputable. When there is no money coming in to these stations, maybe they'll figure out that they should be honest to begin with. The woman who started it all got it right when she sent the email. I passed it on to everyone in my email address book, I hope you did, too. 4. Perhaps someone with computer savvy can start a webpage where people can log the locations of these stations. Then maybe business owners can print this off the computer and post it where everyone can see it. This will remind others that to be on their guard and not patronize these establishments. 5. To the station that will be honest if everyone else is honest-You would make a better name for yourself by doing just as the third station did-by posting that you were using honest practices. People with true integrity are honest even when others are not, even when there is a price to pay. Kudos to Jon for working to end these misleading practices and restoring the good name that Nebraska deserves. Jon- You have my vote at election time! Keep up the good work you're doing for Nebraska! "
common sense wrote on August 22, 2007 1:37 pm:
" In response to 'funny' in regards to gas stations price gouging in Lincoln & Omaha. True...there are times when the gas goes in the tank and then the price does go up. But, there are plenty of times when the gas is put in the tanks at a higher cost and then the prices go down. Think about it-- it goes both ways! Just someone HAVING to have something to gripe about!!! "
Too bad wrote on August 22, 2007 1:41 pm:
" the AG is a media hound. He didn't go out until LJS ran the 1st article. Also, how many staffers could have gone to NP and checked this out. Was it necessary for the AG to go himself. I hope his campaign paid his travel expenses not the State budget. "
Come on wrote on August 22, 2007 1:45 pm:
" Wow is this going to make gas prices any cheaper. I agree what a complete waist of time once again. "
Not a whiner wrote on August 22, 2007 1:45 pm:
" But why is he being thanked? The story quoted him as saying "it will be up to a judge"? What exactly did he do? Besides writing a letter and taking names. The practice didn't stop, you're not better protected. But you are more aware. "
Pro Business wrote on August 22, 2007 2:12 pm:
" They are not crooks, they are taking advantage of their market, just like any other good business would do. The customers are generally passing through, so the business does not have to court customer satisfaction. Why shouldn't they try to cash in on this business strategy? If the price they pay is the price on the pump, how can customers really have been cheated. And as long as at least one pump is set to the advertised rate, what law has really been broken. Western Nebraska has a right to try and rake in the gas too. I do think the AG's interest is for his own advancement and not for the welfare of the people. "
Bob wrote on August 22, 2007 2:38 pm:
" there's REAL planning in Lincoln (sarcasm)? In regards to the article, these towns have a distinct geographical advantage that they use to their advantage (is that stupid or smart?; ethical or unethical?). They know people HAVE to stop and fillup or they risk pushing their car down the interstate. Competition exists, so yes, I agree with the AG in that price gouging needs to be investigated. "
js wrote on August 22, 2007 3:33 pm:
" The LJS said, that out of 2 dozen pumps 2 or 3 pumps did sell at the lower price. Technically, they are selling lower.Like Nina said, other businesses do the same thing. You really have to keep your eyes open.If something seems to be too good to be true most often it is.Look around, you can fill up at their cheap pumps. "
MItch wrote on August 22, 2007 3:43 pm:
" Just so you know the stations in North Platte have 4 different products avaiable. 1 product is the cheapest - E10. The signs say E10 and price. The E10 is avaiable at one pump only not at all pumps priced differently. Should Wal-Mart be investigated because its red onions are on sale but not its yellow onions. This is a way to use tax payers money to campaign for senate - Nothing more. "
Dano wrote on August 22, 2007 3:44 pm:
" To those of you that think we are idiots for not reading the pumps, i would say a few things to you that the LJS wouldn't post for sure. It isn't that people are stupid, it is that they are trusting of certain expected norms when shopping for gas. The problem is, in most parts of this country, let alone the state, this is not a common practice. Most places where people pull up to the pump, they usually expect and get the advertised price. My experience was on the way home this summer from Colorado. I pulled over to fill up at the Conoco mentioned because the price was resonable. Just to top off, notice the price at the pump was 50 cents higher, new it was total BS and immediately pulled away. I always check to make sure, because I'm cheap (I'll admit it). But had I started filling, I would have been extremely ticked off. The thing that made me the most mad, was because I pulled over for about two minutes to deal with this poor idea of a business practice, I got stuck in the 12 mile resurfacing project, behind a moron in a 80's caravan pulling a camper that nearly had the front end off the ground, and of course he was driving 40 miles an hour on the interstate in one lane traffic. So becuase of this jerk and his sign, I basicaly added 15-30 minutes to a trip that was already long enough. That sealed it for me. Never stopping there again, even if Bruning does do something. And everyone who has had this experience, can probably say the same. "
Dittohead wrote on August 22, 2007 4:33 pm:
" "Pro Business" and some of the others who posted here are absolutely right. Companies have the God-given duty to stick it to customers at every opportunity. That's the spirit that made this country what it is today. All this talk about honesty and integrity is just left-wing drivel! Tell Bruning he needs to spend more time going after poor people and minorities rather than business owners who are making a profit. God Bless America! "
Deception wrote on August 22, 2007 5:14 pm:
" It is Deception no matter how you look at it. People wouldn't go there if they knew how much they would be tricked into paying. Go Get Em Jon! "
Econ 101 wrote on August 22, 2007 8:15 pm:
" Please someone tell me about price gouging. There is NO such thing! "
Butch wrote on August 22, 2007 8:21 pm:
" I don't know about you, but I have been tricked into buying milk at $4.50 a gallon because the tags next to the jug aid $2.99 but I didn't check the sticker so it is my fault, no harm no foul. What kind of out-of-state sucker pulls over just because the overhead sign flashes a price that is only at the secret pump? Those so gullible to get fooled by the scam need to get wise to the world. "
Central Nebraska wrote on August 22, 2007 8:24 pm:
" Mark my words.....Nothing, absolutely nothing will come of Bruning's promise do something. It is all fluff and meaningless bluster on his part. I will ask you all in 3 months if Bruning ever did anything about this problem, and to a person you will have to say not a thing. Wait and see. "
Randy wrote on August 22, 2007 9:04 pm:
" I noticed a few years ago that the gas stations at the North Platte interchange were pricing gas this way and they forever lost my business from that day forward. Too bad there are still enough unsuspecting customers to keep them in business. It would be nice if the national company would force the owners to give up the corporate name and at least take that away from them. "
tc wrote on August 22, 2007 10:14 pm:
" It's amazing Bruning has time to do his job with all the work he is doing trying to become a senator. "
Chris wrote on August 22, 2007 11:22 pm:
" I'm glad the AG is doing something about this, but the state legislature needs to step up and make this practice illegal. The station owner quoted didn't exactly make his case very well, but I understand what he's saying. He just doesn't want to stop only to lose money to the other guy because he continues to do something deceptive. Yeah, he could advertise his prices are legit on all pumps, but my guess is if the other guy continues the deception his station will end up making more money than the guy who's playing straight. Wagner wants to be a good guy, he just doesn't want to lose money doing it, which is why the legislature needs to step up and make this illegal for everybody so somebody who's under handed doesn't profit from it. "
Roger wrote on August 22, 2007 11:34 pm:
" Well, well, know isn't this cute. We are now going to start telling businesses how to price their product and get the big government involved in fixing prices, won't that be something. Mr. Bruning I have said good things about you in the past but this takes the cake, you need to reconsider your run for Senate you lost my vote, and no manner of galley lagging around will get it back. I know am starting to see why others do not like you. Stick to doing things that truly have merit and stay out of muddy waters. I will swing my vote to any democrat that runs against you, unless of course there is another republican that shows some merit. You have lost my confidence. There are gas stations in Lincoln that do the very same thing but nothing is done so why pick on these guys. You will never make a very good Senator with these kinds of issues, what will your legislations look like, dictated practices by the government, that is really free enterprise. If people don't want to purchase from these places because of advertising then let them decide not to purchase, you don't need to get involved, especially when your own weights and Measures division management says its not illegal. So now are you going to pursue this person as well. I don't get it. "
whatever wrote on August 22, 2007 11:36 pm:
" Looks like some of us have taken too many economics classes and really believe this is a free and capitalist society and the "guiding" hand will save us all. Uh, yeah there is such a thing as price gouging and uh, no this isn't a free and true capitalist society/economy. Generally unrestrained capitalism and unethical business practices lead to fewer and fewer business operation in any given industry, thus leading to more a "communist" or centralized/monopolistic environment. Every once in awhile the government needs to step in and relevel the playing field. Try starting a business that offers something better than big COMPANY X, then try to get retail space for your product if it starts to cut into COMPANY X's market share. I can assure you that COMPANY X will "purchase" all available retail space to ensure your product no longer sees the light of day. The other side is what we have going on here, it's almost a "bait and switch" situation. I think Bruning is more or less a flip flopping, self serving idiot who thinks of nothing but his political career, but in this case it is the just and correct action to intervene and investigate. This sort of practice has a negative and rippling effect on Nebraska's economy and what's left of it's integrity. "
WK. wrote on August 23, 2007 10:25 am:
" All you people that are local people need to do is pull in by the pump and get out go in and ask which pump has the lowest price,as you know what is going on, now that will give you time to tell the freeway customers what is going on. These stations need the freeway customer more then they need you. In the meantime you cause a very big mess in there profits and they will make changes real fast. Take control of the situation you live there. "
Thank you Journal-Star wrote on August 23, 2007 11:44 am:
" When LJS covered this situation in Sunday's edition my posted comment noted this made our state looked bad and asked where AG Bruning, Auditor Foley and Governor Heineman were. Bruning has responded and even went out to the gas station so that is a plus. Because the deceptive pricing practice is not illegal is irrelevant. It makes Nebraska look like those states (unnamed) in the past that had the practice of setting up "speed traps" in Bumpkinville USA and hauling unsuspecting out-of-staters in for hefty fines in kangaroo courts. North Platte, Lexington and Ogallala what were you citizens thinking ??? "
Please only answer if you know wrote on August 23, 2007 12:34 pm:
" Do the gas stations have to fill out the 4 pages of quetions sent by the AG's office, or can they tell him to go pound sand unless he has a subpeona? "
Flatrock Exile wrote on August 24, 2007 11:41 pm:
" Mr. Bruning now that you have a taste of North Platte's deception you should check the rest of the town out. They have been doing stuff like this for 30 yrs. You should have went their on a Holiday weekend. It might have been another $0.25 higher. "

Ads by Yahoo!