The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

I hesitate on doing this only because I think people believe what they want to believe, regardless of the facts. That said however, I’ll say a few things regarding gas prices in the GCD area.

As most you know, and what was actually said to me when I came to town back in 2010, was that gas prices in GCD have always been high. I’ve heard and have read the comments that it’s because I have all three stores — not in the least, it’s a function of price.

My pricing structure on gas hasn’t changed, when I owned the first two stores or now that I own three, believe it or not. I’ve actually adopted the pricing model used by the previous owners of the 4 Corners site, which was quite similar to the pricing model used at my first two stores. Meaning no changes, not one penny, again, believe it or not!

In regards to purchasing gas out of town, that certainly is your choice. I believe it makes sense if you’re headed out of town; we all want to save a buck, even me. However, if you’re making a special trip because you believe you’re saving money, I would ask that you just do the simple math. Simply said, whether it’s Wilbur, Coulee City or any place else at current gas prices, it would cost you $9 or $10 to make the round trip — that’s not counting your time or wear and tear on your car/truck. If you’re saving 20 or even 30 cents a gallon, given most tanks only hold 20 to 25 gallons, you are only saving $4 to 8, and that’s assuming you’re almost empty when you get there. Regardless how you look at it, you’re spending more than you save. Not sure you want to do that, but again, it’s your choice.

Now if you’re doing it to spite me, or because you think I’m over-charging or whatever, I’m not really sure and that’s up to you, obviously, but let me make a few comments on that as well. By spending your dollars out of town you’re actually hurting yourself, your family, your friends, your neighbors and the rest of community as a whole. The tax dollars that are generated and collected by the sale of goods and services as well as the payroll generated, not only by my stores but all of our employers in GCD, return to our community. They help support our police, fire, ambulance service, schools, city crews and workers. They help with keeping our streets maintained, paved in the summer, plowed in the winter, street lights on for safety, sewer and water for our homes and the list goes on and on. So I actually find it hard believe that you would rather support another community and not your own.

I enjoy living here, I enjoy the area, I enjoy giving back to the community through many contributions, donations and programs that I support ,and I have great pride in the fact that I’m able to provide employment for 20 fine individuals, giving them the ability to live and work in the local area where they live and not having to leave town to find work elsewhere, like many others have!

To those of you who support us and our community, THANK YOU. To those of you who believe you’ve found reason not to, we hope you’ll find reason to come back.

Jack Madsen