There's a simple solution for the high price of gasoline

Is the price of gasoline too high? Does your car average only 20 mpg? Are you "scrimping" on other necessities in order to afford gasoline?

There is a simple solution. One which, if most drivers adopted, would result in a major reduction in our nation's use of gasoline. The solution? Never drive alone if you can avoid it!

In the 1970s and early '80s, with the price of gasoline escalating due to the Arab embargo, seven of us, all employees at Ellsworth AFB, bought a seven-passenger station wagon and formed a carpool. We shared the cost of the vehicle, gasoline and maintenance. As it worked out, the wagon only averaged 10 mpg, but spread over seven of us, it was like a car averaging 65 mpg.

Look around, find someone, find others, and start your carpools. The results will amaze you. If enough people do this, our nation's dependence on foreign oil will disappear, and the world price for oil will also drop appreciably since the U.S. is the largest user of imported oil in the world.

GORDON LEASE

Rapid City

Thanks for the success of the 4th Annual Yellow Bike-a-thon

Another Yellow Bike-a-thon is over and was a success. We would like to thank everybody who participated in the ride. We also would like to thank all the businesses that contributed to the 4th Annual Yellow Bike-a-thon. Those businesses are: Black Hills Corporation, Jacobs Motor Co. Inc., L&L Insulation, Shirt Shack, Bear Country, Crazy Horse Memorial, Reptile Gardens, Logan's Inc, Automatic Transmission Specialists, Pepsi of the Black Hills, The Ice House, Rapid City Journal, KOTA, YMCA, Common Cents, M&G Oil, Scheels All Sports, Rushmore Radio, Trek, The Dahl Arts Center, Olson Auto, McDonalds, Rapid City Swim Center, Dean Kurtz Construction, Merry Maids of the Black Hills, Agents of Insurance, Crossroads Counseling Inc., the Crossroads Band and the Foster Parents, and Valley Sweep. Without your support we would not have the success that we have.

We had 38 riders and will be giving a donation of $40 to the American Cancer Society. Hope to see you all again next year, and bring your friends. It will be Saturday, June 14, 2008.

DALE AND NANCY BISHOP

Rapid City

American Cancer Society Relay for Life thanks you

On behalf of the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, I want to thank the Rapid City Journal for its support of the 2007 Relay. Our event last weekend raised $91,130, which goes directly to research, treatment, advocacy, patient services and much more.

Thank you to all in our community that contributed time, money or support in any way. All survivors are truly thankful for the funds that will continue research and provide future treatment options.

Finally, as both a survivor and ACS Volunteer, I would like to publicly thank Patty Neumiller and Ari Andersen of the local ACS office. It's more than just a job to these women; they truly care, and the event could not have been a success without them.

AMY BOCHMAN

Rapid City

Hadley, Kooiker, will best serve citizens in Ward 4

I want to commend Ida Fast Wolf, a Ward 4 candidate for city council in the recent municipal election, for having the courage to participate in the political process. Her willingness to subject herself to a cynical and critical electorate sends a clear message throughout Rapid City that it is money that reigns supreme here. Although she came up short, I hope Ida's efforts inspire and empower women of all stripes to pursue politics that traditionally has been dominated by men.

Many Ward 4 residents reportedly asked Sam Kooiker for constituent support during the past few years because Ron Kroeger was too busy with real-estate matters. People ask, "Where's the beef?" only to realize that Kroeger is "all sizzle and no steak." Kroeger had his opportunity in office. His stewardship has failed miserably. We're living in uncertain economic times and there's no time for complacency.

Government is a trust, and government officials are trustees. Both were created for the benefit of the people.

It is in this vein that I ask all Ward 4 residents who voted for Ida Fast Wolf to cast their vote for Lori Hadley for alderman and Sam Kooiker for mayor. You won't be disappointed!

MARSHALL W. CURTIS

Box Elder