Letters To Representative Davis

June 1st, 2007

Dear Senator Bond,

Thank you for doing such a fine job of serving us in Washington DC. While we were on Spring break in March I stopped in to see you at your office and your staff did a splendid job of taking care of us. Visiting your office was very charming.

We have some very important constituents who own independent gas stations. While I normally am a big supporter of allowing the competitive process to work to bring the prices down, in the case of oil it has overwhelmed us. While the big oil companies are getting richer, the small business people are getting squeezed. It appears their plan is to drive the independents out of business so that they can control and raise their prices even higher.

Some of the independent retailers recommended a proposal to prevent the national chains from selling their gasoline below their cost, but it was not politically possible for this legislation to go anywhere especially since the gas at the pump was at a record high. Actually Missouri already has legislation that prevents selling below cost, but it is difficult to enforce because it is based upon intent. You may have even been part of putting our current law into place, since it was done in the 1980's. However, it creates a philosophical clash with those who think businesses should be free to sell at any price they choose, especially since the net result would be higher prices for our constituents.

It is very important that something be done on a Federal level. Even though it appears that these are all different companies, it is obvious to the independents, and most of us, that there is (some) price fixing going on that is gouging everybody. We need a different solution than what the state of Missouri can do. We also need to look out for our entire country.

I know that some of your colleagues don't care how high gas goes because they think that this will motivate people to not consume so much, but just think about all the low income people who have to drive to work. The extreme prices of gasoline are going to drain all the prosperity out of our country. These prices are hurting the poor people far more than the wealthy.

Here are some suggestions:

1.) The big oil companies are engaged in setting high prices. Please find a way to enforce laws and punish those who are trying to create the same effect of having a monopoly.

2. Consider a way to get a refinery in Missouri that will serve only the Missouri gas market. We could build it with federal funds and use the port in Kansas City to bring in the oil with an understanding that it would be run as a non-profit only to serve Missouri gas retailers?

3.) If we can sell gas for less in Missouri, it would have a positive effect on our tourism industry as well as strengthening our economy because our residents would have money to support other businesses like our restaurants, etc.

You are a very special person in a very special position and I hope you can let me know what we can do to help you keep our independent gas stations in business. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Representative Cynthia Davis
19th District
(636) 240-6369

Cynthia, Bless your heart. Thank you so much for taking this to the next level. Hopefully Sen. Bond will look at your suggestions favorably and rally support from his colleagues for our cause. Thanks again and keep us informed on any answers you get from Sen. Bond.

Great news, Cynthia! God bless you for your hard work and your moral integrity. Keep fighting the good fight.
Can you go into a little more detail and tell me how you gave senior citizens a break on being taxed on their social security. Does that mean that there is no tax on Social Security in Mo.?
Also, what are the controls on Planned Parenthood?
Thanks.

Cynthia
Thanks for your service and all your efforts for the citizens of Missouri. I too believe it was a fairly successful legislative session. My one true disappointment is that the joint resolution of Senator Bartle and Representative Lembke, modifying the stem cell amendment, did not pass. Of course, that does not end the effort.

I hope you get an opportunity to relax a little now that the session is over. I would enjoy an opportunity to meet with you sometime to discuss some issues of mutual interest.

Congratulations on a successful session!