Greencastle City Councilman ready to examine gas prices

Greencastle City Councilman Vincent Aguirre, D-4th Ward, has a question he is seeking an answer to -- why are gas prices in Greencastle significantly more expensive than surrounding areas. 

And, he's ready to get involved to find an answer and, perhaps, bring some relief to residents.

"If not me, then who? We've all known that gas prices are more expensive in Putnam County, but no one seems to have an answer. What's the harm in asking the hard questions and trying to determine the root cause and see if there's a solution? That's just how I operate -- I see an issue and I work to try to address it," Aguirre told The Putnam County Post. 

Aguirre said he has not only heard from constituents about the prices, he has seen them with his own eyes.

"I hope to identify the root causes, and if there is a path towards lowering prices to help facilitate that path," Aguirre said. 

While some may say it is not government's job to tell private businesses what to do, Aguirre said he isn't suggesting local government get involved in setting gas prices. However, he also notes he would love if the Indiana General Assembly would lower gas taxes, but he feels a need to get involved.

"I do feel it is my responsibility as a community leader to look into community problems and offer solutions where applicable. Again, the first step is to get the facts and have conversations. We will see where that leads and if there are any solutions that work for all of us in Greencastle and Putnam County," Aguirre said. 

As for what his goal is, Aguirre said to find an answer to what everyone is asking.

"What factors cause gas prices in our area to be significantly higher than surrounding areas and areas similar to Greencastle around the state. I googled the Casey's in Clay City, Indiana and gas is $2.88 a gallon. Look around Greencastle right now, and gas is regularly over $3.10 and even pushing $3.20. I simply want to find out why and if the why is something that can be addressed, then we'll see what can be done," Aguirre said.