As we individually feel sorry for ourselves because we have to pay such an outlandish amount for a gallon of gas, we may forget that cities, towns, and municipalities throughout the country are also suffering the costs of gasoline.
A recent survey done by the U.S. Conference of Mayors of about 132 mayors, showed that 90 percent of them say that rising gas prices are adversely affecting their budgets and operations. Many are taking drastic steps to be able to absorb the higher costs.
One Connecticut town will be re-placing century old dams to generate more electricity. Other cities are telling their employees to turn off their engines when idling in traffic.
The Police Department of Scotch Plains, New Jersey, is calling for its police to cruise on bikes rather than in police cars. Apparently bicycle patrols are ideal for because it appears that there are more police out in the streets.
Our take? Such changes are also needed because most cities, towns, and counties tax base -- their residents -- are leaving to larger cities to be closer to work and use less fuel. Will we be seeing some sort of vicious cycle in the future? Stay tuned.