If it walks like a duck and it quacks like a duck …

For more than 20 years, I have watched gas gougers charge Bonner County residents more — usually 14 to 17 cents a gallon more than Coeur d’Alene. I doubt it costs and additional 14 cents a gallon to deliver 35 more miles.

Every business is entitled to a profit, a fair profit. It seems funny that every gas station changes its prices the same day and for the exact same amount.

Wal-Mart, when you first came to town, you were 6 cents to 8 cents a gallon cheaper than everyone else. Then, they got you to join the “Good Old Boys Club.”

On Feb. 24, gas in Coeur d’Alene was $1.72, gas in Athol was $1.89 and gas in Sandpoint was $1.99 a gallon. That 27 cents more a gallon between Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint. Looks like gouging to me.

Why doesn’t just one of you tell the others to go pound sand? Charge a fair profit. I’m sure the residents of Bonner County would back you and do business with you long down the road.

I have talked to the state of Idaho and they are aware of what you’re doing. They just can’t prove collusion. But, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck … draw your own conclusion.

JIM JARROLD

Sandpoint