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Tax to drive customers to cross broderBy CURTIS SWANSON Illinois motorists may make a run for the border once the new six-cent gasoline tax goes into effect.Gregg Bieler, of Flossmoor Service Station, 2733 Flossmoor Road, says “it will affect the border areas but not the rest of Illinois.”Like most other service station managers or owners, he points out there’s nothing a driver can do about it in most areas of the state. However, if the motorist is near Indiana, he can simply drive over the border.He and others are reacting to the new gas tax measure which Gov. James Thompson signed into law last week. Under its terms, the first three cents a gallon tax increase will go into effect Aug. 1. The other three cent rise becomes effective Jan. 1.“Legislation to increase gasoline taxes has had an effect every time in the past,” said Mike Zielinski, manager of Custom Enterprises station, 3565 Ridge Rd., Lansing.He emphasizes the fact that his station is just two blocks from the Indiana border, and motorists are free to cross it.Zielinski stated that “it seems that they love to include gasoline taxes with other ‘sin taxes,’ such as those for alcohol and tobacco.” “Federal taxes are fair to all states, but not this tax, which applies only to Illinois,” he said.Tom Rubbo, manager of Sammy’s Gas. Route 83 and Torrence, Lynwood, describes the new gas tax law as “ridiculous.” He asks “how can we make money when they do this,” then answers “but what can we do?” Lansing Mobil’s manager, who likes just to be called Mark, said the new tax will “send them over the border.”His station is just a half-mile from Indiana.Mark predicts that Indiana will eventually raise its own taxes, now that Illinois has done it.Jerry Koco, who works at Ridgeland Shell, 6358 W. 111th St., Chicago Ridge, said “If it’s law, what can we do? There will be complaints from service stations, but business will keep going.” Mike Grelecki, who manages Grelecki’s Phillips 66 at 156th St. and Wentworth, Calumet City, stated that “we don’t have much to say. We can complain, but more and more people will just drive to Indiana. It’s tough, but I can’t blame them, especially drivers who are retired.”
Newspaper Details
Worth Star
Worth, Illinois, US
Sun, Jul 09, 1989
Page 14
Full Page
Clipped by
Steve G.
USA 05 Jan 2024
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Worth Star
