City Council members addressed the ongoing issue and complaints received about higher gas prices in the city of Jamestown than in surrounding areas. Councilman Bill Reynolds, R-Ward 5, speaks as council members Joe Paterniti, R-Ward 4, Regina Brackman, D-Ward 3, and Brent Sheldon, R-Ward 1, look on. P-J photo by Sara Holthouse

Residents of Jamestown have been feeling the effect of higher gas prices and their frustration again made its way to the City Council.

Councilman Russell Bonfiglio, R-At Large, brought the issue before the council during Monday’s meeting, referring to the gas prices in the city as “insane” and asking that after Tuesday’s elections that the council works to try and do something about it. Councilman Bill Reynolds, R-Ward 5, had brought the issue up during a previous council work session.

“Gas prices in Jamestown are $3.65, and that’s insane,” Bonfiglio said. “I can go up to Niagara Falls Boulevard, which I go up there a lot, it’s $3.11 at a Kwik Fill out there. The money out there is more, the people out there are more able to afford it than the people in Jamestown.”

Bonfiglio questioned why it has stayed at $3.65 for so long, adding that in Silver Creek it is currently $2.87. He noted that it has been said by those in power that something will be done but nothing has, adding that people in Jamestown are not able to afford the price.

“You can go to Mayville and I think it’s like 30 cents less in Mayville,” Bonfiglio said. “Why? Why is Jamestown, which is a poor city, with people who can’t afford it, so high? There’s got to be a reason and nobody is checking on it.”

Councilman Jeff Russell, R-At Large, said that his wife was in Westfield a few days ago and reported that prices in Westfield are also much lower than Jamestown. He questioned if it was supply and demand, but added that he did not know.

“One local gas attendant told me it’s almost like a game of chicken, they wait for one establishment down here to lower their prices, and one establishment will lower their prices and then another will lower their prices,” Russell said.

City Council President Tony Dolce, R-Ward II, noted that while the council does not have any power over the gas prices, they are able to ask questions to those higher up in the state about it. Mayor Kim Ecklund reported that just last week they had received another email from a constituent about the gas prices, and that there has been some communication with County Executive PJ Wendel’s office.

“We got a response that it has been turned over to the New York State Attorney General, the New York State Comptroller, and Senator (Charles) Schumer at this point in time,” Ecklund said. “They’re playing it as a result of supply, but they will continue to ask and ask the questions. So, unfortunately I don’t have a quick answer for you, but I know that it is being addressed.”