O’Scanlon: When pumping gas, DON’T SET YOURSELF ON FIRE
Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon is offended by the argument that New Jerseyans are not capable of pumping their own gas without setting themselves on fire. But in order to get his legislation that would decriminalize consumer gas pumping passed he in inserting language into the bill that would require signs on gas pumps for the protection of the mentally challenged and members of the Jersey City Council.
“I am offended by people that argue that New Jerseyans are mentally incapable of pumping their own gas without setting themselves on fire. But I hear them. For that reason I am recommending language be inserted in the final bill that mandates signs at all self serve pumps, in bold red and blue flashing neon lettering, that reads “Do not, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, set yourself on fire!!” I think that should resolve these concerns” O’Scanlon said when introducing the legislation.
O’Scanlon’s bill, which mirrors a bill in the Senate sponsored by Bergen County Senators Paul Sarlo and Gerald Cardinale, except for the signage language, would decriminalize gas pumping by consumers and provide for self-service islands at New Jersey gas stations. Each facility would be required to operate at least one island full service for three years following enactment, and the bill also allows for gas retailers to charge a lesser price for self-service gasoline.
Courtney McManus
“The time has come for New Jersey to join the other 48 – soon to be 49 – States that allow self-service gas. The prohibition of self-service is an antiquated law, long overdue for a second look. No one can come up with a justified reason to criminalize the act of pumping one’s own gas. This is just another area with which New Jersey ’s laws must move ahead with the times” said O’Scanlon.
O’Scanlon’s proposal is getting mixed reviews from his 13th District constituents. Courtney McManus, a singer/song writer/activist/public speaker from Middletown said, “I like Declan, but I’m not pumping my own gas,” McManus said, “some of the reasons that I love the great state of New Jersey is I don’t have to pump my own gas and we have u turns!!!”
UPDATED: O’Scanlon noticed the comment by Lulu Dwyer below about drivers with physical disabilities and asked that this post be updated to reflect the fact that there are provisions in his legislation, borrowed from practices that are working in other states, that will accommodate the physically handicapped.
The federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that assistance be given to handicapped drivers if more than one attendant is on duty at the gas station. But ADA does not specify what kind of assistance is required.
O’Scanlon’s bill includes specific provisions for assistance to disabled drivers, including a call bell or phone number to hail an attendant for assistance and the posting of hours when attendants will be available.
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O’Scanlon Implores Assembly Speaker To Put Salary Arbitration Cap To A Vote
O’Scanlon’s Bill Allowing Minors To Register As Organ Donors Passes In Assembly
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Handlin will run for Assembly if she fails in Senate bid, wants O’Scanlon to do the same
Well that about does it. The only thing Jersey does better is not force us out of our cars on bad weather. This won’t save us one dime, and if there is accidentally a drop in price, you can bet that the geniuses in Trenton will raise the gas tax. I’m looking forward to being another tax payer leaving for greener pastures in the near future but before that I’ll be saying goodbye to the NJ “Republican” party. Rome is burning while they fiddle with things that aren’t broken.
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The one thing that made us better than the rest. Also one of the main reasons I was always the happiest about after traveling and getting back to NJ – a return to civilization I would think! Thanks for nothin’, Christie. What a huge waste he was for us – in every sense of the word!
My bad! So it’s O’Scanlon behind this misbegotten idea. I wonder if he pulled this idea off the Internet or OUT of somewhere else?
I remember when I was still covering Howell, he was being touted as a cell tower expert. When I questioned his credential/training for being an “expert witness” on the matter he told me he had researched the matter on the Internet.
Not only will there not be a savings for consumers AT ALL, jobs will be lost. But who cares, right, Declan? Like you they can try and reinvent themselves on the Internet.
My belief is that prices will NOT be reduced for pump-your-own, but WILL be raised for full service!
Having worked in NY for many years, I also know that some gas stations eliminated full service, so pump-your-own may start as an option, but wind up being a requirement .. especially off hours & on weekends. Nothing like being all dressed up going somewhere, and have to bundle up to pump gas in the rain or snow, getting your hands dirty & smelling of gasoline!
I read somewhere that there is mixed reviews on this issue in Jersey.
Are you kidding me!
I do not know a single Jerseyan who wants to pump their own gas in addition to the loss of jobs.
PLEASE
Find a much more important issue to legislate Declan.
There seem to be a number of people that do not want to pump their own gas. Declan’s proposal doesn’t make anyone pump their own gas. Declan’s proposal just extends the freedom of choice to those that do want to pump their own gas.
Don’t both of these groups deserve to have their choices available? Isn’t this still America?
once again- even one of my fav legislators- here we are in NJ, with one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, and now they consider a bill that will eliminate more jobs for folks.. oh and, we can now get out of our cars, right around the time they’ll raise our gas tax some 15 cents, because our bridges are falling down, and why?..because they just WON’T cut the runaway social program spending! We are a disaster! Time to ship the heck outa here!