A Kentucky lawmaker says his hometown city hall intruded into the free market by going into the retail gas business. Sen. Chris Girdler says he's preparing legislation that could shut down the pumps to the public.
The Republican's proposal comes months after the city of Somerset opened a retail gas station. The no-frills venture on the outskirts of town unnerved filling station and convenience store operators.
Girdler says his bill seeks to assure private business that government won't compete for their customers.
Somerset Mayor Eddie Girdler says the proposal amounts to an overreaction to something that's working. He says the feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive.
The Girdlers are distant relatives.
