June 27, 2008

StreetTalk by Carol Rosen

Last week Republican Candidate for President John McCain and President Bush both advocated drilling for oil off the east and west coasts. How do you feel about that? What fuel efficient car would you drive if you could? Asked at Lucky Store at Capitol and Tully

“We have to do something. We’ve got resources here in our country so we should use them.”

Jeanne Caldwell
Evergreen
Blockbuster


“It’s absolutely something we should do, and let’s put more in the Gulf of Mexico too. Today’s drilling platforms go in deeper water away from land and attract smaller food fish, which in turn attract larger game fish and food fishing improves. It doesn’t endanger whales or dolphins because they have sonar. In fact, the dolphins eat the food fish. Today’s technology goes beyond the 70’s movies that were designed to create fear and panic. The fuel efficient car I would drive isn’t made today. There is one made in Europe but not approved for use here, it’s a smaller four-cylinder internal combustion diesel engine made by Volkswagon that gets 60 miles to the gallon.”

Cal Royals, 61
San Jose
Retired engineer


“I do not want them to drill because of the environmental impact. There are plenty of other resources, solar, wind and carpools. Americans waste a lot; it’s time that we start conserving. Currently, I ride the bus, but I plan to buy a compressed air powered car in 2010 when they are available.”

Debra Mathews, 48
Evergreen
Electrical engineer


“If we have our own oil, then it’s a good idea to drill for it. I would like a four-cylinder car.”

David Esparza, 23
Evergreen
Sales


“It’s a good idea; we should go for it because we need oil. However, I would prefer that everyone start driving fuel-efficient cars. I would like a Honda Pilot SUV that is fuel efficient. That way I’m high enough to not hurt my knee.”

Laura, 38
San Jose
Fourth grade teacher at Norwood Creek


“I think they should drill. I think we’ve gone too far trying to control our environment and we import way too much oil from the Arabs. It also doesn’t look like corn ethanol will work out that well.”

Norma Kelly, 65
Evergreen
Pastor


“I think it’s a good idea because we’re in such a crisis now with oil that we need to use our own resources at home. I would drive a Honda Accord.”

Tammy Lee, 37
Evergreen
Nurse


“I don’t like it because I think it will take away from the beauty of the coasts. I’d probably drive a Prius because it’s been on the market for so long and it has a good reputation as being a good car for the money. I typically bike to work, because I have a short commute, but because of the smoke I’ve had to drive the last couple of days.

Casey Hathcock, 31
Evergreen
Engineer