Thread: ID card gas-incentive fuels controversy in New Haven

By News Channel 8's Annie Rourke
Posted June 17, 2008
5:20 PM

New Haven (WTNH) _ Is it discrimination or simply a perk of picking up an ID card? That's the question many are asking following a report only seen on News Channel 8. The Elm City is considering offering gas at a huge discount to ID card holders.

The idea is to offer gas at this Shell Station in New Haven, for just $1.99 a gallon for three hours on a Saturday in July. But this offer is only available if you have an Elm City ID card. When Geoff Jacobs heard about it, he immediately called city hall.

"I just think the city of New Haven is putting a huge emphasis on representing a group other than the taxpaying, law-abiding citizens of the city," Jacobs of New Haven, said.

He's talking about undocumented residents. The Elm City ID card allows them to establish legal identity in the community though any resident can get one.

"Who lives in New Haven with a driver's license and a New Haven ID?" Jacobs questioned.

But a student says, the gas is a big enough draw she just might do it. "So, that sounds like a good idea then, yeah, why not?" Mary Stahley, of New Haven, said.

The WTNH blog page has been inundated with comments on the controversial gas discount idea. One viewer writes, "To offer a gasoline price drop just for people who have that card is very wrong. Why not make it open to anyone who has a valid Connecticut drivers license?"

But another says, "I am under the impression that any citizen of New Haven can get one of these ID cards. If so, then there is no discrimination by the city with this program."

City Hall didn't even want News Channel 8 to do this story because the gas give-away is still in the planning stages. But, the mayor's spokesperson insists tax dollars wouldn't go into it. Instead, local merchants would make up for the discount.

If you want that discount, you have to go to city hall and pay $10 for the ID card. Jacobs says he has actually been in support of the ID program but can't support this.

"To take advantage of the gas crisis we're in and give them a discount but not taxpaying citizens, that's just not right," Jacobs said.

The city says this is just one of several incentive plans they're working on for the ID card. If you want to comment.

http://www.wtnh.com/global/story.asp?s=8514455

"Who lives in New Haven with a driver's license and a New Haven ID?" Jacobs questioned.

Why would you need an ID card if you have a drivers license?

Taxpayer's Holiday!

Although the purpose of the card is to provide an ID for illegal aliens the gas discount is meant to make the ID seem normal by getting citizens to also sign up for them.


In my opinion an illegal alien should not be able to get a drivers icense and should be deported if they are caught driving without one.

Richard, you are so smart!

No to ID Cards just legal driver licenses is the route to take.

The Shell station sounds like a good place for ICE to hang out when they decide what day the $1.99 gas will be on.

It appears New Haven Government is encouraging driving without a valid drivers license.