"I do not consider signs that do not match the price set on the pump, lower-octane gas being sold as premium and [image-nocss] pumps dispensing inaccurate amount of gasoline to be minor violations, nor I believe, do motorists," Szuchman said.
Milgram recently issued a press release concerning alleged violations at 10 gas stations that proved untrue. "On Nov. 21, the Division of Consumer Affairs issued and posted a press release in which it publicly announced the names and locations of gas stations that should not have been cited for violations," Szuchman said. "The Division found, upon further review, that these violations were erroneous and we proactively acknowledged this. There were 10 instances out of more than 350 violations which were in error; more than 1,000 gas stations were surveyed last spring."
Szuchman said he is waiting on the NJGCA to prove its accusations. NJGCA executive director Sal Risalvato said many stations mentioned in Milgram's press conference have reported a loss of business.
"I have spoken to Sal Risavalto...several times over the past month and asked him to provide specific information," Szuchman said. "But he did not, and still has not, provided me with specific information about additional stations that he believes allegedly did not have violations."
In a new press release, NJGCA called on Milgram to resign if she does not immediately clear the names of individuals cited in a press release who were neither cheating nor scamming the motorists of New Jersey. Five months ago, NJGCA was giving the Office of the AG the benefit of the doubt in this matter; however, after reviewing the documents, her claims were so egregious there is no remedy for this situation other than for her to resign, Risalvato said.
Following NJGCA's press conference last week (click here for Friday's CSP Daily News coverage), Consumer Affairs Director David Szuchman told media outlet NJBIZ that NJGCA had never provided "specific information about additional stations that [Risalvato] believes allegedly did not have violations."
Risalvato said Szuchman rejected his requests for a meeting with him, as well as the AG, to discuss this matter.
"We are beginning a process which will span the next two weeks, where we publicly exonerate the stations which were disenfranchised by...Milgram, and while they might never get their reputation back, at least they can be confident they have people out there fighting for them and their business interests," Risalvato said.
"Each and every day that we release more of the actual facts of this case, you will see that the only person pulling one over on the citizen's of New Jersey is their own [AG]," Risalvato said. "Anne Milgram is a disgrace to justice."
NJGCA cited five of the stations it believes were wronged in this case; it said that it will release the names of more stations today. This will continue by NJGCA until all of the innocent names have been exonerated, it said.
The association listed the following stations and offered comments on each disputed violation:
Buddy's Mobil aka Regent Trading, Toms River: No violation on the task force checklist. Listed as one of the stations scamming and cheating motorists. Is a station that passes the tests of Weights & Measures scamming or cheating the public? Dressler's CITGO, Belford: Violations included Weights & Measures condemning one pump for pumping too much gasoline, and faded octane labels. Is a station that was giving away more than 2 cubic inches on every gallon of gasoline sold scamming or cheating the public Costco, Manahawkin: Documents show that they had no registration available and their brand was not posted, however, they were days away from opening. Is a station that has its registration and brand stickers on order and has not yet opened for business scamming or cheating the public? Jack's Friendly Service Center, Fairfield: Task Force documents show that this station did not have its 2008 registration, however, the station showed a check that illustrated the 2008 registration had been paid for but he did not receive the documents from the State of New Jersey. Is a station that has a violation because the state fails to send the registration scamming or cheating the public? Jefferson Tiger Mart, Wharton: Documents show the price was changed 40 minutes early (in the 23rd of 24 hours) to LOWER the price of gasoline. Is someone who helped the public by decreasing the cost of gasoline scamming or cheating the motoring public? Risalvato concluded, "These are some of the 350 cases that [Szuchman and Milgram] would have heard about had they been willing to meet with NJGCA. The fact that the [AG] does not have one correct fact in her June press release shows the most willful ignorance of facts ever witnessed in New Jersey. Either she must apologize, resign, or Governor [Jon] Corzine has an obligation to the people of New Jersey to remove her as [AG]."
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