In the weekly feature called "e-views," we invite readers to answer a question via email.

Last week's question:

How concerned are you about the recent spike in gas prices to nearly $5 a gallon? What can be done to bring down prices both in the short and long term?

IT'S SIMPLE FOR me as I ride a motorcycle and use my truck for local errands when prices are high. Let's open the national reserves and start drilling off shore, and let's see what Sen. Dianne Feinstein's call for a federal investigation yields.

Jerry Collins

Antioch

THE FINE OIL companies raise the prices when they want to because they can. To fix this situation we could break up the oil companies or find another source of energy. Finding the will to do this is a whole other matter. Finding the folks with integrity and backbone in Washington is an additional whole other matter. We truly have the best government money can buy.

Don Anthony

Pittsburg

APPROVE THE CANADIAN pipeline, drill for oil, and convert shale to gas and oil -- all which this administration doesn't want. We are years from clean energy.

Carol Demicco

Antioch

OF COARSE I am concerned about the

spike in gas prices. To diagnose as to the why and how to fix this problem and keep it fixed, is so immense and complex that the time allotted is not said in a few sentences. I feel that the biggest problem is that we have not built any more refineries in 35 years. California has the disadvantage of fewer refineries that adhere to our pollution standards. Then there are problems with no regulations in one arena and over regulating domestic energy in the other arena. The biggest challenge that we can control, is for Washington to adapt energy policies that will benefit consumers and preserve a strong domestic refining industry. Good luck with that idea!

Peggy Winegardner

Discovery Bay

I DOUBT THAT there is anything anyone can do about gas prices. People could save gas by driving slower. One thing I don't do is go to the gas stations advertising unusually lower prices. You may save a few pennies at the cheap grade gas pumps, but you will end up paying dollars at the repair shops. I'll stick to the original oil companies with the quality gas for my vehicles.

Dick Augusta

Antioch

This week's question:

What irritates you the most about the election season and politicians' tactics?

Email your response to bnews@bayareanewsgroup.com. Please limit responses to a few sentences, and be sure to include your full name and city of residence. Not all responses will be published. Note: Please respond before Monday.