Washington, DC – Sekou Biddle, candidate for DC Council At-Large is calling on Councilmember Vincent Orange to vote with small businesses in the District instead of caving to his special interest donors during today’s Council session. Today the Council expects to vote on the Retail Service Station Amendment Act of 2011, commonly known as the “Jobber Bill.” The bill would prevent gasoline distributors from owning and operating gas stations in the District, currently distributors have an unfair advantage over independent gas station operators by controlling the entire supply chain

Councilmember Orange has been the most vocal opponent the Jobber Bill, which would primarily affect his largest campaign donor. According to campaign finance records Orange has received over $9,000 from Joe Mamo and companies affiliated with his Capitol Petroleum Group, allowing him to donate far above the $1,000 individual donor limit. Currently Capitol Petroleum Group is one of two gasoline distributors that controls nearly 70 percent of the gas stations in the District. This near monopoly has resulted in the second highest gas prices in the United States.

Statement by Sekou Biddle

“It is clear that the bill before the Council known as the “Jobber Bill” will help residents and small businesses alike by lowering gas prices and preventing the monopolization of gas stations in the District. During these challenging economic times when small businesses and families alike are struggling to make ends meet our government should be working to promote a fair and reasonable business environment, not a politically connected monopoly. If Vincent Orange votes against the Jobber Bill as he has promised, he will make a mockery of his title as Chair of the Small Business Committee.”

For more information on Sekou Biddle and his commitment to banning corporate campaign donations, ethics reform, and economic development that benefits all residents of the District visit www.sekoubiddle.org.