In a recent poll on the proposed state gas tax, 39 percent or 16 voters said Greenbelt City Council should stay out of state and federal matters, where council has no real impact.

Only one vote behind that, however, with 15 votes or 36 percent, poll takers said that we were already reeling under increasing gas prices, and they thought council should oppose the gas tax.

Ten voters thought council should support a gas tax. Six of them were motivated by the need to repair and build the state's infrastructure. Four thought oil is a finite resource that is running out. They thought a tax might cause consumers to cut back.

All totaled, 25 voters or 23 percent thought council should take one side or the other on a state gas tax, and 16 voters thought council should stick to local affairs.

Though the majority weighed in for action, the largest group of similar voters were against any action — showing Greenbelt remains divided on the amount of involvement they want council to take in state and federal issues.

The poll is closed, but you can take a look at the results. Please note, 2 percent of the votes did not show once percentages were tabulated because the poll does not include fractions.

The poll was posted after city council's March 12 regular meeting, when council voted 4-3 in favor of taking no action for or against the proposed gas tax legislation, with councilmembers Edward Putens and Konrad Herling voting against doing nothing. Councilmember Rodney Roberts was silent during the vote, but explained that his silence indicated a no vote.