Chain store ban is shortsighted, inappropriate
The latest proposal by the Anacortes Planning Commission to prohibit “chain” stores from the downtown central business district is among the worst proposals I have read in years of following our town’s development efforts. It is so shortsighted that it concerns me that such proposal even saw the light of day.

The goal of creating and maintaining a unique and vibrant downtown core is an excellent objective, one on which we can all agree. But prohibiting new businesses is the antithesis of that objective.

The reason that these businesses became “chains” is because they offered customers what they wanted. Such companies didn’t start with dozens of outlets in order to succeed. They succeeded by offering good products and satisfying customers, then expanded. So, in effect, this proposal tells any successful business to stay away.

Our downtown businesses are not afraid of competition. They want it fair, but they are not afraid. In fact many of our existing businesses have thrived because of it.

And what our local businesses do need more of is customers. We can (and do) have many wonderful local businesses, but without customers all we have is a unique town of closed-up shops. The fact is successful business (those with multiple outlets) attract customers.

For example, a Trader Joe’s store is typically only 10,000 to 12,000 square feet and its product line fits perfectly with our town’s tastes. It draws customers from a large area. We know this is true, because many residents of Anacortes know precisely the nearest locations in Everett and Bellingham.

We go there to shop for specialty food items. And while we are there, we often visit other local stores as well. How would the presence of a Hallmark store or Crabtree & Evelyn outlet hurt our downtown’s character? A balance of local shops and chain stores is what keeps a town unique and economically viable.

Now this does not mean we should allow huge yellow arches or bright neon lights throughout downtown. Nor do we need big box stores in the downtown district. But there are much better ways to define our desired growth.

Towns throughout America have adopted zoning guidelines that define the appearance and character of acceptable businesses. They did it by limiting the size and shape of signs, prescribing exterior dimensions and building architecture styles, and establishing historical preservation standards.

They did not do it by prohibiting firms just because they were successful. Our question should not be whether a business has seven, 14 or 200 outlets, but rather, do they fit with the character of our town, offer products customers want, and will they follow some specific, but reasonable, zoning guidelines?

This proposal was offered because we don’t want our town to look like other towns. But the irony is, if this zoning proposal is adopted, our downtown eventually will look exactly like so many other small towns in America — ones with vacancy signs and boarded-up windows.

Don’t let it happen. There are better ways to achieve our goals.
Kent Lindberg
Anacortes

Concert band gave its founder inspiring tribute
Our community is blessed by talents expressed via forge, pen, brush, lathe, choir loft, hoe, shuttle, needle, horn and stage. Sunday afternoon Brodniak Hall provided the stage where Dr. Keith Eide was trumpeted for his role as founder and director emertius of the North Cascade Concert Band.

Although now frail with years he stood tall with smiles by the aisle to receive our individual accolades and thanks following the concert’s fantastic tribute led under the baton of Lylburn Layer and assistant director Rob Pattermann.

I am thankful for the privilege of life in the culture of this community.
North Cascade Band Concerts continue in the fall. Come.
Connie Bliss
Anacortes

Many helped make poetry events successful
The Anacortes Arts Commission and I appreciate the support from so many associations, businesses and individuals for the Poet Laureate Samuel Green reception, April 12, and “Readings by Three Home-Grown Poets,” April 13.

We thank Sen. Harriet Spanel and Sen. Mary Margaet Haugen for their participation.

It was an honor to be recognized with grants from the Anacortes Arts Festival and Humanities Washington.

The Anacortes Library, Bank of The Pacific, Depot Arts Center, Donatello’s, Frontier Building Supply, Insights Gallery, Island Import Garage, John L. Scott Anacortes, KWLE 1340 AM, Anne Martin McCool Gallery, Anacortes Parks & Recreation Department, Sebo’s Hardware, Watermark Book Co., and West Yacht Sales provided financial or in-kind support.

Individual contributors include: Lynn and Bill Berry, Diann and Ed Bradley, Doug Burton, Dave Cortelyou, Holly and William Dietrich, Zac Elander, Phyllis Ennes, Arlene and Bill French, MaryAnn and Wallie Funk, June and Dik Haddox, Bunny and Lonny Heiner, Rita and Mike James, Nancy and Roger Kisner, Bev and Dave Larson, Joan and Keith Magee, Nancy and Dave Ridgway, and Nancy and Tim Vogel.

Thanks to the committee: Diann Bradley, Sally Church, Kathy Clarke, Nia Heffelfinger, Jan Hodgman, Nancy Ridgway and Caron Teijen; and to Anacortes High School Honor Society members: Erika Cunningham, Valerie Lesniak, Emilia Nilsson and Kevin Steen; and, of course, to all the poets who add to the richness of our lives: Jane Alynn, James Bertolino, Anita Boyle, Michael Daley, Sally Green, Jean Hallingstad, Jacqueline Hartwich, Georgia Johnson, Nancy Pagh, Thelma Palmer, Bob Rose, Rachel Rose, Laurel Rust, and Glen Turner.

Thank you all!
Sharene Elander,
Event chair


Helping hand made her stand tall in their eyes
My wife and I would like to thank Betty of Skyline. She is a nice caring person who doesn’t mind taking a little of her time to help a fellow person out.

My wife and I had the joy of her smile and helpful hand when my wife was stuck at Walgreens on her scooter. She took the time, made my wife feel good and stayed with her until wife and scooter were on their way home safely. Again, thank you, Betty, for making the world a better place.
George Tucker
Anacortes