Support local fireworks stores

I want to thank Mr. Dale Williams for writing his letter to the editor. It gave me an opportunity to express my frustration also. I kind of felt his letter was written because of the possibility of a Super Wal-Mart coming to our community, and after reading the letter on Thursday night that was written by other individuals, I am convinced that was the reason why.

He is concerned, along with others, the effect that a Super Wal-Mart will have on this community, and I for one totally agree.

It takes something that is going to affect our community’s businesses before it is “let’s pull together and help to protect each other.”

This is where my frustration comes in. My husband and I have operated a fireworks stand and store for 28 years in this community, only, and we have dealt with the competition all of those 28 years.

On our very first year of selling, we set up directly across the street from another fireworks stand owned by a Jay County resident and that was fine.

As a matter of fact, we bought off each other when supplies were low. Sometimes we would get a little frustrated when they had more business than us, so I know what the businesses in our community are feeling.

But my frustration is the businesses stress “Shop Jay County” but they and residents of this community rent their empty buildings to out-of-town or, for that matter, even out-of-state fireworks companies.

Where are their profits going? Who is benefiting from the profits?

Yes, I also pay for our building. But I live in Jay County and I support this community. We have only one grocery and five fireworks stores!

I want to thank those who have supported us the years we have sold. You are the ones who have allowed us to be able to conquer competition because we have not had a support group to help us keep out the competition. I have a feeling if we get a Super Wal-Mart we also will be affected. (They could possibly have a larger selection of fireworks.) But I don’t think another grocery would affect us.

Our newly elected mayor, Bruce Hosier, made some promises and had ideas for this community if elected. So let’s not put up stumbling blocks for him, but let his decisions be stepping stones for Jay County.

Again, thank you Mr. Williams for letting me feel like this was the time to let out my frustration. We are and will continue to strive to be one of your local businesses you will continue to support.

Louise Harter

Portland

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