Let me first say it is not that we are anti-development. We encourage new stores and businesses in our town. Let them come, but come in with sizes that existing stores can compete with. Does it make sense to have one giant store that many of the smaller stores cannot compete with, thus limiting the variety in town, or does it make more sense to have many smaller, unique stores that are locally owned?

Studies have shown that locally owned businesses return approximately 80 percent of each dollar spent back to the community. Chains and franchises return 40 percent or even less back to the community. Homer has a healthy economy right now and for at least the last three quarters we have led the borough in sales. We have a town with some wonderful, unique stores and we do see people coming here year around to shop because they can find gifts and items that aren't found in "cookie-cutter" stores.

While in Homer, these visitors also stay in bed and breakfasts or local restaurants and they perhaps take advantage of some cultural events. They spend money here which is why we have seen our sales increase.

Because the retail economy has been good, it has allowed some businesses to purchase buildings or remodel buildings. With this comes new signs, new paint jobs, new shelves and cabinets, etc. This has provided work for many professionals in Homer: real estate agents, contractors, carpenters, graphic artists, etc. We have been able to keep the local funds generating.

Non-locally owned stores often do not have any buying power here in Homer. Their supplies, signs and stock all come from elsewhere. They are not able to support local businesses, or even purchase locally made products. Does it really make economic sense to open our town to large corporate owned businesses? Cheaper groceries will come at what cost to the community?

Sue Post