It is very sad and disheartening that Aldrich’s Market is closing after so many years. It is an Uptown fixture and Port Townsend landmark that has served as a valuable resource for many of Port Townsend’s citizens as well as a source of employment for 20 people – people that are our friends and our neighbors. Start to imagine Uptown Port Townsend without it. If nothing else, it’s closing should serve as a very serious cautionary tale for all of us.

Small businesses in town are not entitlements. The existence of our businesses is not guaranteed. If we wish to keep and maintain our retail and service businesses in town, we, as a community, must support them with our patronage.

What is not seen or often forgotten is that owner/operators of small businesses devote a great deal of time, effort and expense to keep their stores and shops maintained and well-stocked for the convenience and benefit of their customers.

They can provide valuable advice and expertise on the products they sell or the services they provide – services, in some cases, which provide employment and income for local tradesmen and craftsmen. All economies are local. Dollars spent online at Amazon or other online stores leave town and are gone for good. They enrich the bank accounts of corporate CEO’s and drain our local economy of dollars that could be used to employ our own friends and neighbors. Keep our community vibrant. Buy in our town or say “goodbye” to our town. It’s our choice.

DANIEL GESSNER

Port Townsend