What is with the disdain for small, locally owned businesses in downtown Port Townsend? In his letter to the Leader two weeks ago, Mr. Eppick says, “As for the rest of Water Street, their collusion on product and price adds little merit to them. But then, they’re selling to tourists – fair game.” Wow, really?

As small-shop owners downtown for 14 years and as wholesale vendors for 20-plus years, my husband and I can assure you we do not “collude” with other shop owners to deceive you and yours. The people we know who own shops downtown are good people trying to make a living and to make this special town even more special. Our main customer base is local people and folks from the surrounding area. The only thing we try to do is not carry the same products other stores carry. This is in everyone’s best interests.

We wish we had the financial backing to offer a 5 percent discount to a wide swath of people, but we cannot. However, in the years we have had our shop, we’ve given often to local entities, just recently to the OCEAN program and to Animal Rescue. We are not alone in our giving; most shops do if they can.

A standing joke at our house is maybe downtown Port Townsend businesses should apply for nonprofit status, then we could hold a fundraiser.

CRIS BUSCH LYONS & GLENN LYONS

Summer House Design, Zirkus

Port Townsend