Encourage healthy, controlled growth

I would like to express my sentiments regarding the latest announcement of another "Big Box" locating in our community.

Realize that I have an inherent prejudice about this company but my concerns are further reaching than that.

Our community has been built and supported primarily by local businesspersons who have a vested interest in the community. In many, if not most, cases these business owners reside within the community that they do business in.

The support of these businesses has helped to create untold art and recreation opportunities for those that are residents. This in not only through direct financial support but because of countless hours of effort in support.

The dollars spent at these businesses, by in large, are reinvested directly into the community. Various studies claim that each dollar circulates 3 1/2 to seven times.

Whichever study you choose to believe, one fact remains consistent. The dollars spent at these large conglomerates mostly leave the area they serve and have much less impact on the long term well being of the residents.

Jobs are not created by this type of business, they replace jobs lost.

The short-term gain this brings should not be supported by our local tax dollars or by providing services outside of what would be planned as a matter of course.

I am personally saddened when I enter a community that once had a thriving local economy and see that it had become just another "anytown."

I would hope that all of our residents would show support by encouraging only healthy, controlled growth that will benefit us for generations to come.

KEVIN J. MONAHAN

Alpine Lumber Supply

Sandpoint