Letters: Sign maker wants to seeour money stay local

I own a small business here in Crescent City where we make signs and lots of other promotional items.

Every election season we are surprised if we get any orders from the candidates. I drive around and see thousands of dollars worth of political signs that were most likely purchased out of the area. The candidates are quick to say they care about our community, economy and the success of small businesses like mine, but actions speak louder than words.

One year, we didn't get anyone calling for a quote, let alone to place an order for signs, so we called the other sign companies in town out of curiosity to see if they had gotten any calls and they had not. I know it is a lot cheaper to go online to get these signs because little shops like ours just can't compete, but I still think it's important to keep our money local. I always do my best to shop in small, locally owned businesses whenever possible, even though I know I can find items cheaper on-line or at Wal-Mart.

Does this mean I care about our community more than the candidates who want to represent us? This letter is not an attempt to drum up business, I would be just as happy if the candidates were buying from my local competitors. I just want to see our money stay local.

I would like to thank two candidates who did buy from me this year: Francis Costello, School Board, and Joe Galeoto, Harbor Commission.

Merle from Merle Helstowski Signs wanted to thank Raymond Mattz, and Shirley from Ramey signs and graphics studio wanted to thank Marjorie Buckskin, Yurok Tribal Council. Thank you all for truly caring about our humble community!

Mel Kime

Custom Dezign Graphics