Dear Editor:

Word on the street would seem to indicate that a U.S.-based mega dollar store is slated to open in the downtown core of Merritt. Very interesting. One can only wonder at the apparent lack of foresight in this situation given that we already have two small dollar stores in Merritt. In light of megastore competition, it is very likely that said small businesses will go under. Our small business owners pay high taxes, contribute to the good of the community as well as provide services and jobs. Can we really say that this is simply free enterprise at work and allow the idea of "bigger is better" to prevail? How fair is this philosophy to well-established small businesses like the ones in question? Where are the municipal tax incentives for mom-and-pop operations barely keeping their heads above water? Let the powers that be take full and clear responsibility for a decision that potentially hurts and kills small businesses in Merritt. If one applies the "best interests" test to this equation, it is only too obvious that there is an inability to carefully manage sound economic development in relation to the small business sector. I am nothing short of appalled by these circumstances. And I shall continue to shop at the smaller stores for as long as they remain open.

Bonnie Cowan
Merritt, B.C.