After reading the recent letter to the editor from Neil Dalal, I just had to respond. For me, your letter was an empty vessel of bromides and atta boys.

As a (former) local business owner, it always sticks in my craw when I’m told by non-business running entities and those involved with them how to run, start, and invest my own time and money.

It’s no different than asking somebody for $20 to put in a slot machine. It’s only the one you borrowed from that loses and has skin in the effort.

How many storefronts have you filled or invested in, Neil? It’s really easy to work with OPM: Other People’s Money.

That’s what nonprofits do, and I believe both you and your spouse are involved — 13th Street, Martha Ellen Tye, MCBD that I’m aware of. Correct me if I’m wrong.

Your letter mentioned people want to see more locally owned specialty businesses downtown and live music venues. I had both.

Quoting you now, “…supporting local businesses, belonging, high standards, civic pride…” and “if we collectively come together we can do it.”

Does that ‘support and belonging’ include the boycott of my business two years ago spearheaded in emails and discussions by Heidi because I didn’t support our city administrator?

The email sent to other nonprofits in town and through the city offices? I know all about it, as do others.

If you aren’t aware of it, have her enlighten you, but I’d be hard pressed to believe you didn’t know. That’s kind of a backwards way of ‘coming together,’ but what do I know?

Yet you wonder why we have empty storefronts. I hope this clears it up for you.