Letters and Comments for June 17, 2009

Caring about downtown

To the Editor:

As my husband can attest, I am much better at ranting and raving at home about situations than I am at writing an opinion in The Observer. However, when very strong feelings are present, I must respond.

From last September’s announcement from the State Historic Preservation Office that La Grande had been selected for Main Street Revitalization distinction to the current time, The Observer has done an exemplary job of promoting this project. Because of their willingness to support downtown in this way, many people have volunteered to work on committees and specific projects that will make downtown a more inviting place in which to shop.

At our semi-annual community meeting June 10, 50 people joined together to listen, learn and discuss the proposed project list from each of the four committees: organization, design, promotion and economic restructuring. Some attendees were “first-timers” and were there because of the written support by The Observer staff.

Those of us who are working on the project know that it is a long and tedious road we are on and we hope to have the continued support from the print news media. Many thanks to all who have been involved so far. We welcome many more such cheerleaders.

Thanks to The Observer for a job well done!

Carol Campbell

chair, Main Street organization committee

La Grande