Now We’re Talkin’

Should Sisters restrict formula food restaurants? (Discussion began March 9)

From John Rahm, Sisters

The truest expression of democracy is clearly not Kevin Dumas’ notions about unfettered competition in “Now We’re Talkin,” but rather, by definition, government that responds to the will of the people and thereby serves their needs.

With all due respect for the benefits of competition, I suspect you would look long and hard before you found a planner who shares Mr. Dumas’ definition of planning’s ultimate goal (to maximize competition). The purpose of planning is to contrive a body of law that will result in the best possible town for the people who live and play and work here. Whether that body of law serves the interests of all the possible businesses that might wish to set up shop here is irrelevant.

Are we socialists now for having written, for example, a section of code that will (hopefully) make it very difficult to establish an “adult business” in town? If this is an obstruction of the free market, I dare say it is a positive and creative effort

A limit on formula restaurants at four would also be beneficial for Sisters.

Limiting the number of formula restaurants would not prevent or limit the delivery of goods and services or outlets for them, only who might provide them. Such a limit would be a big step toward preserving the unique character of the town so beloved by locals and visitors alike, and so important to our success in the tourism marketplace. There are significant economic benefits as well. Studies demonstrate that local businesses spend anywhere from 50 percent to 300 percent more of their revenues locally than do franchised formula businesses and give far more to charity as well.

Call it elitist if you like, but many of us in town don’t think we should be aiming for the bottom, with a goal to become “Anyplace, USA” or “Whatever, USA.”