There still seems to be a lot of chatter going on in regards to the downtown revitalization. I have stated on numerous occasions that I think the one-way street is the best way to go for our city. When folks talk about businesses leaving the downtown area what are the true reasons why they are leaving and or not renewing their leases?

If changing the downtown to a one-way street was such a bad idea, why would folks still be opening businesses down there? Why would people be building a new building downtown? If it was such doom and gloom, why are merchants and landlords still going downtown to open shops?

In the big picture of things people should be shifting their attention on how they are going to market to the consumers to let them know they are still open for business while the construction is going on.

I just hope the merchants and the City Council see how important marketing really is.

Gerry Oliver

Oak Harbor