TO THE EDITOR:

With the economy in a slump, the last thing we need in this town is another hotel that would probably not last more than three years. I have been living in this town for more than six years and I have observed a lot. And what I see is not good. I came down here hoping to find a good job and all I’ve seen was a few manufacturing plants close down, putting hundreds of people out of work. My parents own Washington Plantation Bed & Breakfast (Which is now up for sale) and my mom had an antique store, where I was selling my comic books. The store is now gone because the high cost of rent and utilities. I also saw within the two years that half the town square is now empty, mostly due to low costumer rates.

Even though I was forced to find a part time job at the local grocery store, it really depresses me to see that most of the customers use EBTs and WIC. Even though I think it’s great the government is helping, I also think they need more help. What they need is to be employed. I know the mayor and council members are probably doing their best to bring jobs back in this town, but it has been about a year since the last plant closed. They need to pick up the pace to help the people of Washington, or our other option is tourism.

8.4 Million dollars was the amount, and the council decided to build a hotel. Why a hotel? It seems pointless since we already have two, plus couple of inns that do not fill up every week-end. That does not make any sense especially when we are probably going to pay for it. And this would draw tourists? I mean, if you want to attract tourists to a town, build something unique and fun to bring them in.

My suggestion is to build an outdoor Amphitheater and get some performers to entertain this and other surrounding towns. We’ve got a radio station, let’s put it to work, or how about a community water park? We desperately need something to keep us cool during the summer, especially for the kids who find there is nothing fun or exciting to do here. There are plenty of ideas out there to grow this town, we just need find them.

Michael Shaunesy