The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Dear Editor,

Waitsburg is a unique "one-of-akind" community. The Commercial Club, Waitsburg's Chamber of Commerce, has represented the business community of Waitsburg for over 100 years. A big part of the Commercial Club mission is to remind community members of the importance of supporting local businesses to maintain our economic diversity.

Waitsburg has many valuable components that help to make our community self sustaining and attractive to businesses and people relocating, and to visitors to our city. We are able to offer groceries seven days and evenings a week, hardware and housewares seven days a week. We have gourmet dining and spirits offered each day of the week by four businesses, each having a unique and loyal customer base. All these businesses are necessary resources that community members rely upon every day.

In addition, Waitsburg has planned well and has other "one-of-a-kind" assets not found in most communities of this size. One of these is the Waitsburg Clinic, a part of the Columbia Hospital District. How many small town residents can walk to a full service medical clinic or travel a mere 10 miles for physical therapy, respite care, and/or lab tests, as those of us who live in Waitsburg can? Waitsburg is very fortunate to have this resource.

The Columbia Hospital District is asking for your support of the levy vote on November 4. The levy will cost $4.16 monthly for a home value of $100,000. Maintaining our local businesses does require each community member's commitment to do so.

The Waitsburg Commercial Club Executive Board of Directors asks that you vote YES in support of the hospital levy to maintain this part of our Waitsburg quality of life.

Joy Smith

Commercial Club President

Waitsburg