Letter to the Editor: Shop Locally - Save a Friend, a Family and a Small Business

Editor's Note: The following letter was submitted by Westwood resident Michael Walsh, candidate for State Senate for Suffolk-Norfolk District including Westwood, Norwood, Dedham, West Roxbury and parts of Roslindale and Hyde Park.

As a candidate for the Suffolk/Norfolk state senate seat, one privilege I most enjoy is an opportunity to speak with the voters about something that is near and dear to their hearts. With all of the issues out there today, and many have been discussed at length, maybe after reading this editorial, perhaps you will change a habit, even for one day a week.

Recently, my wife Linda and I spent an afternoon with the Lebanese community at the First Lebanese Festival at the Cedars of Lebanon on Moss Hill in Jamaica Plain. With more than a thousand people enjoying the day, I can't explain the sense of community that was present. But I ran across an old friend and neighbor who explained to me that his business that he'd had for 30 years had gone belly-up in this economy, and that the bank was looking to foreclose on his home for the business loan.

It brought to mind the importance of reminding people how critical it is, during these difficult times, to reach out and spend a few of your hard-earned dollars at a local establishment. Not at the national chains, which we have so fondly made a convenient part of our lives. With tears in the eyes of both him and his wife, it was apparent that this economy had taken more than its toll on the small business owner, just of one of the many who continue to struggle in this economy.  

A small business loan would have been able to help get him through these challenging times. However, in light of the financial restrictions in place, he was unable to secure additional money needed for his business to survive. I could not help but wonder how often my habits had become part of the problem - especially for small business owners. It is since speaking with this owner that we have suddenly and permanently changed our ways.  

As I travel to all areas of this district from West Roxbury, Roslindale, Hyde Park, Norwood, Westwood and Dedham, I can't help but visit the small owners and ask how business is going. Each time I get the same thing, struggling to keep the lights on, bills paid, and just struggling to stay in business overall.  

Now we will stop in Dedham at Blue Bunny to buy books and birthday presents, and Santoro's for a sandwich, stop by the Dedham Community Theater or the Riverside Theater in Hyde Park for a live show. By going to see my friend Al at the True Value Hardware Store in West Roxbury and Murph's in Norwood, Café Rialto in Roslindale, High Street Market in Westwood, I hope in writing this opinion editorial you might consider to change your ways, and help small business owners stay around - so that in good economic times we have a choice.

Your choice affects a local family, a friend or even an old neighbor. Even if it is just once a week, choose to go to a small business because it affects real families and they need you to change your change habits more than ever.

Sincerely,

Michael F. Walsh
Candidate for the Suffolk/Norfolk Senate seat