In 2010, The Friday Harbor Town Council said “No” to Subway, but they won’t say a word to Homeland Security?

Does this make sense? A viable retailer, Subway, was turned away because it sent the wrong message, according to Carrie Latcher (Friday Harbor mayor).

“Fast-food franchises send a message when you enter a town, and it’s a message I’d rather not send,” she said. “The message I prefer to send is we are a local, rural, very eclectic community that is proud of its heritage. Fast-food franchise restaurants would detract from that.”

So how does Homeland Security fit our “very eclectic character?”

A government agency with more power than God at the main intersection of our town. Who will want to sit on the park bench on that corner, or any corner, with armed, bullet-proof jacketed, jack-booted troopers coming and going? Sometimes they will be escorting handcuffed guests to stay over at the Feds newly remodeled B&B (Bastille & Bilious).

Does this send the right message?

I am told the town council refuses to get involved, but if they don’t, then who will? Who else has the ability to do anything?

What the council should be doing is finding alternate ways to help the landlord inspire a prime “anchor-tenant” for what is one of the most prime commercial real estate locations in town. Ever heard of economic development?

Tax credits for the lessee and lessor? And find a better location for Homeland Security. It can be done—get involved—solutions exist. If not you, then who?

I wonder if after the Subway debacle Walgreens just skipped us? That corner has always looked liked a Walgreens to me.

Rikki Swin

San Juan Island