I am writing to bring to light changes that could help the businesses of Friday Harbor, as well as the town’s rising deficits.

It is time for the town to help promote business and to make this town a place to come.

I understand the economy is down, but if we don’t spend money, we won’t make money. The town is tired-looking and in desperate need of a face lift. Maybe even a theme.

If we work together, I am sure we can figure this out. January is a great time to plan and execute.

The first thing is for everyone who owns a building in the downtown core to repaint it. The town should pick five colors and that’s it.

The movie theatre, and Gordy and Lori Peterson and Charles’ uptown buildings are beautiful and in good taste. Others are done nicely as well, but are surrounded by those that should be updated.

I feel landlords are making extraordinary rents and should help by painting the outside of their buildings for the good of the Town and their tenants. But remember only five colors…

The town needs to encourage street fairs, music festivals and events that help it grow to its old potential, i.e., Jazz Fest. The more money we make, the more money the town makes.

There are at least 14 empty spots in town… horrifying. The rent is terrible, the street lights do well for lighting streets, but what about the sidewalks? First Street is a ferry nightmare for everyone.

The chamber tries to help but is argued against by some businesses and town interference, i.e., the street fair.

It is time for a change.

Let’s look to other booming towns and integrate what works well for them. Let’s use our imagination and fight to make this town a place to come, to live and to work.

I’ve lived here for 26 years and I love this town.

The town council, the chamber, business owners and landlords need to come together, stop saying “NO”, and say, “How can we make this happen?”

Change is good.

Julie Shelton

Friday Harbor

P.S. The taxi driver said put a coat of blacktop on Tucker.