In response to the Cover Story, “A Tale of One City Divided” in the Florida? Agenda, August 11, 2011.

Dear Editor,

Let me understand what happened…

Businesses in Wilton Manors are struggling. Unless they are alcohol related they seem to be closing faster than new business opening. Many spaces promote Coming Soon but realistically they have been Coming Soon for so long I have doubts the doors will open.

WMBA, a private organization of WM businesses, invites Representative Allen West to speak to them. Being a member of a small business committee in Washington DC he could enlighten the WM businesses on government programs and opportunities to help them survive during these challenging economic times.

What bothers me most is that a group of individuals decided that the WM business community should not have this opportunity. An opportunity to collectively hear what assistance is in place and what Washington DC has learned in what works and what does not in assisting the business community, helping Wilton Manors.

Instead this group of individuals threatens OUR struggling businesses with boycotts and a “gays built this town and can destroy it” attitude. Really? When I read that in your previous article I fell out of my chair. Is that what we are about? As you travel down The

Drive, ask yourself how that is working out for us?

Look, I consider myself a Democrat and am NOT an Allen West supporter, never voted for him, never will. I think it sad that our business community, that we need for our tax base and growth for the Island City to prosper, had an opportunity for help and others with another agenda took that away.  Hopefully we all learn from this experience.

Thank you.
Michael Helms

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