I am a small business owner in Kent. I live between Fairwood and Maple Valley. As a result, I receive the Maple Valley and Covington Reporter at my home.

As a small business owner, I provide goods, services and employment to the local economy. I was shocked when I read the editorial cartoon in your March 13 edition. It is true that doing business in the U.S.A. and the state of Washington costs more than other countries and other states in this country. Our firm’s average wage is over $20 per hour plus benefits. Many of our offshore competitors don’t pay $20 per day and no benefits. In addition, the average manufacturing wage in many southern states is well below $12 per hour. I don’t want to get into the impact of taxes and regulations on Washington businesses, but suffice to say Washington is a leader in both categories.

Please consider the benefits of buying locally. My firm buys its materials and supplies from local businesses who also contribute to the local economy with employment and taxes. Our employees live locally, making purchases and paying taxes in support of the local economy and taxing districts (including schools). There are a lot of good reasons to buy locally but I have listed only a few.

Please keep in mind, nobody in China or Mississippi reads your paper. A quick glance at the March 13th edition revealed no advertisers from South Korea or Alabama. Without local businesses and their employees, your paper would not exist.

David E. Ehrlich