To the Editor:

I understand that, to preserve public safety and services, government must make repairs to roads, bridges, and other public facilities. That’s its job.

But when those maintenance activities deprive the public of services, and cost the livelihood of private citizens, something is wrong.  If the bridge repair in Berne is necessary because of damage from Tropical Storm Irene, then the compensation for lost business and recovery should be extended to Fox Creek Market.  The fact that the recovery work is happening now rather than two years ago is irrelevant; it is still indirect storm damage.

I shop at Fox Creek because it is convenient; it has Meadowbrook milk, and products from other local farmers and producers.  I have stopped for the market’s superb breakfast sandwiches, and ordered pizza on a Friday night (sausage and mushrooms is the way I roll).

I like the fact that the market is in a cozy, historic building that fits in the Berne landscape, rather than some garish “modern” and architecturally incongruous eyesore that would wreck the visual character of our town.  Tourists shop with their eyes as well as their pocketbooks, and the charm of a little rural store adds to their enjoyment.

Local businesses deserve our support. They are our friends and neighbors, and we need them all. I have been to the construction site, and it can be difficult to impossible to reach the store amid the clutter and danger of all that heavy equipment.

It seems to me that government has a responsibility to all its citizens, including the businesses that add to our economy.  To slash the livelihood of a local small business during its busiest season, without offering any relief or compensation, is unconscionable.

If government exists to protect and serve the people, then that should include all the people.  If The Enterprise can discover who in the state’s Department of Transportation or elsewhere has the authority to address this issue, I will gladly contact them directly to make my views as a citizen known.

Phyllis Johnson

Berne

Editor’s note: Phyllis Johnson writes the Helderberg Seniors column for The Enterprise.

See related editorial.