To The Editor,
    We are responding to the unfounded comments about the merchants in downtown Rutledge made by Don Anderson in his letter criticizing the city’s new speed humps. He is entitled to his opinion about the humps but he should not make untrue remarks about the Rutledge merchants. His statement, “The few businesses that you have in town that are just making it must be seeing the difference in their cash registers now” is not only incorrect it is hurtful by promoting such a negative picture of us to the public.
    In 2011 and 2012 we’ve seen the addition of LilyBeth’s Gift shop, The Co-op on East Main, Bumble Bee Books, Serendipity, Neighbor’s Market and Arcadian House Pictures as well as major expansions of The Caboose and Back–to-Wellness. A new pizza restaurant will be opening soon. Mr. Anderson’s comments about the speed humps are just an opinion, neither right nor wrong, but his negative statement about the merchants in Rutledge is an incorrect comment disguised as fact. We invite him and anybody else to come to Rutledge and see that Rutledge is not just hanging on but actually thriving.
The Rutledge Merchants Association (www.smallbutspecial.info)
Adrienne’s on Main
LilyBeth’s Gift Shop
Arcadian House Pictures
Live Well Salon & Spa
Back-to-Wellness
Neighbor’s Market
Bumble Bee Books
Rutledge Crossing
Caboose
Rutledge Frame Shop
Classic Rock Café
Rutledge Hardware
Combat Aikido
Serendipity Collectibles
Co-op on East Main
Yesterday’s Cafe
Daddy V’s Pizza

Printed in the July 12, 2012 edition