Small businesses are still thriving

Mike Benbow’s article about commercial fishing was welcome relief from previous articles promoting the agenda of an invading squadron of real estate developers. In fact, small family fishing businesses are thriving.

Other ports welcome evicted Everett fishermen, and they will enjoy benefits squandered by Port of Everett. I have had the joy of hiring young people from our community the past 30 years. They have pursued many different careers, becoming productive adults. Most share cherished memories of the experience and self-respect earned while aboard our vessels. No classroom can compare. Most locals have enjoyed outings on the waterfront where their children (with questions) were cheerfully and warmly greeted by the treasure that was our community’s fishermen.

The social benefit of small family businesses hiring local youth, the economic multiplier of seven to one as each new dollar spun through our economy, and the intrinsic value of a modern business older than agriculture are irreplaceable. No condominium can return benefits equal to the commercial fishing fleet, but the condos will come. Along with them will come fences and guards to keep the public away from docks once enjoyed by scores of family businesses and all the peoples of Snohomish County and beyond. All we asked was moorage and storage — which we rented. PUBLIC WELCOME.

A previous writer claimed that fishermen have decimated the fish. He is wrong. In Alaska, frustrated fisheries biologists report salmon washing back down-stream belly up and unspawned due to overcrowding. On Puget Sound I have witnessed pink and chum salmon in numbers beyond anything in the previous 30 years. I believe what I see and experience. Be suspicious of what you read from people who have nothing more to validate their statements than a passionate and destructive agenda.

RICK LINDBLOM