In Sunday’s Kitsap Sun, there was an an article, “Bail Bonds by the Bay Nevermore,” that got me wondering if many in Port Orchard knew why the mayor was choosing to “bully” the bailbondsmen.

I believe bail bondsmen have been in downtown Port Orchard much longer than Lary Coppola has been sitting in the mayor’s seat.

The mayor stated that the only revenue the city receives from these small businesses was the $30 license fee each year to conduct business downtown. He stated those businesses give downtown a black eye and “we” (the city) don’t make any money off of them. (Is someone”s gigantic raise in jeopardy?)

Reading the article made me envision a big bully beating up the nerdy guy on the playground, and no one seemed to care.

While the mayor may think he doesn’t make money off the business directly, he does benefit indirectly.

I imagine the owners of the bail companies employ employees who shop in the local grocery store, eat out locally, may shop in town, go to the theater, etc., all which pay taxes to the city/county.

I imagine the owners may even spend money, spreading revenue through the area.

Golly, even those bailed out eventually spend money locally.

So, Mr. Mayor, yes you do make money off the bail bonds in your local downtown. I rarely visit the downtown, as I don’t need any antiques, or bailed out.

As I drive through the downtown, I can honestly say I do not see seedy characters looming downtown scaring away any potential shoppers.

Just maybe, no one’s spending much. Or, like me, they have all the antiques they need right now.

ANN WELSH

Port Orchard