Along with Tony and Ann Kischner, and with several other guests, I was recently privileged to attend the open house of the historic Doupé Building conducted by its owner, Abigail Mack, and agree with them that she is truly a heroine for all of the hard work and expense she is putting forward toward the restoration of this notable structure.

In their recent letter-to-the-editor Mr. and Mrs. Kischner note the many challenges being faced by Ms. Mack, and also the lack of assistance and interest on the part of the City of Ilwaco. She is alone in facing the great costs needed to repair the damage caused to her building’s foundation by a broken city water main occurring at the intersection near to her building, and has received no break on the many other onerous fees being incurred. While the mayor of Long Beach attended the Doupé open house, the mayor of Ilwaco did not evidently consider attending to be worthy of his time or interest.

In other cases, the City of Ilwaco has demonstrated that its parsimoniousness is more important than showing community support. The City passed off necessary sewer repairs at Second and Lake Street to the nearby property owners, and has avoided paying any of the costs needed to repair a broken underground electrical line between the museum and the local antique business. The ghost town appearance of downtown Ilwaco alone evidences Ilwaco’s unfriendly attitude toward business. If the City of Ilwaco is broke, a more welcoming approach toward business could only help.

RICHARD D. BONESTEEL, Jr.

Ilwaco