Editor’s note: This letter is in response to “Disappointed by the Enumclaw Chamber,” published Aug. 26, 2020.

Mr. Hurst, I too was disappointed when I read the Enumclaw Chamber and the City Council urged businesses to defy the mask mandate. Shame on all of them. The masks are for our safety. I do not consider it to be a violation of my rights to be asked to wear one to protect both myself and others. It is my patriotic duty and a very minor imposition. I am one of those vulnerable seniors.

I also will not be shopping at any local business that decides not to enforce the mandate. And that means forever. I was recently in one local business along SR 410, other customers not wearing masks. Employees not wearing masks. Not only did I not make a purchase that day (though I have spent quite a bit there in the past), I will never, ever be back. And I e-mailed them to let them know this. I will drive to Bonney Lake, Maple Valley or Auburn to purchase anything I might want that they have. I too will be keeping a list.

Should they doubt my resolve in this matter, perhaps they should be aware that I have not shopped at J.C. Penney since the early 70’s. The reason does not matter, but I made that decision then & I have not been back since.

I feel bad for businesses that are struggling and those forced to close for good, but life will always matter to me over dollars, every time.

On another note, thanks to Mr. Terhaar for the chuckle about a novel way to secure our elections. I very much enjoyed your letter.

Dennie Anderson

Enumclaw