Not supporting locals

EDITOR:

Please let the people of Douglas County know that the Douglas County Board of Commissioners does not support local businesses the ability to grow and expand in this downward economy.

I could not believe the board denied me the chance to expand my business by denying my application for a zone change from general commercial to tourist commercial with a gaming overlay so I could expand to accommodate smokers and add an area so they could also game.

They bend over backwards for big business such as casinos (C.O.D. Garage), and big retail stores (Walmart), but will not support my quest to expand and grow in these hard times.

The town of Gardnerville fully supported me with a 5-0 vote, as well as the planning commission with a 4-1 vote.

We have been in business here for 15 years, and all I wanted to do was be able to compete for customers that I cannot accommodate with my current zoning and licensing. I find it appalling that they will not support local business and I encourage the people of Douglas County to vote against these commissioners (all of them), when the time comes for re-election.

I'd like to thank all our current and past customers for supporting us for 15 years, but if I can move my business to a friendlier county that cares about the local business more than tourist business I will move without hesitation. Thank you very much.

Greg Sayabalian

Hamdogs Restaurant