Free enterprise is best for Thousand Oaks

I have lived in the area for almost 25 years and remember when Kmart was the only "big" store in town before The Promenade, The Lakes and everything else.

When I talk to other longtime neighbors, many of us simply don't understand what all the fear is about Home Depot.

I realize some just want to know how it will affect them, and they should just follow the city's review process. However, it seems some are really trying to hold on to something for less than altruistic reasons.

I've read letter after suspicious letter in this paper, and it begs the question of what is the source of the bombardment of letters and rhetoric?

I don't think it's too farfetched to consider that the Do-it Center wants to hold on to its monopoly. Isn't that what they did in Agoura Hills? I support my local businesses, but the fact of the matter is that there's plenty of room here for Home Depot, Do-it Center and the other smaller hardware stores.

Sometimes there are things I can find shopping at Home Depot that I just can't find at Do-it Center and vice-versa. I want to be able to make that choice.

It's called democracy and economic competition.

Is that so scary?
Jesse Campbell
Thousand Oaks

The Thousand Oaks Acorn confirms the authenticity of letters that we receive.