I am appalled at the shortsightedness of American Holdings in evicting Austin’s Fine Wines and Foods, one of the finest and most popular of Auburn’s businesses. It is the kind of establishment that allows Lewiston-Auburn to compete with the Portland area. Without it, those of us interested in fine wines and sundry other gourmet items will be forced to patronize Portland shops. That is certainly not what boosters of this area want to have happen.

Additionally, Rysen is a shop that has evolved into one of a kind and one that can draw customers from all of the central and southern parts of the state. With Conrad Austin leaving the area, Beckie Conrad (Austin’s wife) is certainly not going to remain behind. A store that any community would prize will be gone, probably not to be replaced, as well as two of L-A’s most ardent supporters.

Where in all of this are Auburn city officials? Surely they have attempted to work out a more satisfactory arrangement for these two very valuable businesses and the bar that is moving in. Or have they?

Believe me, as one who is very familiar with our southern neighbor’s perception of L-A, we have just confirmed some of their most negative opinions of us.

Kirsten Larsson-Turley,

Lewiston

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