The store is currently closed – five more people out of work, and yet the Sun Journal continues to write articles regarding the problems of Joey McLafferty of Riddles Pharmacy. I know a newspaper feels it has a duty to report the news, but it has a duty to report the entire story and not try to sensationalize certain aspects of someone’s life.

I have known the McLaffertys my entire life. Joey, his mother and his father, have been taking care of our prescription needs for as long as I can remember. Over the years, Joey has never said no to anybody who came into his pharmacy and needed prescriptions, even if they could not pay.

I don’t know they ever said no to a fundraiser or a donation to any of the children’s functions in the area. They have supported everything to the best of my knowledge. They have been employing people in this community for 47 years. I know McLafferty opened his doors in the middle of the night for people who needed prescriptions filled.

The list goes on and on of all his accomplishments and community service. No more reminders are needed, no more outdated pictures necessary. The one-sided reporting must stop. It is time to let McLafferty enjoy his retirement. Let us hope that the hole created on Main Street will soon be filled by someone who has the same dedication to Rangeley and the surrounding community as Joey McLafferty.

Stephen C. Philbrick, Oquossoc