This is in response to Marsha Auster’s letter, printed Nov. 5.

Why does she want to drive to Portland and shop at chain stores and watch her money leave the state?

Panera Bread? Try the Bread Shack or the Italian Bakery — locally owned and fresh.

Trader Joe’s? Try Bourque’s Market, Axis Natural Foods, Blackie’s Farm Fresh Produce, Nezinscot Farms — local owners, employing local people feeding the local economy.

There are plenty of good merchants in Lewiston and Auburn, and our surrounding communities. She should try them.

Philip Meyer, Buckfield