I write in response to John Reeder’s letter (“Lewiston needs to shape up its downtown image,” Jan. 27).

I understand how Mr. Reeder feels. I was born in Lewiston and lived near Governor’s Restaurant. I sometimes take a ride downtown and remember when I was young and went to the movies on Saturday afternoon — the sidewalks were so full I had to walk on the street.

I miss those days. I feel that it’s not the fault of the downtown merchants that things are the way they are today. Big box stores moved in, and small business couldn’t compete.

Maybe in time the new people coming in will bring things to a new and better way. Let’s be “Hopeful.”

Lou Giard, Turner