Reader disagrees with T-PT publisher’s view on the health of Tri-parish economy

Dear Editor:

After reading your comments expressing your opinion concerning recent local business slowdowns in the Aug. 13 issue, I felt compelled to reply.

You voiced the possibility that consumers’ “mental recession” and “fear” attributed to that slowdown, stating that since our local economy is booming, consumers’ attitudes must be shaped by national reports of doom and gloom rather than being affected by actual pullbacks or recession.

I beg to differ with you about that.

While business is booming here, few of the jobs pay more than minimum wage or offer any benefits to the employees.

While there is a shortage of workers, employers still refuse to provide 40 hour work weeks in order to avoid having to pay unemployment or any other benefits. Most of these workers have to have at least two such jobs just to stay one degree above the poverty line.

While we in this area are not experiencing a recession like the rest of the country, the cost of food, fuel, drugs, healthcare and other goods have risen as much here as in the rest of the country, causing even a good paycheck to shrink.

When that happens, consumers’ selection of items to be purchased narrows. They become more discriminating in their choices and in the amount they are able to pay for these items.

Fear? I think not.

Surely, even you have filled your vehicle(s) recently or bought groceries.

If you have not, I suggest that you get out in the real world and see for yourself how high prices really are affecting even “recession free” localities.

In my opinion, your publish-er’s notes on this subject are an affront to all the working “poor” consumers in this community.

They display ignorance and a certain sense of disconnect on your part.

Debbie Robichaux

Houma