Dear Editor,

We the undersigned merchants located between Meridian St. and James St. on West Commerce St. (Aberdeen) are very displeased with the actions of the Bukka White Festival Committee and the City of Aberdeen on the following dates of October 16th and 17th, 2009.

On the 16th of October, the portion of Commerce St. running in the front of our businesses was blocked from any traffic attempting to patronize our establishments. This blockage was caused by city of Aberdeen barricades set up at Meridian St. and James St. on West Commerce St. at an early hour on Friday. Patrons had to walk to restaurants, banks, variety stores, City Hall, Chancery Building, Chamber of Commerce, barber shop and doctors' appointments.

It is to be noted that East Commerce St. was never closed, and enjoyed business as usual on this day. It is also to be noted that at 2 p.m. on October 16th, the Aberdeen High School Band was allowed access to West Commerce St. for a parade by removing barricades blocking the street.

Gentlemen, we suffered an 80 percent loss in business and the city suffered an 80 percent loss in tax revenue. we are requesting a compensation for this loss as a result of misjudgment by both the city and the festival committee.

Thank you for your consideration,

Theresa Davis — Tony's Cafe,

Aberdeen