I am writing to ask, why are some people upset that Dunkin’ Donuts are coming to Elkins? Do people not see that we have businesses closing – CATO, Great Harvest, Fox’s Pizza, to name a few. Have they not heard that we are losing two schools?

Are they not aware that the population of the county is declining? Young people are graduating and leaving in search of jobs and more opportunity to be exposed to museums, different entertainment options (not just hunting, fishing, camping or hiking), a vast array of restaurants and shopping experiences.

Can they not remember when there were jewelry stores, clothing and shoe stores in downtown Elkins? When there were two grocery stores in Beverly, gas stations and restaurants in Harman?

Why are we fighting any growth in this county? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we didn’t have to drive to Clarksburg to go to Sam’s Club, Target or Kohl’s? What a delight it would be to be able to dine at Panera or Long Horn, for example.

Morgantown is building a Dave & Busters and a form of Topgolf.

The hospital now is downsizing their inpatient beds. How will that attract young families or new graduates to move here? Schools are closing, employment opportunities are diminishing and they must drive at least an hour to shop and eat and choices for entertainment are limited to the forest.

The city government and the Randolph County Commission need to step it up in terms of growing the city and county employees and opportunities for employment, housing, schooling, medical care and entertainment, or be content in watching the continued demise of this county and the City of Elkins and related towns.