Letter to the editor

Bashing tourism doesn't cut it

Pete Sozzi Sept. 16, 1996 From the print edition
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  Dear HCN,


Ed Quillen's article on the Disappearing railroad blues shows the West is changing (HCN, 8/5/96), but I must disagree with his inference that tourism brings only minimum wage jobs. Tourists bringing in their $1,800 bikes on $30,000 vehicles are also going to spend millions on motels, quality restaurants, bike and vehicle mechanics, outfitters, even boutiques and stores selling geegaws, etc., and pay taxes to boot. Those American entrepreneurs willing to invest and work hard will reap the benefits. If a person is only able to find a minimum wage job, it is a reflection of either minimum skills or little commitment to a career.


As industries in the West change so must the individual. Acquiring skills is a responsibility taken by those who want decent compensation.





Pete Sozzi


Salmon, Idaho
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