In Des Moines, we have an economic development person, Marion Yoshino, who works without compensation other than the good feeling that comes from reaching out to others less able to help themselves.

Marion has sent out surveys to each business, asking pertinent questions, which we can only hope that our city council members will show keen interest in. It can only be hoped for, here, that our council will give serious attention to the responses of this survey.

As a citizen of Des Moines, I refuse to believe that our council does not care about the lifeblood of our community; they just need to be told and as kindly as possible, what the business climate in Des Moines needs to be; not just to keep the present businesses, but to attract more investors to open in Des Moines.

Here is an update:

Dear traveler and local residents, please step out of your car and look in our windows, you will see: Two flagship restaurants, Anthony's Home Port, and Salty's at Redondo, a fleet of many smaller ones, such as Wally's Chowder House, Athens Pizza and Pasta, and the old standby, Des Moines Creek Restaurant.

We're growing too. Barnacles, Marine View Dr. Espresso and All-Star Sports bar are new.

The Lighthouse Tavern has been a trusted watering hole for many years. Besides the numerous dining spots, Des Moines has an excellent array of stores, including Page Turner Books and All Points Yarn, where you can buy a book and knit a sock all in one block!

We have a computer store with all the advanced technology that you could wish for, EC Computers.

For an event at home, we have a great wine merchant, Corky Cellars with a boundless selection of vintner booty at good prices too.

I would invite you, dear traveler, then, to go on to your destination vowing to return and "explore Des Moines." We are a treasure chest awaiting your discovery.

Pat Nardo
Des Moines