Letter to the Editor: Here in Hallmark city

I never realized how hard it was to shop in Newton until I began some home improvement projects this summer. Did you know you can’t buy chain link fence supplies in Newton unless you are involved in a huge project and need a large amount? And then all they can do is order it for you. If you need just a single item or two, you have to go out of town. It’s the same with other home supplies. Just try to find anything around here. You’ll find Newton lacks basic shopping other than Walmart. Why are smaller cities like Pella and Grinnell so better for shopping than a city the size of Newton? You can’t even buy appliances like washers and dryers in Newton, but you can in those towns. I thought our mayor told us she thought of Newton as a “Hallmark city. She even told the paper, when she was running for office, “I’d like to find ways to engage residents in promoting Newton’s small-town charm with city amenities. As the Des Moines metro grows and their congestion and crime rates increase, Newton has distinct advantages over other Central Iowa communities. Sharing why our families enjoy living in Newton is important.”

Lack of significant shopping is a “distinct advantage?” Why would any family relocate to Newton when they just have to drive out of town to buy many necessities? I suppose if you want some artsy knick-knacks for your home you’ll find plenty of options in our bustling downtown district. If, that is, you can find a store that keeps regular business hours.

Alas, I’m afraid we’ll have to resign ourselves to driving to Pella, or Grinnell, or Altoona if we want to do any real shopping for real goods and services.

Such is life in a “Hallmark city,” I guess.

John Moore

Newton