Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I am sad, disappointed and, yes, appalled at the lack of Christmas decorations in downtown Mathews. It seems perhaps Scrooge is at work here! All we have are flags, and even driving by, one can see the tattered, frayed and torn cloth. When there is a wind, they are wrapped around their poles. I understand that these flags cost around $100 apiece … what a waste. When one looks down Main Street from the Hardee’s intersection at night, our town is depressingly dark until one reaches the merchants’ stores, which are shining with beautiful decorations. As a tourist, I would be surprised at the poverty-looking decorations our city has to offer.

We pay enough taxes to afford simple, inexpensive decorations, such as pre-lit garlands and wreaths with a big red bow for each pole. These should last for many years and not be a big expense for the city. We can certainly afford a city maintenance person to spend a few hours in putting these up. The electric bill should be minimal with mini-lights.

Let’s just get it done and not “pass the buck.” It would lift our spirits to see all of Main Street lit with Christmas cheer, not just the merchants’ stores.

Janet Bowman

Onemo, Va.