Linda Voorhees: Forget studies, just ask Modestans what they want

Re “Will Modesto back high end retailers? City may take a look” (Page 1A, Feb. 12): I was born and raised in Modesto, so I have seen a lot of changes. It is ridiculous for the city to pay $60,000 to some outside consulting firm to conduct market studies. Ask the citizens who live here!

With today’s technology, simply put up an on-line site and let the people vote. Give a few well-thought-out options, as in multiple choices, and let us decide.

Put a ballot in the newspaper. Residents could clip it out and mail it in. Maybe a little more time consuming than an online option, but you’d get a better representation of the population’s thoughts. Both options would cost considerably less than the $60,000. That money could be put toward the things the city needs to address.

I don’t mind seeing new business come to town. However, I would like to see more offerings on the east side of Modesto. If my options are dining somewhere on the Oakdale Road side of town, or driving almost 30 minutes in traffic to dine, you can bet the business on the west side will win.

This story was originally published February 16, 2016 at 3:24 PM with the headline "Linda Voorhees: Forget studies, just ask Modestans what they want."