Letter: Flummoxed by co-op petition

Published: 04-29-2025 1:42 PM

It has been more than two weeks since I first read in the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript that there was a petition asking the Monadnock Food Co-Op not to come to Peterborough.

I am completely flummoxed by such a request.

I found myself thinking, “Isn’t this the United States?” where we are free to decide for ourselves about a new business? And, on a smaller scale, are we not the “Live Free or Die” state? And on an even smaller scale, isn’t Peterborough known as “A Good Town to Live In,” though apparently where one does not get to pick where to shop.

According to the 2020 census, the population of Peterborough is 6,418. I am guessing that some of these residents might have welcomed the co-op.

I also think that it would have drawn shoppers from nearby towns — shoppers who, while they were here, would patronize some of our other shops and eat at our restaurants.

The Monadnock Food Co-Op seems to be a regular advertiser in the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript. This would seem to indicate that they have customers in the area — customers who might appreciate the convenience of not having to drive to Keene.

I, for one, am hoping that the Monadnock Co-Op will reconsider its decision.

Sue Forrest

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