I've never met Mecham, but as a small-business owner I empathize with his situation, especially if it is a result of the credit markets freezing up. Recently, my partners and I had our rug yanked out when our bank pulled out of Utah, and all of our operating loans and lines of credit were called in with payment due in 30 days. That forced us to lay off loyal workers and negotiate alternative payment scenarios with creditors, suppliers, and vendors.

Perhaps the city could propose some economical fencing off of the hole for an interim period in order to allow Mecham time to permanently resolve the issue once the credit markets free up. Now's the time for local government to step in and assist our business and community leaders, not kick them while they're down.

David L. Shipley

North Salt Lake