Vendors Were Intimidated

To the Editor:

In response to the article describing Constable Wunderlich’s investigation into the farmers’ market, I wanted to clarify that Mr. Wunderlich intimidated vendors and did in fact tell one to leave because the items she was selling (hand sanitizer, masks, homemade soap, etc.) were “non-essential.” I approached the Constable and questioned his actions, asking why it was okay for Walmart to sell “nonessential” items but not for local producers to do the same.

As I walked away to talk to the property owner, he followed me in his patrol car chirping the siren. He then said there were more than 10 people gathered at a “public” place. I asked him why it was okay for more than 10 people to be at Walmart, to which he replied, “Arguing with you is like arguing with the floor.” I responded that he needed better arguments.

I just want to let Mr. Wunderlich know that a nice, local man bought six large bottles of hand sanitizer from that same vendor and donated them to the Sheriff’s office. She later received a phone call from the Sheriff’s office asking for more since they liked it so much.

I’m not sure why the local government feels the need to demean area producers by calling their hand-made items “trinkets,” or why local law enforcement feels the need to threaten citizens with unnecessary intimidation tactics while allowing business at big-box stores to continue unabated.

I want to thank all the shoppers that continue to support local producers and encourage citizens to show our county’s leadership that we don’t want them picking winners and losers, interfering in free markets and forcing us to buy from certain stores. We need to increase and support a vibrant, robust local production system so we are more prepared to withstand future interruptions in our (very flawed) national supply chain.

Brianne Bernsen

Plum