To the editor:

Truth be told, someone has to say it in print. There is so many loud, pro-spokespersons of and for Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, but as for the rest of us …

In response to the letter to the editor regarding the Record’s Feb. 23 editorial, “Tale of two cities,” let’s face it — and most of us know this fact.

Not until Nichols Brothers moves to another area can Freeland come into its own. The Nichols property would make a perfect tourist area with shops and boardwalks. Once we can move from an industrial harbor to a desirable harbor, out-of-towners will want to visit a serene bedroom community harbor. Only then will Freeland have a chance for becoming a thriving city.

Yes, I know some will get mad at me saying this, but most of us are secretly waiting for Nichols to move. Yes, Nichols does provide some jobs, but mind you part of the Nichols’ benefit package includes layoffs with unemployment.

Who wants to make it a city now? It will become a giant industrial park as long as Nichols is taking up the best property. It will be hard for the town for a year or so once Nichols moves, but then it will finally thrive!

And that is the truth.

JOHN CUMMINGS

Freeland, Everett, Mountlake Terrace