Economic Growth

You’ve said in several conversations now, that you plan on bringing Home Depot into Eureka, HOW would that affect our local lumber industry that so many families rely on locally?

Thank you for this important question. Let me be absolutely clear: Our local businesses, lumberyards, mills, and the families whose livelihoods depend on them must come first.

When I mention Home Depot, I am talking about exploring opportunities to expand Eureka’s economy, create jobs, offer consumers more choices, and generate additional tax revenue. I am not suggesting that we should sacrifice our existing local businesses to accomplish that.

Businesses such as Pierson Building Center, Schmidbauer Building Supply, and our other local suppliers have invested in this community for decades. They provide jobs, support local families, and contribute to our economy. They deserve our support and a meaningful voice in decisions that could affect their future.

I also believe economic development must go beyond recruiting national chains. We should make it easier for existing local businesses to expand, streamline unnecessary permitting delays, support local entrepreneurs, and encourage residents and contractors to buy locally.

My goal is not to replace the businesses that built Eureka. My goal is to help them succeed while creating additional opportunities for our community.

Home Depot is one possibility worth evaluating, not a commitment that it must come here regardless of the consequences.

Economic growth should be measured by how much stronger our entire local economy becomes, not simply by how many new storefronts open.

Anil Dwivedi