It has come to my attention that we live in a society that is quick to outsource goods and services and that loyalty has been displaced. I understand that in these difficult economic times we live in people are looking at the bottom line, but to what end?

In light of the recent loss of a local long established business, it appears that patronizing our hometown has been forgotten. My name is Mike Callahan, I own and operate Lake Erie Roof & Siding Company as I have for almost 38 years. I have seen in my own profession the influx of out of town contractors doing local roofs and although honestly I realize that the public has a choice, still I would much rather see one of my local contemporaries securing roof contracts over non-local contractors.

I’ve received many calls over the years with “issues” of work performed by out-of-town contractors that simply forget people once they’re paid. I am compelled to address the real issue and what’s at stake for all of us.

The public must realize that we too are all local consumers, the local contractors, the vendors we purchase materials from, as well as all of our employees who are all contributing to this hard hit local economy. It comes down to mathematics, but most assuredly hometown loyalty.

I understand the economic pressure as a consumer. It is very difficult. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the Dunkirk-Fredonia area for all these years and hope to serve for years to come, as do my fellow contractors.

I want people to realize that the revenue spent here is continually “re-invested locally with the “out of towners” that capital is simply gone.

We locally all have very competitive rates with the advent of the recession and what little you might save in the long run, might cost you. Remember this is a service-driven industry plus we live, work, and spend here.Local contractors are a better choice on many levels. There’s good local talent right here in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area.

Mike Callahan is a Fredonia resident.