It has come to my attention that we live in a society that outsources goods and services and that loyalty has been displaced.

I understand that in these difficult economic times we have to economize, but to what end. In light of the fiscal problems that face both Dunkirk and Fredonia, patronizing our hometown has been forgotten.

As the owner of Lake Erie Roof & Siding Co. for almost 40 years now the influx of out of town contractors doing local roof is alarming.

I realize that the public has a choice. I would much rather see one of our local companies contract roofs over non-local contractors. I’ve seen too many “issues” with work performed by out-of-town contractors that forget people once they’re paid and have noticed that the installations are a one day project with up to a dozen workers over a period of 12 to 14 hours.

In my 40 years of installing roofs, I see problems with this practice on many levels.

I am compelled to address the real issue and what’s at stake for all of us locally. We are all local consumers. The local contractors and vendors we purchase materials from as well as all of our employees 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 the revenue spent here is continually “reinvested locally” with the “out-of-towners” that money 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 in every respect. There’s good local talent right here in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area.

Mike Callahan is a Fredonia resident.