To the editor:

It’s unfortunate that Langley has chosen to copy Coupeville’s successful Red Ticket raffle this year with its own White Ticket raffle, not to mention scheduling the drawing on the same day at nearly the same time, apparently without any word to the Coupeville Chamber.

With all the creative energy and talent on the South End, it seems that someone might have come up with an original idea. I can well imagine how Langley businesses would feel about Coupeville organizing its own Mystery Weekend in February.

As a former Langley resident, I shop both ends of the island all the way from Clinton to Oak Harbor. In fact, I did exactly that last week with stops along the way. I’m aware, however, that there’s a certain kind of “cannibalizing” that goes on with some of the businesses in Langley and experienced it myself when I had a business there. Apparently, it’s easier to borrow someone else’s good idea than to come up with a new one.

I know that all business owners hope for good Christmas sales, but copycat promotions are far less likely to draw customers than new, creative promotions. Langley, I think you can do better than this, and I look forward to seeing some bright new ideas.

MOLLY LARSON COOK

Coupeville