Well, here we go again. "Should I buy local or should I buy Sacramento?" Let me think. ... Nevada County certainly wants you to buy local. Grass Valley wants you to buy local and I'll bet Nevada City wants you to buy local too.

If this is true then it puzzles me when I read Nevada City is shopping for a horse-and-buggy carriage operator. Where? - in Sacramento, of course.

Chuck Shea, owner of the Parsonage B&B in Nevada City, has applied for the operation along with Classic Coach Carriage of West Sacramento. Chuck has been driving the carriage for the previous owner David Vertin to rave reviews from anyone that has ridden with him.

You probably saw Chuck take the reins in the last Fourth of July parade in Nevada City. Anyone who has met Chuck knows he loves people. He is never at a loss for a conversation, talking endlessly about California history, this community and all the great things to do and see in and around our area - things with which he has personal experience.

Nevada City should decide which operator is more suitable for our town. An operator who has memorized a list of facts and has no personal interest in our town, or a ride with Chuck, a person who makes the ride so enjoyable that everyone will remember their visit to Nevada City.

So, I think Nevada City needs to ask the same question they want us to ask. "Should I buy local or should I buy Sacramento?"

Jim Heck

Nevada City