As the owner(s) of the only small engine repair shop serving our vicinity, I must bring a grave concern to city officials’ attention. Our business not only provides a living for me and my family, but it also fulfils a critical service need in our community. Many depend on us to continue their livelihoods and maintain their quality of life. Removing us from the network would cause significant disruption that could have far-reaching consequences in the community.

We must remind our city that local businesses such as ours are the pulse of the community. Small businesses employ 60.6 million people, which is nearly half of the U.S. employee workforce (SBA, 2019). We ask the city to make an exception to secure the continuity of our business and keep the heart of our community beating.

We understand that laws and ordinances should be observed, but we believe that in unique situations such as ours, discretion and pragmatism should guide decision-making. We appeal to our city officials to consider our personal plight and the community impact, and grant an exception for the licensing of our small engine repair shop. We urge everyone who shares our view to sign this petition. Together, we can ensure that core services in our community continue.