Editor:

Recently I was casting my vote for your "Best of Humboldt" competition (Aug. 18), and a few oddities caught my eye.  "Best Fast Food".... "Best Big Box Store".... "Best Corporate Citizen."

I found myself wondering what kind of local would have come up with categories like these.  Are we now celebrating the fact that no matter how hard we try to support only positive locally owned businesses, we still have to put up with corporate intrusions that weaken our economy and the close-knit nature of our community?  These bizarre celebrations of corporate influence could have been replaced with categories like "best local farm", "best organic clothing brand," "best local store." Should not the "Best of Humboldt" award actually be something that originated in Humboldt?  Maybe the Journal could do some free advertising for the supposed new Walmart coming to town-next year they could win Humboldt County's Best Big Box store! Wow, what a long way we have come. Give yourselves a big pat on the back for truly recognizing Humboldt County's Best!

Alicia Hamann, Arcata