Marlin Mackley
509 Main Street
Fenton, MO 63026-4169
636-343-2801


5-29-2002
Gregory F.X.Daly
License Collector
P. O. Box 952027
St. Louis, MO 63195-2027

Sirs:
Enclosed with this letter please find your Graduated Business License Application. 
Please make certain to note the cessation of business operations within the city limits 
of St. Louis, MO. Please update your records.

I have over the last year or two become increasingly fearful of my safety in St. Louis, 
not only while working, but also sightseeing and shopping. I am sure I do not have to 
point out that St. Louis has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country, 
topped in 1997 only by Washington DC. I also have to be rational about the charge made 
for your license, which is exactly 30 times the cost of the St. Louis County counterpart. 
Yes, I realize you need the money, but I need my life, and the risk is too great. With 
this in mind I have ceased business operations within the city as of last November. I 
have also ceased shopping in the city, attending sporting events, and going to the 
theater and symphony. 

Sincerely
Marlin H. Mackley

cc: River Front Times
      St. Louis Post Dispatch