Q: We are thinking of buying and expanding a business on Vashon but we're wondering why things seem so un-planned here.

We're used to a central design theme with businesses conforming to signage rules and required color scheme with regulations set down by a town planning commission. Things seem so haphazard here that we're concerned that it may not be a good business climate for us.

A: Like many small towns that consider themselves rural, Vashon Island has consistently resisted becoming a "theme" town. There are several such towns in Washington and many more beginning to succumb to the lure of regulated signage, color scheme planning and conforming hours of operation. Although some effort is underway to "spruce up" our town there remains a resistance to becoming just another La Conner, Langley or Leavenworth.

I had a business in a "theme" town many years ago and recall that it took me weeks to get the planning commission to approve my sign. It was restricted by design, color, size, lettering and method of attachment to my building. After going through the process I was far less enthusiastic about being a member of that business community.

Most people who have a small business are very independent minded. That's why they take all of the risks involved in owning their own store or service business instead of working for someone else. It's hard to imagine Vashon's businesses agreeing on a color scheme, sign ordinance or regulation of hours.

Keeping the town clean and adding flower baskets for color is about as far as I believe our community is ready to go at this time. The future may be very different, but I think most people who live here prefer the "hodge-podge" look of our town rather than the planned, manicured appearance common to most other places.

I would recommend that you do a needs assessment and find out if the community needs the service or product you intend to offer. That would be a far better test of potential profitability than the color scheme of our buildings.