Mr. Mayor: We cruise on our 36' boat down through Venice every fall and back up every spring, always stopping in Venice at the free dock. While docked for a night or two, we always spend money in restaurants and a grocery store (cab-ride away). We've also spent money at a pharmacy and other stores. Now, with your city's decision to end the free dock privilage, we no longer have a reason to stop in Venice rather than somewhere else, and our money will be spent elsewhere. Too bad. You had a "hook" that grabbed us and many other boaters, but you've let us get away. Wade Ehlen