I have lived in Arlington my whole life and I got a sick feeling when I read that Wal-Mart was eyeing a site near Smokey Point. According to The Herald, the mayor rather smugly suggested that no one has voiced any concern at the prospect. Well, if this is the case, let me be the first to complain!
I could write an 18-page letter explaining why Wal-Mart is wrong for our community, but I think anyone with half a brain could figure that out. Two of many reasons stand out in my mind. Any small business owner in the vicinity might as well pack up shop and move out of town. No small business can compete with the corporate behemoth that is Wal-Mart. How un-American!
Also, having lived here my whole life, I know that absolute devastation thetraffic will cause to everyone who lives here. Recently we decided againstNASCAR, one reason being the traffic situation, but all of the sudden we are willing to consider a giant retailer? This makes no sense! Our small towns across America are disappearing due to corporate greed and I, for one, will be damned if I will sit back and watch my community get sucked up as well.
Call me crazy, but I guarantee I am not the only one who feels this way.
Brandy Bollen
Arlington
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.