Wal-Mart Gets Out The Vote
By George Anderson
In the peculiar world of California politics, there is nothing elected officials can decide or propose that cannot be overturned by voters in a recall election or rejected by special referendum.
Such is the case with the proposed ban, known as Measure L, that would have blocked big box stores that also sell groceries from moving into unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County.
Although Wal-Mart has no announced intentions to open a Supercenter in the Northern Californian county, it chose to fight the ban.
Voters sided with the retailer with more than half voting against the measure.
Contra Costa County Supervisor Mark called the outcome, “a disappointment but not a surprise.”
“We were outspent 2-1,” he said. “We had a difficult message to get out. Having said that, people are starting to see what the true costs of these Supercenters are.”
Wal-Mart spokeswoman Amy Hill told the Associated Press, “When voters are asked whether they want the benefits of Wal-Mart Supercenters, we see time and time again that they say yes.”
Moderator’s Comment: What are your thoughts on the
outcome of the vote on Measure L and the move by communities to block big box
stores?
The final numbers were not in as of this writing, but
it appears as though 53 percent of Contra Costa Country voters were in favor
of letting Wal-Mart in and 47 percent were against.
Wal-Mart plans to open 40 Supercenters in California over
the next several years. – George
Anderson – Moderator