Should Wal-Mart Locations Be Decided By Voters?

Residents should have a say in whether they have a Wal-Mart in their backyard, argues the Christian Science Monitor.

1 minute read

April 16, 2004, 5:00 AM PDT

"Wal-Mart has become such a divisive, hot-button subject ... that perhaps the populace is better suited to decide whether it wants the store in its backyard... If anything, the vote in Inglewood showed that residents are capable of making up their own minds on this complicated issue. And Wal-Mart is complex... So far, Wal-Mart has a mixed record with voters in California. Two counties supported stores, while Inglewood said "no." Outside the marketplace, Congress and the federal agencies are the best places to settle the macroeconomic issues swirling around Wal-Mart. But when it comes to location, it's obvious that local populations have strong feelings. They should be allowed their say."

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: Big Box and Vox Pop

Thursday, April 15, 2004 in The Christian Science Monitor

Community / Economic Development United States

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