Thursday, January 22, 2009

Survey says.............

Our little poll indicates there's a lot more people who want a Wal-Mart than those who do not. So ok- I'm listening (er, reading) Let me hear from you if you support the Wal-Mart Super Store coming into Patterson, and why.

Faithful Wal-Mart shoppers that I've spoken to say the one on McHenry in Modesto, is clean and attractive. I want to go and check it out.

If our council can negotiate the deal to benefit the downtown, that would help.

Can the employees expect to ALL BE PATTERSON RESIDENTS? That would help.

So let's get a real conversation going on this, and let the council know what you think.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Say it isn't so.........

My husband and I disagree on very little. But on the subject of Wal-Mart, we don't see eye-to-eye.
Being open minded is something I work at almost daily. So when Gary told me that he thinks Wal-Mart isn't the huge threat I consider it to be..........I listened. It's hard to disagree with some of his points:
Earning minimum wage with no benefits may be the only job some people are qualified for. For those folks, working at Wal-Mart would be a blessing. Or maybe a family needs a second income, that too would be helpful.
But what if those same people could get a job at - oh I don't know, let's say - Trader Joe's. They pay very well, plus benefits including retirement. How about Starbucks? They offer their employees more than minimum AND benefits.
Here's some other concerns.
Traffic problems in and around the area.
Trash - ever noticed how the parking lots are maintained (or not)
Will the residents have the opportunity to "weigh in" on this matter?