Potential Wal-Mart Draws Discussion Thursday
Daniel Thomas
Issue date: 10/18/04 Section: News
In the panel, representing those against the Wal-Mart was Shannon Brown as an independent, Victor Caamaño, and Colton United Methodist Church Pastor Patricia Lennox for the Citizens for Responsible Growth. Representing those for the Wal-Mart was John Williams for a group of 600 residents in Potsdam, Professor of Economics at Saint Lawrence University Steve Horwitz, and the District Manager for Jewelry and Shoes at Wal-Mart, Jeremy Surface. Snow and Dustin sat beside the moderator, Daily Courier-Observer Regional Editor Matt Atkins, at center stage.
Those against began the forum, with Brown starting opening comments with the statement that he liked this town, and wants to create a vibrant community in Potsdam. Then the proponents led with Horwitz stating, "Having money left over at the end of the month is the sign of quality of life." Back to those against, with Caamaño bringing out the Walton family's estate worth $102.8 billion and the fact that "we have invited an 800-pound gorilla into this community." Surface used Wal-Mart's contributions back to the community to base his argument for drawing community support, by claiming that the Ogdensburg store has given back $15,000.00 so far this year, and the Massena location has donated $47,000.00 thus far in 2004, with $65,000.00 in both 2002 and 2003. Lennox made the case that the United Methodist Church is against Wal-Mart for failing to help the lower impoverished class. Williams, a resident his entire life, has made the 600 plus signs seen throughout Potsdam and is responsible for collecting over 600 signed letters from residents.
Dustin asked about the benefits to Wal-Mart, which Horwitz mentioned that big box stores bring jobs and opportunities to those that need it most. However, Brown argued that the overall job gain is negligible according to census data.
Snow wanted to explore the possibility of a middle ground on Wal-Mart, which Lennox remarked that Village Mayor Ruth Garner's claim of 175 net new jobs would be sought after by far more than 175 applicants, at near minimum wage and no benefits. Service corrected the information with starting wage figures of $8.00 per hour, with 34 hours being full-time and benefits commencing in 120 days. Part-timers get benefits after two years.
Those against began the forum, with Brown starting opening comments with the statement that he liked this town, and wants to create a vibrant community in Potsdam. Then the proponents led with Horwitz stating, "Having money left over at the end of the month is the sign of quality of life." Back to those against, with Caamaño bringing out the Walton family's estate worth $102.8 billion and the fact that "we have invited an 800-pound gorilla into this community." Surface used Wal-Mart's contributions back to the community to base his argument for drawing community support, by claiming that the Ogdensburg store has given back $15,000.00 so far this year, and the Massena location has donated $47,000.00 thus far in 2004, with $65,000.00 in both 2002 and 2003. Lennox made the case that the United Methodist Church is against Wal-Mart for failing to help the lower impoverished class. Williams, a resident his entire life, has made the 600 plus signs seen throughout Potsdam and is responsible for collecting over 600 signed letters from residents.
Dustin asked about the benefits to Wal-Mart, which Horwitz mentioned that big box stores bring jobs and opportunities to those that need it most. However, Brown argued that the overall job gain is negligible according to census data.
Snow wanted to explore the possibility of a middle ground on Wal-Mart, which Lennox remarked that Village Mayor Ruth Garner's claim of 175 net new jobs would be sought after by far more than 175 applicants, at near minimum wage and no benefits. Service corrected the information with starting wage figures of $8.00 per hour, with 34 hours being full-time and benefits commencing in 120 days. Part-timers get benefits after two years.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
scheney
scheney
posted 10/22/04 @ 1:16 PM EST
You quote Mr. Service as saying a couple of things. First of all this is my brother-in-law and his name is Jeremy Surface!
Thank you, I just wanted to correct the error!
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