Article here at WNBZ. The environmental review (SEQR) on the village sandpit site has been completed by Architectural and Engineering Design Associates of Plattsburgh. The site is currently zoned for residential use. They compared 3 possible uses for the property.
1) Single family homes. 23 singly family homes could be built at a development cost to the village of $37,000. Traffic would increase by about 200 cars a day.
2) Townhouses. Up to 53 townhouses could be built at a development cost of $13,500 per unit. There would be about a 5% increase in area traffic (475 cars).
3) Commercial development. The sandpit area is sufficient for 80,000 sq ft and 400 parking places. Water and sewage could be accomodated by the village. Peak traffic would increase 86% daily and 136% on Saturdays. Such an increase in traffic would require detailed traffic studies.
At first glance, it sure seems like #1 and #2 would generate as much tax revenue as a possible Wal-Mart. Seems like housing development would be perfect for that site. Let a retailer buy property downtown and get tax revenues from both.
A copy of the study is available for only $57. Jeebus, haven't these people heard of computers and pdf files?
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Wal-Mart and Paid Bloggers
According to an article in the New York Times Wal-Mart's public relations firm Edelman has been sending Wal-Mart friendly bloggers emails containing suggestions to help Wal-Mart improve it's battered image. It appears that the Wal-Mart PR firm, Edelman, has hired blogger Marshall Manson to email 'tips' to friendly bloggers.
Mr. Manson, identifying himself as a "blogger myself" who does "online public affairs for Wal-Mart," began with a bit of flattery: "Just wanted you to know that your post criticizing Maryland's Wal-Mart health care bill was noticed here and at the corporate headquarters in Bentonville," he wrote, referring to the city in Arkansas.
"If you're interested," he continued, "I'd like to drop you the occasional update with some newsworthy info about the company and an occasional nugget that you won't hear about in the M.S.M." — or mainstream media.
How much could Wal-Mart be paying the Edelman PR firm to help improve its battered image? Why is Wal-Mart's image battered? Shouldn't Wal-Mart just do things that would naturally result in an improved image?
Mr. Manson, identifying himself as a "blogger myself" who does "online public affairs for Wal-Mart," began with a bit of flattery: "Just wanted you to know that your post criticizing Maryland's Wal-Mart health care bill was noticed here and at the corporate headquarters in Bentonville," he wrote, referring to the city in Arkansas.
"If you're interested," he continued, "I'd like to drop you the occasional update with some newsworthy info about the company and an occasional nugget that you won't hear about in the M.S.M." — or mainstream media.
How much could Wal-Mart be paying the Edelman PR firm to help improve its battered image? Why is Wal-Mart's image battered? Shouldn't Wal-Mart just do things that would naturally result in an improved image?
Essex Ct Brd Not Pleased With Donaldson
From the Plattsburgh Press Republican today:
Supervisor Joyce Morency (R-St. Armand) was not pleased with Essex County manager Cliff Donaldson last night. Ms. Morency disagreed with Donaldsons statement to the Saranac Lake Village trustees that he was directed by the Essex County Brd of Supervisors to find a store to replace the now defunct Ames department store. The 2002 resolution directed the county manager and the County Industrial Development Agency to try to find a new retail store for the Ames Plaza.
The secrecy of his efforts to bring in a major retailer was also discussed because Donaldson never made any reports to the board of supervisors. Ms. Morency said "Nothing has ever been said in the minutes for the last three years about Wal-Mart."
Essex County, Board of Supervisors Chairman Noel Merrihew III (R-Elizabethtown) said it was incorrect of Donaldson to say he was working at the bequest of the board of supervisors. Supervisor Thomas Scozzafava (R-Moriah)[NOT ASSOCIATED WITH WISEBUYS] asked Donaldson "What prompted you to start negotiations with Wal-Mart?" "Any official acting in secrecy, doing things their board is not aware of, that is not good."
It appears that there may be plenty of blame to go around. The Essex County Brd. of Supervisors should maybe be a bit more clear in making resolutions. The County Manager should be sure that he understand precisely what the board of supervisors intended. And, there could be a good deal more communication between the supervisors and the county manager.
More on this topic here at WNBZ.
Supervisor Joyce Morency (R-St. Armand) was not pleased with Essex County manager Cliff Donaldson last night. Ms. Morency disagreed with Donaldsons statement to the Saranac Lake Village trustees that he was directed by the Essex County Brd of Supervisors to find a store to replace the now defunct Ames department store. The 2002 resolution directed the county manager and the County Industrial Development Agency to try to find a new retail store for the Ames Plaza.
The secrecy of his efforts to bring in a major retailer was also discussed because Donaldson never made any reports to the board of supervisors. Ms. Morency said "Nothing has ever been said in the minutes for the last three years about Wal-Mart."
Essex County, Board of Supervisors Chairman Noel Merrihew III (R-Elizabethtown) said it was incorrect of Donaldson to say he was working at the bequest of the board of supervisors. Supervisor Thomas Scozzafava (R-Moriah)[NOT ASSOCIATED WITH WISEBUYS] asked Donaldson "What prompted you to start negotiations with Wal-Mart?" "Any official acting in secrecy, doing things their board is not aware of, that is not good."
It appears that there may be plenty of blame to go around. The Essex County Brd. of Supervisors should maybe be a bit more clear in making resolutions. The County Manager should be sure that he understand precisely what the board of supervisors intended. And, there could be a good deal more communication between the supervisors and the county manager.
More on this topic here at WNBZ.
Monday, March 06, 2006
ADE Letters to the Editor - Mar 6
Some excerpts:
Should it be 121,000 sq ft? At the Feb. 13 meeting of the SL Village Board, a resident presented hundreds of additional signatures supporting a large retail store for SL, but when questioned, she said that the petitioners were supporting any large store, such as the vacant Ames. ...this is a wonderful opportunity for consensus. No one opposes a 40,000 sq ft store.
This is an excellent point. There is plenty of room at the proposed building site for residential housing and a medium sized box store.
Set aside selfish opposition to a Wal-Mart. I honestly believe that these people would be opposed to any large retail business, not just Wal-Mart. I also think they are selfish. Most of the residents of SL who are opposed to Wal-Mart have moved here to get away from the hustle and bustle of bigger towns and cities. ....what's stopping them from moving again? Where's the evidence that 'these people' would be opposed to any large retail business? Where's the evidence that most people opposed to Wal-Mart moved here from the city? Why do you want good citizens moving out of our town?
Don't be so hasty with a department store. ...most people who live or visit the Tri-Lakes would agree that a department store is needed. The size and the name of the store seems to be the issue. I would encourage the village officials and the community not to 'settle' on one store but to see what all the options are before deciding. Exactly right.
Plan first, implement second. ....I think the process we are pursuing to get one is flawed. The current Republican candidates seem to be the ready-fire-aim bunch, which is why I am supporting Tom Michael and his fellow Democrats. A major retailer in the center of town would be a real addition to the town, an anchor for all sorts of good things. Building in the Depot St area or the current Grand Union/Newman and Holmes site would be ideal. A 40,000 sq ft store should fit in either location. The store would also then be located in Franklin County.
Feeling betrayed by Donaldson. Shame on Cliff Donaldson... ...I, for one, feel betrayed by his secretive actions. I'm curious whether he has gained financially from his three-plus years of covert planning with Wal-Mart. Not an unreasonable question. How about it Mr. Donaldson?
Donaldson simply delivered on what was asked of him. To say his actions are, "outragious...downright corrupt...verging on autocratic" is to say it's OK to ignore the people and forget our request. He did his job not in secret but as a negotiator for our future. The Essex County Board of Supervisors didn't know about the Dondalson/Wal-Mart 'negotiations', nor did the SL Mayor, Village of Saranac Lake Board of Trustees or SL Village manager. What is that if not secret?
Arrogant, questionable behavior. We know now that the entire Wal-Mart negotiation has been carried on in secret behind closed doors. Were these behind-the-scenes operations carried on without the present village board's knowledge? We may never know for sure. ...right along there has been a palpable hostility coming from some on the village board toward public input. ...when a store wants to build here, it is imperative that we negotiate with them to get the best economic deal possible for area residents. This cannot be done by a board that already commits itself up-front to bringing in a particular store well before economic studies and negotiations have even taken place. I'm biased, but the Democrat slate of candidates will almost definitely cut a better deal for the residents of SL than the Republican candidates. It really is time for some fresh blood on the Village Board.
Should it be 121,000 sq ft? At the Feb. 13 meeting of the SL Village Board, a resident presented hundreds of additional signatures supporting a large retail store for SL, but when questioned, she said that the petitioners were supporting any large store, such as the vacant Ames. ...this is a wonderful opportunity for consensus. No one opposes a 40,000 sq ft store.
This is an excellent point. There is plenty of room at the proposed building site for residential housing and a medium sized box store.
Set aside selfish opposition to a Wal-Mart. I honestly believe that these people would be opposed to any large retail business, not just Wal-Mart. I also think they are selfish. Most of the residents of SL who are opposed to Wal-Mart have moved here to get away from the hustle and bustle of bigger towns and cities. ....what's stopping them from moving again? Where's the evidence that 'these people' would be opposed to any large retail business? Where's the evidence that most people opposed to Wal-Mart moved here from the city? Why do you want good citizens moving out of our town?
Don't be so hasty with a department store. ...most people who live or visit the Tri-Lakes would agree that a department store is needed. The size and the name of the store seems to be the issue. I would encourage the village officials and the community not to 'settle' on one store but to see what all the options are before deciding. Exactly right.
Plan first, implement second. ....I think the process we are pursuing to get one is flawed. The current Republican candidates seem to be the ready-fire-aim bunch, which is why I am supporting Tom Michael and his fellow Democrats. A major retailer in the center of town would be a real addition to the town, an anchor for all sorts of good things. Building in the Depot St area or the current Grand Union/Newman and Holmes site would be ideal. A 40,000 sq ft store should fit in either location. The store would also then be located in Franklin County.
Feeling betrayed by Donaldson. Shame on Cliff Donaldson... ...I, for one, feel betrayed by his secretive actions. I'm curious whether he has gained financially from his three-plus years of covert planning with Wal-Mart. Not an unreasonable question. How about it Mr. Donaldson?
Donaldson simply delivered on what was asked of him. To say his actions are, "outragious...downright corrupt...verging on autocratic" is to say it's OK to ignore the people and forget our request. He did his job not in secret but as a negotiator for our future. The Essex County Board of Supervisors didn't know about the Dondalson/Wal-Mart 'negotiations', nor did the SL Mayor, Village of Saranac Lake Board of Trustees or SL Village manager. What is that if not secret?
Arrogant, questionable behavior. We know now that the entire Wal-Mart negotiation has been carried on in secret behind closed doors. Were these behind-the-scenes operations carried on without the present village board's knowledge? We may never know for sure. ...right along there has been a palpable hostility coming from some on the village board toward public input. ...when a store wants to build here, it is imperative that we negotiate with them to get the best economic deal possible for area residents. This cannot be done by a board that already commits itself up-front to bringing in a particular store well before economic studies and negotiations have even taken place. I'm biased, but the Democrat slate of candidates will almost definitely cut a better deal for the residents of SL than the Republican candidates. It really is time for some fresh blood on the Village Board.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Guest Post
NOTE: Ms. Jackson has given permission to repost her comments from March 2.
Our community is being torn apart before Walmart has even invaded.
Reading comments on this blog and on the ADE poll has disgusted and saddened me. I love our community and I had always thought that one day I would return to raise a family. SL is part of who I am and I wanted the same for my children. I never thought I would be able to find another small town as wonderful as our own. But this Walmart battle has revealed a new side of Saranac Lake that I have never experienced before.
This is what I'm hearing:
From anti-Walmart factions:
"Walmart is unethical. SL needs a company that will treat workers well and enhance our local economy and not destroy our local businesses."
From pro-Walmart factions:
"We want cheap underwear and potato chips. Get out of town if you don't agree."
...and then some name-calling and slandering that I refuse to repeat...
This is not a logical debate. I have yet to hear WHY Walmart is the only answer. What is Walmart going to provide that another retailer can not? The pro-Walmart crowd seems to be less pro-Walmart and more just against the anti-Walmart group. Where is the sound argument for Walmart? Who in the village would prefer to work at Walmart than another retailer?
I'm sickened by the harsh comments and illogical debate, not to mention the shady politicians involved. This is not a community that I am proud of, that I want to raise a family in. I want a community that cares for one another, that is willing to work hard to find the best solution instead of taking the easiest way out, a community that debates with facts instead of throwing personal attacks, a community that plans for its future, a community with honest politicians that will do what's right for the community and not what will win them the next election.
I plead with you all now to prove me wrong:
Show me that this community is based on honesty and respect.
Show me why Walmart is better than other retailers, give me facts.
Show me how Walmart will improve the community.
Show me how Walmart will benefit the local economy.
Show me your priorities and your morals.
Show me that the community I love still exists.
I call on village leaders to do your research, put in the hard work that we have hired or elected you to do. Show the community all of our options for retail development and propose a solution that will improve the economy, employment, retail needs, and environment of our area. Give us hard facts. And be transparent.
We are better than this. We deserve better than this.
I promise to do better. Will you?
Karina Jackson
Our community is being torn apart before Walmart has even invaded.
Reading comments on this blog and on the ADE poll has disgusted and saddened me. I love our community and I had always thought that one day I would return to raise a family. SL is part of who I am and I wanted the same for my children. I never thought I would be able to find another small town as wonderful as our own. But this Walmart battle has revealed a new side of Saranac Lake that I have never experienced before.
This is what I'm hearing:
From anti-Walmart factions:
"Walmart is unethical. SL needs a company that will treat workers well and enhance our local economy and not destroy our local businesses."
From pro-Walmart factions:
"We want cheap underwear and potato chips. Get out of town if you don't agree."
...and then some name-calling and slandering that I refuse to repeat...
This is not a logical debate. I have yet to hear WHY Walmart is the only answer. What is Walmart going to provide that another retailer can not? The pro-Walmart crowd seems to be less pro-Walmart and more just against the anti-Walmart group. Where is the sound argument for Walmart? Who in the village would prefer to work at Walmart than another retailer?
I'm sickened by the harsh comments and illogical debate, not to mention the shady politicians involved. This is not a community that I am proud of, that I want to raise a family in. I want a community that cares for one another, that is willing to work hard to find the best solution instead of taking the easiest way out, a community that debates with facts instead of throwing personal attacks, a community that plans for its future, a community with honest politicians that will do what's right for the community and not what will win them the next election.
I plead with you all now to prove me wrong:
Show me that this community is based on honesty and respect.
Show me why Walmart is better than other retailers, give me facts.
Show me how Walmart will improve the community.
Show me how Walmart will benefit the local economy.
Show me your priorities and your morals.
Show me that the community I love still exists.
I call on village leaders to do your research, put in the hard work that we have hired or elected you to do. Show the community all of our options for retail development and propose a solution that will improve the economy, employment, retail needs, and environment of our area. Give us hard facts. And be transparent.
We are better than this. We deserve better than this.
I promise to do better. Will you?
Karina Jackson
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Village, Township and County Officials - Minimum Reading List
Whether you are in favor of Wal-Mart locating to Saranac Lake or not, local politicians have an obligation to be knowledgable about Wal-Mart, their business practices and effects on rural economies. If nothing else, the articles may give you some ideas of what questions to ask Wal-Mart representatives - although they are sure to have good sounding answers for any possible question. Read the articles listed below and then think about the long term effects of hosting a Wal-Mart store rather than any possible short term benefits.
The following is a recommended minimum reading list (links found on the left side of the web site):
Hidden Price of Wal-Mart by U.S House of Rep. George Miller
Wal-Mart Effect on Rural Communities by Dr. Ken Stone, Iowa State University
The Hidden Cost of Wal-Mart Jobs by Dr. A. Dube, Univ. CA. Berkeley
Shopping for Subsidies by P. Mattera, Good Jobs First, Wash. DC
Wal-Mart/Walton Philanthropy by National Comm. for Responsive Philanthropy
Wal-Mart and County-Wide Poverty by Dr. S. Goetz, Penn. State Univ.
It wouldn't hurt for the candidates for Village trustee and Mayor to look over these articles either.
The following is a recommended minimum reading list (links found on the left side of the web site):
Hidden Price of Wal-Mart by U.S House of Rep. George Miller
Wal-Mart Effect on Rural Communities by Dr. Ken Stone, Iowa State University
The Hidden Cost of Wal-Mart Jobs by Dr. A. Dube, Univ. CA. Berkeley
Shopping for Subsidies by P. Mattera, Good Jobs First, Wash. DC
Wal-Mart/Walton Philanthropy by National Comm. for Responsive Philanthropy
Wal-Mart and County-Wide Poverty by Dr. S. Goetz, Penn. State Univ.
It wouldn't hurt for the candidates for Village trustee and Mayor to look over these articles either.
Essex Co. Brd. Resolution No. 311
According to a Plattsburgh Press Republican news article:
Resolution No. 311 (2002) instructed Donaldson and the County IDA to "furnish any and all assistance necessary to induce those parties (interested major retailers) to open a store at that location." This was in reference to the then empty Ames Plaza in Saranac Lake.
Chestertown Supervisor Gerald Morrow said Essex County Manager Cliff Donaldson may have taken too much 'liberty' with the resolution and that he was "shocked" that he had not informed the village (SL).
North Elba Supervisor Shirley Seney said she was "dumbfounded" and "I am very disappointed in him (Donaldson)."
St. Armand Supervisor Joyce Morency said that she was "a little bit surprised that Village of Saranac Lake wasn't involved."
Saranac Lake Village Mayor Tom Catillaz sent a letter to the Essex County Board of Supervisors requesting that they give Saranac Lake half of the sales-tax revenues it collects from the village. [Essex County has never shared sales-tax revenues with the village in the past.]
Resolution No. 311 (2002) instructed Donaldson and the County IDA to "furnish any and all assistance necessary to induce those parties (interested major retailers) to open a store at that location." This was in reference to the then empty Ames Plaza in Saranac Lake.
Chestertown Supervisor Gerald Morrow said Essex County Manager Cliff Donaldson may have taken too much 'liberty' with the resolution and that he was "shocked" that he had not informed the village (SL).
North Elba Supervisor Shirley Seney said she was "dumbfounded" and "I am very disappointed in him (Donaldson)."
St. Armand Supervisor Joyce Morency said that she was "a little bit surprised that Village of Saranac Lake wasn't involved."
Saranac Lake Village Mayor Tom Catillaz sent a letter to the Essex County Board of Supervisors requesting that they give Saranac Lake half of the sales-tax revenues it collects from the village. [Essex County has never shared sales-tax revenues with the village in the past.]
Friday, March 03, 2006
SL to Ask Essex County to Stay Out of Their Business
A news report posted on the WNBZ web site says the Village of SL Mayor Tom Catillaz will deliver a letter to the Essex County Board of Supervisors requesting that they keep a 'resolution of support for Wal-Mart' tabled until the village has had time to gather more information and conclude an economic impact study.
In the same WNBZ report, Town of North Elba Supervisor Shirley Seney questioned the actions of Essex County manager Cliff Donaldson in the way he recruited Wal-Mart to SL. Ms. Seney said "I’m really confused about Cliff’s attitude and actions in assuming that he should continue a 2003 directive from the county and not ask for board follow up, but that's what happens when one assumes".
In the same WNBZ report, Town of North Elba Supervisor Shirley Seney questioned the actions of Essex County manager Cliff Donaldson in the way he recruited Wal-Mart to SL. Ms. Seney said "I’m really confused about Cliff’s attitude and actions in assuming that he should continue a 2003 directive from the county and not ask for board follow up, but that's what happens when one assumes".
Yet Another Academic Report
The Hidden Costs of Wal-Mart Jobs: Use of Safety Net Programs by Wal-Mart Workers in California by Arindrajit Dube and Ken Jacobs of UC Berkeley here.
The first study to quantify the costs of Wal-Mart's substandard wages and benefits on public safety net programs. Village and Town officials should be reading stuff like this.
Is there going to be a study of the possible effects of a Wal-Mart supercenter on SL? Donaldson threw out numbers on the amount of taxes that an SL Wal-Mart would pay. Does that take into consideration the loss of taxes that may occur should a Wal-Mart come to SL? Is anyone going to study what the long term effects of a Wal-Mart supercenter will be on SL, the Townships and the Essex county?
Their (Wal-Mart)market research assesses what kind of market share they could grab, not what the cost/benefit analysis would be on public revenues if other stores close and lay off their workers. Wal-Mart does not want third party "experts" involved in these hearings. Most communities have little or no capacity to produce their own analysis. So Wal-Mart is able to sway public officials largely on unsubstantiated economic promises. (from Sprawl-Busters)
Do the village officials have the guts to ask Wal-Mart to share their market research?
The first study to quantify the costs of Wal-Mart's substandard wages and benefits on public safety net programs. Village and Town officials should be reading stuff like this.
Is there going to be a study of the possible effects of a Wal-Mart supercenter on SL? Donaldson threw out numbers on the amount of taxes that an SL Wal-Mart would pay. Does that take into consideration the loss of taxes that may occur should a Wal-Mart come to SL? Is anyone going to study what the long term effects of a Wal-Mart supercenter will be on SL, the Townships and the Essex county?
Their (Wal-Mart)market research assesses what kind of market share they could grab, not what the cost/benefit analysis would be on public revenues if other stores close and lay off their workers. Wal-Mart does not want third party "experts" involved in these hearings. Most communities have little or no capacity to produce their own analysis. So Wal-Mart is able to sway public officials largely on unsubstantiated economic promises. (from Sprawl-Busters)
Do the village officials have the guts to ask Wal-Mart to share their market research?
What Would Sam Say Today?
Sam Walton said that in the early days of Wal-Mart, "I was so chintzy I really didn't pay my employees very well....that is pretty much the way retail was in those days...I was so doggoned competitive, and so determined to do well, that I was blinded to the most basic truth, really the principle that became the foundation of Wal-Mart's success...the way management treats the associates is exactly how the associates will then treat the customers. And if the associates treat the customers well, the customers will return again and again, and that is where the real profit in this business lies..."
Thursday, March 02, 2006
ADE Calls for Donaldson to be Fired
A scathing 'Opinion' piece by the Adirondack Daily Enterprise editorial board is in tonights paper. "For Mr. Donaldson's heinous behavior, the Essex County Board of Supervisors should fire him immediately."
The ADE editorial board says Mr. Donaldson's actions were outragious, corrupt and verging on autocratic. They accuse Mr. Donaldson of undermining the Essex County Industrial Development Agency "by becoming Wal-Mart's undercover operative."
The ADE editorial board also question whether Mr. Donaldson had co-conspirators in the SL village government; "despite SL officials' protests of ignorance". The ADE editorial board also call for any village staff member who knew about Mr. Donaldson's actions should also be fired. And, any elected village official who knew about it should resign.
NOTE: The publisher of the ADE, Ms. Catherine Moore, was instrumental in forming a 'Red Carpet Team' made up of community members trying to find ways to entice a large department store to SL (among many other ideas). Many meetings of the Red Carpet Team were completely open to community members in order to determine what the community wanted.
The ADE editorial board says Mr. Donaldson's actions were outragious, corrupt and verging on autocratic. They accuse Mr. Donaldson of undermining the Essex County Industrial Development Agency "by becoming Wal-Mart's undercover operative."
The ADE editorial board also question whether Mr. Donaldson had co-conspirators in the SL village government; "despite SL officials' protests of ignorance". The ADE editorial board also call for any village staff member who knew about Mr. Donaldson's actions should also be fired. And, any elected village official who knew about it should resign.
NOTE: The publisher of the ADE, Ms. Catherine Moore, was instrumental in forming a 'Red Carpet Team' made up of community members trying to find ways to entice a large department store to SL (among many other ideas). Many meetings of the Red Carpet Team were completely open to community members in order to determine what the community wanted.
Village No Longer Needs Proposed Wal-Mart Building Site
Story on WNBZ radio website here. It seems the village of SL has plenty of sand on a 220 acre piece of land located across from the sewage treatment plant. They are now applying for a mining permit to take sand from the site. This means that the old sandpit area can be freed up for purchase by whomever (Wal-Mart). And guess what? It just so happens that the 220 acre site is perfectly suitable for a housing development. That means future housing development at the old sandpit site no longer need concern us. Funny how things just happen to fall into place, especially when no really knows what is going on.
Wal-Mart and County Wide Poverty
A paper by Stephan J. Goetz and Hema Swaminathan of the Dept. of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology at the Penn. State University can be found here and a pdf version here.
These authors conclude: After carefully and comprehensively accounting for other local determinants of poverty, we find that the presence of Wal-Mart unequivocally raised family poverty rates in US counties during the 1990s relative to places that had no such stores.
The authors questioned why this happened. One fascinating possibility was that by destroying the local class of entrepreneurs, the Wal-Mart chain also destroys local leadership capacity. The destructon of small, locally owned businesses may also reduce civic capacity, an essential ingredient for economic growth.
The paper contains the data and the statistics, but a less academic interpretation can be found here.
The article concludes with the following: "Community leaders hoping to expand their region's employment base by 'landing' a Wal-Mart will be disappointed," Goetz says. "What we think is happening is that, although Wal-Mart may increase the real purchasing power in a community by offering lower-priced goods, the store is so tremendously efficient in deploying its workers that the net employment effect is zero."
These authors conclude: After carefully and comprehensively accounting for other local determinants of poverty, we find that the presence of Wal-Mart unequivocally raised family poverty rates in US counties during the 1990s relative to places that had no such stores.
The authors questioned why this happened. One fascinating possibility was that by destroying the local class of entrepreneurs, the Wal-Mart chain also destroys local leadership capacity. The destructon of small, locally owned businesses may also reduce civic capacity, an essential ingredient for economic growth.
The paper contains the data and the statistics, but a less academic interpretation can be found here.
The article concludes with the following: "Community leaders hoping to expand their region's employment base by 'landing' a Wal-Mart will be disappointed," Goetz says. "What we think is happening is that, although Wal-Mart may increase the real purchasing power in a community by offering lower-priced goods, the store is so tremendously efficient in deploying its workers that the net employment effect is zero."
More Front Page ADE Wal-Mart News
NOTE: The entire text of this article can be found here at the Lake Placid News web site.
Headline: Reactions mixed to co. mgr's Wal-Mart dealings.
Linda Piro (CARD): "We were very excited, we've been hearing for years that (local officials)have been looking at bringing a retailer to town, and I was thrilled to learn someone actually was."
Mark Kurtz (SAGA): "He's a public official, and (as such) needs to be a lot more honest with the public he serves." "We want this whole thing out on the table, and it needs to be out from day one." "He excluded the whole community".
Shirley Seney (North Elba Town Supervisor): "We asked him to try and keep his ear to the ground and assist in finding a business to replace Ames" "But nothing happened. As far as I was concerned, it was a dead issue."
Joyce Morency (St. Armand Town Supervisor): "I didn't know he'd had meetings with them and that the village board wasn't involved - after all it's their baby."
Tom Michael (Democratic mayoral candidate):"I was very disturbed by his announcement and the way he chose to make it" "Who is he to make business decisions on behalf of the village of Saranac Lake without consulting its elected officials?"
Jeff Branch (Village Trustee and Republican mayoral candidate):"I'm glad we found out the who behind the what" "He was just doing what he was directed to do. I would have liked to have known, but was it necessary? I don't think it was necessary." [Should be a good mayor, he doesn't think it's necessary to know what is going on, very President Bush of him. PS: as I've pointed out previously, I am a liberal and obviously a Democrat and thus biased]
Susan Waters (Democratic trustee candidate):"They (the village board) should have the authority to say, 'This is our business, and you need to keep us informed'". Linda Piro (CARD, Republican trustee candidate, BOE member) replied:"If he believed he was working in the capacity of his job, then not necessarily" "Sometimes, you do need to do things privately. I am glad he stepped in when he did because it was starting to cause real problems for the board." [Yet another candidate that doesn't think the village needs to know what is going on]
Good reporting by ADE Andy Bates.
ADE would do well to consider up-grading the content of their website.
Headline: Reactions mixed to co. mgr's Wal-Mart dealings.
Linda Piro (CARD): "We were very excited, we've been hearing for years that (local officials)have been looking at bringing a retailer to town, and I was thrilled to learn someone actually was."
Mark Kurtz (SAGA): "He's a public official, and (as such) needs to be a lot more honest with the public he serves." "We want this whole thing out on the table, and it needs to be out from day one." "He excluded the whole community".
Shirley Seney (North Elba Town Supervisor): "We asked him to try and keep his ear to the ground and assist in finding a business to replace Ames" "But nothing happened. As far as I was concerned, it was a dead issue."
Joyce Morency (St. Armand Town Supervisor): "I didn't know he'd had meetings with them and that the village board wasn't involved - after all it's their baby."
Tom Michael (Democratic mayoral candidate):"I was very disturbed by his announcement and the way he chose to make it" "Who is he to make business decisions on behalf of the village of Saranac Lake without consulting its elected officials?"
Jeff Branch (Village Trustee and Republican mayoral candidate):"I'm glad we found out the who behind the what" "He was just doing what he was directed to do. I would have liked to have known, but was it necessary? I don't think it was necessary." [Should be a good mayor, he doesn't think it's necessary to know what is going on, very President Bush of him. PS: as I've pointed out previously, I am a liberal and obviously a Democrat and thus biased]
Susan Waters (Democratic trustee candidate):"They (the village board) should have the authority to say, 'This is our business, and you need to keep us informed'". Linda Piro (CARD, Republican trustee candidate, BOE member) replied:"If he believed he was working in the capacity of his job, then not necessarily" "Sometimes, you do need to do things privately. I am glad he stepped in when he did because it was starting to cause real problems for the board." [Yet another candidate that doesn't think the village needs to know what is going on]
Good reporting by ADE Andy Bates.
ADE would do well to consider up-grading the content of their website.
Guest Commentary by H. Riley - ADE Mar 1
Unfortunately, there is no way to link to the guest commentary by Howard Riley in yesterdays ADE. The ADE website is a bit of a joke and they could learn alot from the Plattsburgh Press Republican and WNBZ radio.
The commentary was called "Shock and ah, ah, ah???"
Mr. Riley wrote:
There was shock and no awe, maybe outrage, when Mr. Donaldson said he had single handedly (with the blessing of the Essex County Board of Supervisors) successfully negotiated a deal over the past three years to bring Wal-Mart to town.
He went on to write:
The big revelation by Mr. Donaldson was that this educated, bright, articulate mayor and board of trustees had been left out of the loop, were never told by Mr. Donaldson what he was doing and did not know one thing about this deal until he appeared at the meeting.
Then, instead of the mayor and the trustees being outraged at this usurpment of their authority, and to add further to the embarrassing situation, not one of the trustees said a word - not one word of surprise, not one question of Mr. Donaldson about his actions and not one word of explanation of how they had no clue that the biggest piece of property needed for Wal-Mart was owned by the village.
and my favorite:
And no one knew anything about Wal-Mart for all those years? Sorry, boys, that dog won't hunt.
I wish everyone had the opportunity to read the whole commentary. First, because Mr. Riley is an extremely talented writer, second, because he has many excellent points to make, but mostly because the way this whole Wal-Mart 'situation' has been and is being handled has been screwed up from the get go.
As Mr. Riley says:
Everyone agrees that we need a retail department store in Saranac Lake, and maybe it will have to be Wal-Mart. But that ought to be decided by our village board and the Chamber of Commerce and the local merchants, which are the lifeblood of our economy, not by the Essex County manager and the Essex County Board of Supervisors.
NOTE: The Essex County Board of Supervisor better check on what else Mr. Donaldson has been working on over the last several years.
The commentary was called "Shock and ah, ah, ah???"
Mr. Riley wrote:
There was shock and no awe, maybe outrage, when Mr. Donaldson said he had single handedly (with the blessing of the Essex County Board of Supervisors) successfully negotiated a deal over the past three years to bring Wal-Mart to town.
He went on to write:
The big revelation by Mr. Donaldson was that this educated, bright, articulate mayor and board of trustees had been left out of the loop, were never told by Mr. Donaldson what he was doing and did not know one thing about this deal until he appeared at the meeting.
Then, instead of the mayor and the trustees being outraged at this usurpment of their authority, and to add further to the embarrassing situation, not one of the trustees said a word - not one word of surprise, not one question of Mr. Donaldson about his actions and not one word of explanation of how they had no clue that the biggest piece of property needed for Wal-Mart was owned by the village.
and my favorite:
And no one knew anything about Wal-Mart for all those years? Sorry, boys, that dog won't hunt.
I wish everyone had the opportunity to read the whole commentary. First, because Mr. Riley is an extremely talented writer, second, because he has many excellent points to make, but mostly because the way this whole Wal-Mart 'situation' has been and is being handled has been screwed up from the get go.
As Mr. Riley says:
Everyone agrees that we need a retail department store in Saranac Lake, and maybe it will have to be Wal-Mart. But that ought to be decided by our village board and the Chamber of Commerce and the local merchants, which are the lifeblood of our economy, not by the Essex County manager and the Essex County Board of Supervisors.
NOTE: The Essex County Board of Supervisor better check on what else Mr. Donaldson has been working on over the last several years.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
I Orchestrated Wal-Mart Deal - ADE Headline Tue Feb 28
The mystery was layed to rest Tuesday evening at the SL Village Board Meeting. Essex County Manager Cliff Donaldson announced to the board that he was the one involved with Wal-Mart all along. This appears to let the pressure off the members of the Village Board who have denied all along that they knew nothing about Wal-Mart wanting to locate in SL.
According to the ADE, some of Donaldson's comments include:
"No one bothered to ask me what I was doing."
"I don't think I overstepped my bounds."
"I didn't think (telling the board) was necessary because we didn't have anything firm."
According to the ADE, some of Donaldson's comments include:
"No one bothered to ask me what I was doing."
"I don't think I overstepped my bounds."
"I didn't think (telling the board) was necessary because we didn't have anything firm."
2004 Wal-Mart Hourly Pay
Wal-Mart CEO H. Lee Scott, Jr.
(based on $17,543,739 per year, 40 hours per week) $8,434.49
Average Full Time Wal-Mart Employee $ 9.68
Select subcontractors:
Bangladesh $0.17
China $0.17
Indonesia $0.46
Nicaragua $0.23
Swaziland $0.53
CEO Scott has claimed that the company’s profit margin per worker is too small to allow them to pay workers more. Lee Scott, “Wal-Mart’s Impact on Society: A Key Moment in Time for American Capitalism,” (advertisement) New York Review of Books, April 7, 2005, pp. 5-6.
(based on $17,543,739 per year, 40 hours per week) $8,434.49
Average Full Time Wal-Mart Employee $ 9.68
Select subcontractors:
Bangladesh $0.17
China $0.17
Indonesia $0.46
Nicaragua $0.23
Swaziland $0.53
CEO Scott has claimed that the company’s profit margin per worker is too small to allow them to pay workers more. Lee Scott, “Wal-Mart’s Impact on Society: A Key Moment in Time for American Capitalism,” (advertisement) New York Review of Books, April 7, 2005, pp. 5-6.
Sweeney and Donaldson on WNBZ
Go here to listen to a radio interview of John Sweeney and Cliff Donaldson concerning the Wal-Mart issue.
Donaldson was just following directions given to him by the Essex County Board of Supervisors several years ago. He had no contact with the Village Board of SL but did inform Ed Randig that a major retailer was interested in locating in the village. When asked if leaving the village officials out of the loop was 'right', Donaldson replied, "Well it's in Essex County." But was there big box interest in a downtown site that is located in Franklin County also? I wonder why building in that location wasn't further pursued by Mr. Donaldson?
Donaldson also said he has "no regrets" on how he handled the issue. It was interesting that he said 'lines of communication should now be kept opened'. However, it appears that he did not do a good job at keeping lines of communication open with his board members or the Village of SL board members.
Donaldson is convinced that "you're going to see business grow...". Where is the proof of that statement? Repeating it endlessly does not make it true. Published academic studies disagree.
John Sweeney, not being a professional politician, didn't have a lot of points to make although he attempted to come across even handed concerning the Wal-Mart issue. He said "This is an option. We still have lots of things to do."
Concerning the Essex County Board of Supervisors 'resolution of support' for Wal-Mart that was tabled last week, Donaldson said it will come up for a vote next Monday and he believes it will pass.
Donaldson was just following directions given to him by the Essex County Board of Supervisors several years ago. He had no contact with the Village Board of SL but did inform Ed Randig that a major retailer was interested in locating in the village. When asked if leaving the village officials out of the loop was 'right', Donaldson replied, "Well it's in Essex County." But was there big box interest in a downtown site that is located in Franklin County also? I wonder why building in that location wasn't further pursued by Mr. Donaldson?
Donaldson also said he has "no regrets" on how he handled the issue. It was interesting that he said 'lines of communication should now be kept opened'. However, it appears that he did not do a good job at keeping lines of communication open with his board members or the Village of SL board members.
Donaldson is convinced that "you're going to see business grow...". Where is the proof of that statement? Repeating it endlessly does not make it true. Published academic studies disagree.
John Sweeney, not being a professional politician, didn't have a lot of points to make although he attempted to come across even handed concerning the Wal-Mart issue. He said "This is an option. We still have lots of things to do."
Concerning the Essex County Board of Supervisors 'resolution of support' for Wal-Mart that was tabled last week, Donaldson said it will come up for a vote next Monday and he believes it will pass.
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