LTE: Wal-Mart bad idea for the island

In a recent 'Letter to the Editor' (LTE) in the SI Advance the writer comments that the island needs better investments than even more discount stores, something they already have;

With two K-Marts, a Target, and a Kohl's, I believe we have plenty of discount department stores. A Wal-Mart is just not needed. If anything, we need to cross into New Jersey for upscale stores, not discount ones.

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Wal-Mart sells cheap, imported goods and provides low-paying, mostly part-time employment. A renewable energy research and manufacturing center would provide high-paying, full-time employment. [SI Advance]

Vito Fossella has come out in support of Wal-Mart coming to the island, clearly he likes the idea of taking financial contributions from Wal-Mart. More discount stores that offer little employment opportunities to the district or long term investment, it is your choice.

Fossella sold to the highest bidder

Rep. Fossella has sold out all of his constituents who feel Staten Island is being over developed and has a traffic crisis already, and only for $1,000. How easily are the corrupt politicians bought. You can be a Republican, Conservative or Independent and oppose Wal-Mart and what it will do to your community.

Vito Fossella owned and opperated by WalMart

Vito Fossella supports increased traffic in Staten Island.
Vito Fossella does not support labor and union workers in Staten Island.
Vito Fossella supports over development in Staten Island.

Mr. Fossella, a Republican who represents parts of Staten Island and Brooklyn, said "the vast majority of Staten Islanders have already voted to endorse a store like Wal-Mart - they go to New Jersey every day." [Via NY Sun]

Since 2002, Rep. Vito Fossella has taken at least $13,250 from Wal-Mart.
In 2002; $2,500
In 2004; $5,000
In 2006; $5,000
In 2007; $1,000 so far

That is $13,250 that says Rep. Vito Fossella is bought and owned by Wal-Mart. Do you believe that he is voting on issues pertaining to Wal-Mart on his own will despite pocketing their money?

Wal-Mart equals increased Traffic
If there is one issue that all Staten Islanders can probably agree on, it is the problem traffic causes on the island. Rep. Vito Fossella supports Wal-Mart's efforts to open a store in Staten Island and with that he supports increased traffic and congesting.

Many community around the country are concerned by Wal-Mart's tremendous traffic. Adding to the worry is that Wal-Mart and its developers often underplay the negative potential of adding thousands of cars to an area and propose solutions that don't work. In Staten Island, where Wal-Mart is looking to build its first NYC store, the company claims that traffic won't be a problem even though the area is already saturated with retail and its road infrastructure is abysmal. In fact, an Alliance-commissioned study by Brian Kethcam conclusively demonstrates that a Wal-Mart on the South Shore on of Staten Island would be a traffic nightmare. [via the Neighborhood Retail Alliance]

If you don't believe Wal-Mart is desperate to get its foot in the door of New York City via Staten Island, why are they continuing to line Rep. Fossella's pockets with cash, even after they claim they have given up on their plans to come to Staten Island back in 2006. What else do they have to gain?

more to come...

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