Bath has suffered enough from global economy
To the Editor,

To the members of the Town Board of Bath, please vote no to Wal-Mart in Bath. Has Wal-Mart's management promised to hire people here? Or, will people come from miles around for these new jobs? Unless there is a guarantee that those jobs will go to Bath residents, we can't assume they will.

Since it was possible to drive to Corning or Hornell to shop at Wal- Mart why risk bringing it here? Increased traffic is frustrating. It erodes the quality of everyday life, and it's bad for our health. There will be pressure to raise taxes if the road needs widening. Raising fixed costs would hurt low-income long-term homeowners the most. In five years it may take as long to get from our homes in Bath to the Wal-Mart in Bath as it now takes ut to get to the Wal-Mart in Corning and Hornell. Unless those news jobs are guaranteed it's not worth it.

The spirit of American enterprise is ingenuity, courage, and education. For example, the new company in Addison, Instant Heat Wood Pellets Inc., created 40 new local jobs, and is addressing current demand for renewable energy. Another idea to create jobs and provide advancement for community residents of all ages is to invite a community college here.

Imagine Bath as the center of a renaissance of American values. This town has suffered from globalization over the past 50 years. Don't add insult to injury by bringing Wal-Mart home. Please vote no.
Deborah Crowell
Bath