Town/village need to listen to those who serve residents
To the Editor,

I was a political activist during my days as a university and medical student in Pakistan. In the nineteen sixties we drew inspiration from the anti war campaigns of students in the USA.

Residency training and subsequent years as a medical practitioner did not allow me time for activism but I kept up with study of political economy. I found how responsive US government was to public opinion and the vibrant trade union movement, which protected the rights of workers.

But I also read about Tammany Hall and lobbies, how power brokers coerced elected officials to favor their narrow interests at the cost of public good.

I attended a Town Planning Board meeting and was taken aback by the aggressive tone of the Wal-Mart attorney when the lady told the board they better consult their attorneys before considering a request for a moratorium/an economic impact study on local businesses. I understood that statement to imply that in her opinion Town Board would go beyond their brief and jurisdiction if they conducted such a study and would be liable for the consequences.

As a physician I come across a cross section of the population and have canvassed opinion on the proposed Wal-Mart. It has been opposed to Wal-Mart in a proportion of 60:40, but I came across a curious fear among Town/Village employees of possible reprisals if they did not toe the "official" line.

I am sure elected officials would not behave in such fashion and was wondering where this apprehension came from.

Recently I, along with a few other public-spirited persons, made a tour of businesses on Liberty Street Bath. The general impression we got was of despondency and helplessness among the small business people.

People need to be made aware of the fact that with the advent of Wal-Mart property taxes Will go Up. We along with the rest of the country will indeed pay the high cost of low prices while taking the moral responsibility for the way the Chinese government treats its workers who are paid a pittance.

A lot of workers are prisoners and do not get paid at all.

It is my considered opinion that the Town/village has an obligation to listen to the people who have served the residents for so long for so little.
S.M.A. Ehtisham MD
Bath