Bath needs economic impact study
Dear Editor,

I am concerned for the future of our town. I believe that the proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter poses several threats to us as a community. I've done my research and I have learned that the Wal-Mart controversy is going on in small towns across America because Wal-Mart is devastating local economies and landscapes (http://www.wakeupwalmart.com/fact s/#community).

People have been asking me and my dad if Wal-Mart will really affect our business. Well we don't simply sell feed and tractors, we carry over 150 items which Wal-Mart also carries. We have a diverse inventory some of which would be in direct competition with Wal-Mart. If a Feed and Farm Supply Store will be affected, numerous others will be affected if a Supercenter was built in the Town of Bath. Let's consider what a proposed Supercenter has to offer - groceries, health and beauty supplies, a pharmacy, sporting goods, pet food, clothing, electronics, appliances, lawn & garden supplies, tires, a beauty salon, photo, optical, and tire & lube services. How could the largest, most influential corporation in the world who specializes in low prices not be a tough competitor for our local businesses? It's clear to me that over 40 local businesses at the very least would be deeply challenged to maintain a profitable business or even keep their doors open.

In this day in age with profit margins being so slim, businesses can not afford to lose 5-10-15% of their gross sales. This loss would change their bottom line from black to red. Plus, Wal-Mart hardly ever comes in alone. It's not long before other big box stores follow. It simply opens the door to these huge national chains and sprawl throughout our beautiful valley. If big box hardware stores come in, then we could lose our longtime lumber, hardware and paint stores which we have relied on for years. Our consumerism is over taking our concern for our community.

Are you willing to roll the dice with all of these businesses that have been serving our community for so long? I'm not. I can't. Before we get all excited about Wal-Mart's new jobs, let's look at the research that shows that Wal-Mart's overwhelmingly part time jobs really replace existing full time jobs, many with benefits. Many of these jobs that will be lost are better jobs than ones proposed by Wal-Mart. (http://www.wakeupwalmart.com/fact s/#community).

I don't know what will happen and neither do you. That's why we need the Bath Town Board and Village of Bath to collaborate on performing a joint economic impact study. The Village has already passed a resolution to undertake such a study. This has to happen prior to any big box development.

Look at the large vacant buildings which once housed P&C, K-Mart, and Ames just 15 minutes down the road in Erwin!! Also, let's remember the closing of the Jubilee food store in South Corning which closed 7 months after a big grand-opening because it couldn't compete with Wal-Mart. 54 people have to find other employment. Do we need more proof than just down the highway?

Adding up the jobs at our local grocery stores and department store, there are over 150 full-time positions, not to mention the numerous part-time jobs associated with these four businesses which equal the "job creation" from Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart has not given our community leaders any "real" information on what they will supply. Generalities are not enough to make decisions on. Our hometown businesses put money back into the local economy and don't send it off to Arkansas.

I'm all for "real" growth, but we need to do it wisely. As a major in the Army Reserve and a combat veteran, it is my duty to look ahead to assess possible risks incurred to my soldiers, and to mitigate those risks. We need more business in Bath, but let's look before we leap. We need to be clear on the impact before we incur a lot of local casualties.

Scott Ward Bath