[Winona Online Democracy] This is puzzling: some Walmart enthusiasts drive to LaCrosse just to shop at Walmart, but also complain that there is no grocery store on the East side? Perhaps it's just my perspective, but Winona is a small town--is driving to Country Market, Midtown, HyVee, or Econo really a hardship?
Again, I agree with Terri Hyle: we desperately need some long range vision here. Lack of it brought down our old post office, the block on Main St. ( Morgan?), destroyed Central Park, the Opera House, the Water Tower, and almost razed our historic County Courthouse. Some one told me it was in the name of "progress." At the Food for Thought Book Chat (during which we discussed the Sinclair Lewis classic, Main Street) at the Historical Society, several of us discussed the "vision problem." Do we really want our town to lose its unique identity as well as its generous local retailers in order to temporarily save a few bucks? Are we really that cheap as a community? There was a very thought provoking letter to the editor in yesterday's Post from a visitor who happened to read about the Walmart controversy. I recommend it to all. Winona has changed considerably since I moved here 17 years ago: the franchises are increasing; we have more and more big stores with huge parking lots. I wonder about the environmental effects. I wonder about the lack of well paying jobs. People who earn $6-$7 dollars an hour do not earn a living wage--even in Winona. These jobs are great for students, but adults need to support themselves and their families. Are we a community that provides those opportunities? We will provide those opportunities 10 years from now, or will we be a community in which the divide between the well off and the poor grows even wider? What will Winona be like if that happens? We we have increased crime, drug use, etc.? To claim that the Walmart way is progress and that Winona must join that path is such a cop-out. Vicki Englich _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. No commercial solicitations are allowed on this list. To manage your subscription or view the message archives, please visit http://mapnp.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/winona Any problems or suggestions can be directed to mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] If you want help on how to contact elected officials, go to the Contact page at http://www.winonaonlinedemocracy.org
