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Samantha Hayes reporting Big retailer. Small community.
It has happened in thousands of places all over America. But many residents in Centerville, Utah want Wal-Mart to stay away.
Some folks in Centerville are strongly in favor of a Super Wal-Mart. Others are very much opposed to the idea, and they have information they want Wal-Mart and their city to seriously consider.
Wal-Mart's slogan “Always low prices” is one of its biggest selling points. But some Centerville residents have an answer to that.
Geoge Fisher, Centerville Citizens First: “I've stated earlier if Wal-mart comes a for-sale sign goes up on my house."
The opposition has organized to form Centerville Citizens First. The group commissioned a survey of 400 of the 5,500 homes in the city. 73 percent are opposed to Wal-Mart. 17 percent are in favor, and 10 percent are not sure.
Geoge Fisher, Centerville Citizens First: “Maybe it will clarify how opposed so much of the citizenry is to Wal-mart. "
Jan Hagan, Centerville: “And so we are fighting, so many of us, to keep it from coming here so we can maintain our nice, quieter lifestyle and what people moved to Centerville for. "
The area where this proposed Wal-mart is to go in is zoned commercial. Proponents say it would add much needed sales tax revenue and provide more jobs."
Ray Briscoe, Insight Research: “People who want it think its going to lower prices, give people jobs, and give people revenue. "
City officials say the time for setting rules should have been last year, when the zoning for the area was changed.,
No matter what happens, as potential customers, the most important vote could be with their pocketbooks.
Geoge Fisher, Centerville Citizens First:: “I would never shop at any Wal-mart anywhere.”
There will be a public comment meeting with city planning commission on 28th. The vote will take place in August.
