EDITOR,

Recently, there have been two writings in the Irrigator advocating that we bring in Walmart (“Yes to Walmart for Patterson’s future,” His Voice, Jack Phongpool, and “Walmart would help city,” Your Voice, Mary Clemmer, both July 22). It was presented that our fiscal problems will be settled, homes will be built and rented, and teens will have a better future due to gaining employment at Walmart. That is simply not true.

First, wages earned by the workers of Walmart will not support the purchase of a house; therefore, it will not lead to the building of more homes. Wages earned are well below the poverty level, and most workers are not employed full time, making even the renting of an existing house difficult. Second, Walmart is not in the habit of employing teenagers. Third, being motivated solely to generate tax revenue is not good decision-making. It is a one-sided and dangerous approach to determining what is best for the future of our community. The ends do not justify the means.

I have been given the impression that our city’s leaders are working to attract companies to Patterson that would improve our community’s shopping scene and bring jobs and also an increase in tax revenue. It is my sincere hope that our leadership is looking to attract companies that have a positive history of doing business and a genuine desire to bring lasting benefits and improvements to the community they are joining.

It is because of Walmart’s bad business practices — the way they have disrespected employees, their destructive methods of making a profit and the devastation that comes to small-town markets — that I urge everyone to research Walmart. Consider if it is a company that deserves to continue its business practices with your dollar and at the possible expense of our town. Though you and I might live by the golden rule — to do unto others as you would have them do unto you — Walmart is not guided by that principle in the least.

A business as large and powerful as Walmart will have a lasting influence on our community that may not be for the best. Do not overlook the bad ethics of this company and be taken in by the lie that a Walmart store in Patterson will solve our problems.

Marci Morden, Patterson