The Negative Impact of Bringing a Super Wal-Mart into American Canyon

By Chris Edwards

Napa Valley Neighbors,

As an individual that has oversight for logistics for a major wine logistics company in American Canyon and as a small business owner that owns a small Charles Chips Distribution Business, I am concerned with the negative impact of bringing a " Super Wal-Mart" into American Canyon.

I am very familiar with Wal-Mart and their business practices, first hand. Having lived in the South, the heart of Wal-Mart Country for many years, I have seen the negative impact of Super Wal-Marts on communities. I have seen the decimation of small businesses. I've served as a volunteer and fundraiser for Non-Profits while living in the South, that had to provide services to the employees of Wal-Mart, that were not paid a livable wages and needed housing and living assistance.

My father had the opportunity to work for Sam Walton in the 60s, when Sam only owned only 3 stores. He met Sam and his brothers and chose NOT to work with Wal-Mart. He has mentioned to me on several occasions since, of his meeting with the Walton family and the aggressive nature of how they conduct business.

Wal-Mart's culture is to strong-arm employees, strong-arm partner vendors and strong-arm communities, ultimately strong-arming small business owners out of business. The Wal-Mart way is not a pretty story and certainly would not add value to American Canyon or our valley. Is a Super Wal-Mart really the image that American Canyon wants for its new downtown and at the entrance to the beauty of the Napa Valley? I think not.

As a candidate for Napa City Council, I am concerned about growth and sprawl. I am equally concerned with what negative impact this Super Wal-Mart would have on the small business owners in the city of Napa and in American Canyon.

Equally important is the working conditions and pay scale for the non-management employees at Wal-Mart. Is Wal-Mart an employer that pays its employees a livable wage to live and participate in our expensive community? Will the average employee be able to afford a home in our county and participate in our great community? Again, I think not.

A lesson on leadership...
" Leadership requires that elected officials recruit businesses that enhance the quality of life, pay livable wages and provide working conditions that improve the lives of those citizens we serve.
" Leadership means making the hard choices of what is best for the city, valley and region as a whole.
" Leadership means speaking up and demanding quality projects and quality employers.
" Leadership means making difficult choices that are best long-term for the communities we serve, ensuring that our communities remain unique and interesting; NOT cookie cutter copies of other cities with sprawl.
A Super Wal-Mart in American Canyon or anywhere in the Napa Valley is a mistake. I stand with the small business owners', the Unions, the environmentalist and the other dedicated concerned individuals that believe this project is a major mistake and must not be allowed to move forward.

Please join us is ensuring that there is No Wal-Mart in American Canyon!

In Unity,
Chris
Chris Edwards
Napa Ca 94558

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