“Wal-Mart scouting city sites again” (Pete Davis – December 16) could be the start of something big for Queens and all city consumers.
All public opinion polls have consistently shown that New Yorkers would like the opportunity to shop at Wal-Mart. Councilmember Mark Weprin should listen to his constituents instead of the Retail, Wholesale Department Store Union who opposes Wal-Mart.
The five boroughs could easily support a dozen stores. This would provide work for construction contractors and thousands of their employees. Once opened, there would be employment opportunities for thousands of the 9.6 percent of New Yorkers currently out of work. NYC would benefit by millions in sales, payroll and real estate tax revenues.
Tens of millions of Americans including many fellow New Yorkers own stock in Wal-Mart. The same is true for the various retirement and pension plans many people participate in.
It is time to allow Wal-Mart the opportunity to compete in the city’s marketplace. For those “Politically Correct,” don’t shop there, but give everyone else a choice.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
