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Let Wal-Mart In!
By Carmelina Connole, Winsted
As someone who has lived in Winsted all my life and as a person once employed by Wal-Mart, I say: Let Wal-Mart in.
We hear "big wheels" saying that Wal-Mart will drive small business away. Wrong! High taxes and high rents have been driving business, industry and residents out of the state. And for those who say that people employed by Wal-Mart don't make enough to buy real estate: take a look around you—there are a lot of businesses and factories around that don't pay enough! And to go further, there are people on fixed incomes who are just getting by.
During the recent budget session we saw institutions, educators, etc. asking for amounts that are higher than the inflation rate of 2%, instead of living within our society’s means.
It's been said that way before my time, years ago, a huge car factory was looking at property off Rowley Street—where the Forest View Cemetery and playground are today. Back then it was said that no one would want to work at other businesses if that car factory came in. End result: factories still closed and moved away!
As of today, in this town we don't have a good shoe store, preteen boys’ and girls’ clothing store, men's clothing store, bakery, or bridal shop. I think this town needs to grow and prosper, not to idle while placing its trust in old myths! Winsted could be both a college and Wal-Mart town. Wal-Mart would create employment.
I've been down south where Wal-Mart super centers were built in malls! Wal-Mart is also great with charities. It is community-friendly. As for traffic—let the engineers figure that out. I'm sure they'll come up with a good plan!
It'll be a lot better than looking at an old abandoned building that gives an impression of a run-down area—especially since, if you approach on Winsted Road, it's first thing you see coming to town!
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