Views should be heard with dignity, respect

Editor,

I have been reading with considerable interest your coverage of the events regarding the Wal-Mart expansion mainly because my family owns the land where the proposed store is to be located. It has been a very interesting blend of some of the same old ranting and raving from the anti-progress faction about how the valley is getting exploited by growth and some very insightful concerns about survival of families who are struggling to make ends meet financially and still stay in the beautiful Flathead Valley.

This brings back many old memories from a few years ago when Wal-Mart first came to town and there were predictions of devastation to the downtown area reminiscent of the dust bowl era. They predicted a destruction of the lifestyle that we all cherish and seek by living in Montana from a store that provides a variety of goods we use on a daily basis at a reasonable price.

The explosive emotions and profanity expressed by some people at the public meetings is troubling and is very disappointing to hear people we have known for over 30 years lose control in such a manner. This is an issue that needs to be dealt with in a reasonable manner and all view points be considered with respect and dignity.

On Nov. 3, I received a late night call from Greg Hertz, stated owner of Super 1 and leader of the anti-Wal-Mart pack, threatening to file a law suit to "drag this out" for a long time if we did not break our sales contract with Wal-Mart and take a backup offer we have on our land.

He stated he was sure the city/county planning board and city council would easily approve any other development proposed on our land. This is puzzling in that he opposed our attempts to complete a zone change on the property before Wal-Mart even considered purchasing our land.

He assured me that he had a large following and inferred that they had the influence over the controlling agencies to accomplish this.

Mr. Hertz and his "large following" were noticeably absent when other large, nationally affiliated businesses and franchises such as McDonald's, Subway, Insty Print, Les Schwab Tires, Century 21, Best Western, ReMax, Safeway and, of course, Super 1 came to town and provided jobs and services.

I now wonder where all the hysteria was when the Tribe built the large resort to compete with a business I owned (Super 8 Motel). We were very concerned about the competition for room rentals but amazingly enough, their large, very nice resort helped us all. Competition is not a bad thing unless you are insecure about your product and service.

Mr. Hertz can say what he wants about his concern for the destroyed lifestyle of the area, but the bottom line is that he does not want any competition and has convinced some people to assist in his quest to limit the competition they have. The Polson Development code was not developed to limit competition for any particular special interest group and I would like to have someone make a reasonable case that this land, with commercially zoned property on three sides and a commercial access off Highway 93, is not a very logical and sensible area for commercial expansion.

We are not passionate about having a Wal-Mart on our property but Mr. Hertz and his flock has politicized and demonized anyone who supports it. Wal-Mart does have other locations if our location is not accepted and their intent is to work with the citizens of Polson and surrounding communities to provide another choice for shoppers.

Not everyone in the area has limitless funds for basic shopping needs and it is interesting that a group has been formed to limit the shopping options available. I did ask Mr. Hertz if he and his group would be interested in purchasing our land and making a park or some other "feel good" use of it but he was very quiet on that proposal. I didn't really expect him to respond positively as he already has his "box store." Possibly a mil levy so all the people in Polson could own a part of this property would make sense.

I did receive a follow up fax from Mr. Hertz stating that their intent is not to sue us personally but rather direct their litigation toward any governmental agencies that do not rule in their favor. Pretty amazing position to take before any formal proposal has been presented by Wal-Mart to a voting board.

I also find it very intriguing that the Ronan contingent always surfaces when Polson moves forward with a Wal-Mart project. I guess they are afraid many of the fine residents of Ronan would prefer to travel to Polson to shop at a store that has a wide selection of products rather that engage the traffic on Highway 93 to Missoula as many presently do. All this time I thought the only rivalry that was this intense was between the Pirates and Chiefs. They need to work on that too!

I did not have the opportunity to attend the anti-Wal-Mart movie shown at the high school auditorium — hmm, all this time I thought Wal-Mart paid taxes and supported the school system. Was not aware that the school system, being a taxpayer-supported entity had a dog in this fight — what's next, anti-hunter, anti-Christian, anti-gun movies?

I have talked to many people who have expressed support for the project but are very concerned that it will not be given a fair chance to proceed because of all the dialog at various meetings with only one view expressed.

It's a store, not a nuclear dump site!

Ken Donovan

Condon and Polson