The rest of the Douglas, Ariz., story

Editor;

Upon reading the rebuttal by Dave Tolley, manager of the Polson Wal-Mart, in the Nov. 3 edition of your newspaper to my letter, I felt I must reply with the "other side" of the coin. Mr. Tolley did not get the total picture of what Wal-Mart is doing to Douglas.

Mr. Tolley states he telephonically contacted the Douglas City Manager and Chamber of Commerce for input on the Douglas Wal-Mart, receiving nothing but glowing reports on how good the store is for Douglas. There is only one problem with Mr. Tolley's story; he didn't go to the small business owners and ask for their input, did he? The City Manager and Chamber of Commerce are only doing what they are supposed to do in their respective job capacities — praise Wal-Mart, not condemn it. I know Mr. Ortega personally and have served on committees with him in the past. He is a person of integrity. However, you were only given a small piece of the big picture.

Mr. Tolley, you stated that the old Wal-Mart building had a new tenant, Stage. However, you apparently were not told that Stage only occupies approximately one-fifth of the old store, not the entire building. The rest is standing vacant. In addition, Stage has very few vehicles in its parking lot any day of the week you go by there. The national grocery chain store has suffered immeasurably from the loss of business, especially since the Wal-Mart is directly across the street. How much longer they will find it feasible to remain open is questionable. They have reduced the number of employees due to the decrease in business. Tell me, Mr. Tolley, how does this help the economy?

Last, but not least, Douglas had a K-Mart until Wal-Mart came on the scene and outpriced them. It was nice to have two big competitors to shop at giving the customers a choice where to purchase their goods. Wal-Mart reduced their prices accordingly, which resulted in K-Mart closing their store and leaving a big empty boarded-up building as you come into Douglas. This does not give a good first impression when you are attempting to attract newcomers to move to Douglas.

This, Mr. Tolley, is the real picture in Douglas. I quote your closing remark in your letter, "please be educated." Does this mean you will go back to school and finish your education on this subject? I believe the people of Polson will see what direction this "big box" store will take this small, close-knit community and vote accordingly.

Marlene Mims

FinleyPoint/Douglas, Ariz.