Local businesses have sacrificed enough

Editor,

Regarding Wal-Mart's request for zone change, special use permit and annexation:

As you may know, my mother, Carmine Mowbray, has taken an active position against Wal-Mart's request for further development. Not only do I look up to her wisdom because I am one of her children, but also because of her experience as a private business owner and a hardworking community member who has always cared about the well being of our hometown, Polson. Over the past months, Wal-Mart's expansion has been the subject of discussion, and I am aware of the situation.

Being born and raised in Polson, I have developed an irreversible pride in the beauty, serene environment and the friendly company surrounding us. Welcoming the original Wal-Mart was a gracious act and a sacrifice for downtown Polson. However, I am also aware of the jobs Wal-Mart offers and I am appreciative of the help it has given to the Polson High School's Board of Governors, which I served on for the four years I attended.

So I am comfortable to say, between the sacrifice downtown has made and the little bit Wal-Mart gives back to our community, we barely break even. To expand the Wal-Mart would be to smash the fragile balance and completely pull a cloak over our unique downtown.

I believe permitting the requested expansion would be asking too much. The energy put into Polson's downtown in order to prevent its devaluation is vast and cannot compete with yet a larger virus.

I do not envy the decision the city council has to make on June 29. As elected representatives they are entrusted with a decision that must reflect opposing positions. At this time, the heavy responsibility of the well-being of our homes, lifestyles and opportunities rests on their votes.

Karelia Mowbray

Polson