Open Forum

A timely event is coming to Brainerd, regarding the issues surrounding Superstores. Little did I realize, when I made a stand against superstores, that so many of you understand the devastating impacts a superstore can have in a community such as ours, and have come forward supporting local business, and economic development, while saying no to superstores.

Some think a superstore would be a great way to increase the tax base and provide jobs, and bring shoppers in from all over the area. Realize a superstore is "one-stop shopping," the money spent by you, the local shopper, taxpayer, local income earner, family of school children, retiree, student, homeowner, will not stay in our community. You have only so many dollars to spend every week, if it's spent at a superstore, it eliminates the local retailers, and ripples to the retailers in surrounding communities unable to compete with predatory pricing. Locally owned businesses use your money, recirculating it throughout the community, thus providing positive economic growth. Shopping at a superstore, may save you a few dollars, but the loss in local business, decent-paying jobs with benefits, loss of character and spirit within our community far outweighs the the few dollars saved.

Wednesday, July 10 there will be a presentation by the Rosenmeier Forum on Superstores. It will be held at Central Lakes College, Chalberg Theater from 6:30 to 9 p.m., free of charge. Stacy Mitchell, Institute for Local Self Reliance, and Gary Scheeler, Brainerd City Council member will provide opposing viewpoints. Local panel responding: Ed Shaw, Chip Borkenhagen, and Bob Olson. Questions from the audience will be answered from 8 to 9 p.m. Let's come together for an evening and listen to crucial information that may impact long-range planning in our near future.

Debbie Olander

Ward 4-Brainerd City Council member