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Bayou Barons

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FROM A READER

Published: December 27, 2008

Editor:

An appropriate gift at this time of the year to the Barons of the Bayou, aka the Tarpon Springs city commissioners, is an individual subscription to The Wall Street Journal.

Perhaps they will take the time to read it and realize that the country is in economic distress and that includes small towns like Tarpon Springs.

Their refusal to face this reality translates into their irrational opposition to the building of a Wal-Mart Supercenter on U.S. 19. Wal-Mart is not the answer to everyone's prayers and needs, but it would provide three crucial elements for the city: jobs, a significant tax base and local shopping at reasonable costs.

Perhaps we would not need the three chickens in every yard Commissioner Robin Saenger suggested.

Commissioner Susan Slattery, a Wal-Mart opponent, says 90 percent of city residents are opposed to Wal-Mart coming to the city. No one ever contacted me. If the Barons truly represent the people, let them conduct an unbiased survey to see what the people really want.

They could insert the survey questionnaire in monthly utility bills. The results would have to be evaluated by an unbiased observer.

What a novel idea, politicians listening to the people they profess to represent.

Michael N. Mattia Tarpon Springs

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