To the Editor:

I have read all of the articles, both pro and con, pertaining to Walmart and would like to add my opinion.

Like many of you, I have heard Walmart's slogan, "Save money, live better," and that may be true for their stockolders and the workers in China, but it doesn't apply to their employees who lost their jobs when Walmart closed many of their stores around the country, seeking greener pastures.

Walmart located in East Wareham because of the heavy volume of traffic on Route 28. With the opening of Wareham Crossing, they want once again to take advantage of the residents of our community.

If the change is granted, and I hope it isn't, many, I repeat, many jobs will be lost in the fast-food industry and the long-established family restaurants along Route 28 because of the decrease in traffic flow.

What will happen if the town can't support three food supermarkets? One would certainly go, and you can bet it won't be Walmart.

Residents of West Wareham are concerned about the traffic increase, and I agree with them. My main concern is that because of the change, many jobs will be lost in other businesses. Most of the jobs that will be lost are good-paying jobs that will most likely be replaced with part-timers by Walmart.

I urge the people that have to make this decision to look at the many vacant properties along Cranberry Highway, to imagine what it will be like in the not-too-distant future. Abandoned property brings in less tax money, and tax money provides jobs and services to everybody, not just Walmart.

John McBride

Onset