To The Editor:

The people of Wareham deserve affordable groceries and well-paying jobs. Walmart is offering to bring both to us in the form of an expanded store in West Wareham. Imagine a full-service grocery department with affordable meats and produce. We can't find that in Wareham today. We're leaving town (and so are our tax dollars) just to spend less money on one of life's basic needs. Walmart is going to bring an additional 85 new jobs to our community. In a time when there are more than 1,000 unemployed people living in Wareham, who are we to turn jobs away?

It's no secret that Wareham is a working-class community. It's a struggle for some people to survive in today's unstable economy. For that reason alone, we should praise businesses like Walmart (the largest company in the world) for embracing our community and allowing our residents the opportunity to shop for low-priced, quality merchandise and groceries.

Let's not forget that Wareham is a tourist town. We almost double in size in the summer months. Tourist season is an important part of Wareham's economy, and tourists, too, will benefit from the price breaks. Perhaps they will spend some of their savings with another of our town's many merchants. We need to come together as a community and embrace this venture. Walmart can supply much-needed jobs and a healthy dose of competition for our local supermarkets.

Most importantly, Walmart can provide affordable shopping and grocery options for, not only our fellow residents, but others from neighboring towns. As Walmart continues to pursue the West Wareham site, let's stand behind them and welcome them with open arms.

Scott Robertson