No Big Box in Our Town!

Two weeks ago...the city council in Santa Rosa, California, soundly defeated a proposed Lowe's store on a 5-2 vote.
- New Rules Project, Stacy Mitchell Sept. 16, 2009

Despite Lowe's attempts to convince the city council and citizens of the benefits of a store in the area, "local business owners...argued that Lowe's would not bring in new money, but only siphon revenue away from existing businesses, eliminating jobs and shifting wealth out of the community."

I have to say, esp. having visited Santa Rosa recently I am really glad they had the knowledge and ability to stand up for their community. Those smaller communities in Northern California are so unique and special with a home town feeling that I would hate to see disappear.
Having heard the mayor of a nearby town at the BALLE conference speak, I have to say I am not all that surprised. She was very concerned with the preservation of the mom and pop 'industry' in her community and seemed to have a lot of backing from her constituents as well as cooperation from neighboring towns.

I wish we had that level of civic pride and consensus in Tucson. But, we are a lot bigger and have had other challenges during our growth.
The Tucson business community certainly has taken to the Local First movement. In fact, one of the early Tucson supporters of Local First AZ was musing to me recently that he can't hardly believe the Tucson chapter is up to nearly 180 members from just 4 not even two years ago!
My hope for Tucson is that the independent business community gains strength in the next few years. I'd like to see enough options for conscientious consumers that they don't automatically run to a big box store or the mall for the things they need.
Keep up the good work, Tucson indie business community. And, thanks, Tucsonans for supporting the great and growing local business community.
Maybe next time a big box wants to move into town we will have what it takes to just say no.