Posted on 09/30/2006 2:22:28 PM PDT by FairOpinion
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept 29 (Reuters) - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill on Friday that would have required retailers such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT.N: Quote, Profile, Research) to prepare reports for local officials on the effect of proposed superstores on existing retailers in the same market.
A number of local California officials have sought to block the expansion of the world's largest retailer in the state and some lawmakers have sought to help with state legislation aimed at the company.
California's celebrity Republican governor said he vetoed the bill because it "effectively sends a message to retailers and others that California is 'closed for business.'"
"The argument about whether a 'superstore retailer' belongs in a neighborhood is a daily occurrence in many California communities," Schwarzenegger said in his veto statement. "Adding a new hurdle, approval of an economic impact report prior to approval of a development project that includes such a retailer, will only limit the authority of local communities to decide what kind of retail projects they want to embrace."
"As is often the case, a 'one size fits all' approach from Sacramento will take away choices that communities have to decide whether a particular development fits their communities," Schwarzenegger said.
He's bad on social stuff (probably because his wife is whispering in his ear), but the fiscal stuff may be more important in CA right now.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." -Manuel II Paleologus
Glad to hear this.
Walmart is a godsend to military families especially.
Arnold has made a few good choices recently. Good for him.
Thank you Governor Schwarzenegger.
The shopping plaza with Costco has been a God-send for Goleta and I.V.
Simple, just say they want to crush the competition through lower prices, better hours and better service.
I live in CA and I don't give a crap about "social stuff".
You live your life and I'll live mine.
I am thrilled that he vetoed this bill.
If Arnold does nothing for the next four years except veot idiot bills, that's fine with me.
Thankyou Arnold
I had no idea that there was anti-WalMart legislation going on in California. I'm not suprised, but I just didn't know about it.
Stories like this must make some folks heads explode. They're pro-business but anti-China, they like Walmart's stand on RU486 but hate Walmart's "homosexual agenda"...
SoCal ping
Arnold gets it. Good for him.
He has been making many good moves and especially shows the difference between Arnold and the Twit running against him.
I laughed out loud when I saw that. Algore is off his ROCKER.
I have some friends in Northern California who are anti Wal*Mart because they say it competes with their friends small shops and also a few local friends in Southern California who don't like it because they work for unions and they are told not to shop there.
I will shop there anyway. Glad he had the sense to veto it.
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