California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill last week that would have forced big box stores – such as Wal-Mart – to prepare economic impact statements for communities where they want to build stores.
In a statement, Schwarzenegger said that the bill “effectively sends a message to retailers and others that California is 'closed for business’.” And, he argued for local autonomy in such matters: "The argument about whether a 'superstore retailer' belongs in a neighborhood is a daily occurrence in many California communities. 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.”
In a statement, Schwarzenegger said that the bill “effectively sends a message to retailers and others that California is 'closed for business’.” And, he argued for local autonomy in such matters: "The argument about whether a 'superstore retailer' belongs in a neighborhood is a daily occurrence in many California communities. 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.”
- KC's View:
