Weekly Update for Elected Officials: Sept. 24, 2008

New Times
The following article was posted on September 25th, 2008, in the New Times - Volume 23, Issue 8 ]

Independence of Wal-Mart surveyor questioned
Colin Rigley

The Atascadero Chamber of Commerce is flaunting a recent survey as proof that there is “overwhelming” support from the business community to bring a Wal-Mart into town. But the results came from a company with ties to the controversial retail giant, and the Wal-Mart debate is heating up again in Atascadero.

The chamber paid $1,500 for a survey of local businesses, which was conducted by Los Angeles-based Cardinal Communication Strategies. Cardinal Communication Strategies is a subsidiary of Meridian Pacific, a public relations firm that has done work for Wal-Mart.

John Peschong, one of the early partners in Meridian Pacific, is also a partner with Cardinal Communication Strategies. Peschong did not respond to a request for comment before press time.

Cardinal Communication Strategies President Debbie McCall said she would not answer any questions, when contacted by New Times.

When asked about a potential bias in the survey, chamber Executive Director Joanne Main did not respond specifically. She would only say, in an e-mail, that Cardinal Communication Strategies used another company, E Communications Advantage, to handle phone calls and draft the report.

Asked the same question, Atascadero Mayor Mike Brennler said he was aware of the link and “perhaps there’s a certain legitimacy to that concern.”

The chamber declared a win for Wal-Mart with 51 percent of responding businesses stating they wanted a Super Wal-Mart in Atascadero. The chamber MISTAKENLY reported that 51 percent of 762 businesses surveyed were in favor of a Wal-Mart, but recently scaled back because ONLY 446 businesses ACTUALLY answered the question.

Main said, however, that the percentages are the same as in the first report. She said only the number of responding businesses was reported falsely.

Those survey results have been kept under tight wraps as neither the city manager, mayor, NOR RESIDENTS have been able to obtain a complete copy. Main declined to provide New Times with a copy for review.

In November, Atascadero voters will also cast their votes on Measure D-08, which would prohibit stores with more than 150,000 square feet of floor space. The Yes on Measure D-08 campaign recently filed a complaint with the California Fair Political Practices Commission against the chamber. According to the complaint, the chamber violated its nonprofit status by paying for the survey and publishing it as evidence against Measure D-08 without first filing as a Political Action Committee.

The SLO County grand jury has also been contacted, Measure D-08 spokesperson Tom Comar told the Atascadero City Council on Sept. 23.

Wal-Mart supporters showed up in force at that meeting, accusing Measure D-08 supporters of slandering the chamber and using dirty politics to keep Wal-Mart out of the city.

The chamber’s quasi-public status with the city has made the Wal-Mart debate even more heated. Atascadero has funneled $170,325 of public money to the chamber for community promotion services since January 2006, according to the chamber. The chamber is CONTRACTUALLY OBLIGATED to make annual reports, but glosses over details, critics say.

“From my perspective, I think they could improve and provide something with a little more depth,” Brennler said. “Naturally, when tax dollars are being utilized, then tax payers have a RIGHT to know where those dollars are being spent.”~~~~~~~~~~~~~SLO San Luis Obispo,California

Wal-Mart Spends $1.4 Million on Lobbying Last QuarterThe Associated Press recently released an examination of Wal-Mart’s lobbying disclosure form for last quarter. Over a three month span, Wal-Mart lobbying expenditures reached $1.4 million, fighting legislation relevant to labor issues, cargo security, and health care. Wal-Mart brazenly fought against the Employee Free Choice Act – a bill which would give employees more leverage in the quest for fair wages and affordable health care. Even more egregious may be its combativeness towards the ADA Restoration Act – a pending piece of legislation which would clarify the rights of peoples with disabilities. See the full article from the Associated Press:

Wal-Mart spent $1.4M lobbying government in 2Q [Associated Press via MSN Money]

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world’s largest retailer, spent nearly $1.4 million in the second quarter lobbying the federal government on union matters, cargo security and other issues, according to a recent disclosure form.

The Bentonville, Ark.-based company, which has 1.3 million domestic employees, lobbied on the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Wal-Mart and the Retail Industry Leaders Association mounted a successful legal challenge to a Maryland law that required companies with more than 10,000 workers to devote at least 8 percent of its payroll to paying for employee health insurance. The judge ruled that ERISA pre-empted the state requirements.

The Employee Choice Act, over which Wal-Mart has drawn criticism for having politically partisan sessions with employees, was also listed, as was the Family Medical Leave Act and the American with Disabilities Restoration Act, according to the form filed July 21 with the House clerk’s office.

Wal-Mart Vice President of Corporate Affairs Raymond Bracy is listed on the reporting form as the company’s lobbyist. The form shows he also lobbied regarding a variety of tax issues and on legislation regarding Chinese imports and China’s currency~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~WMW~~~~~~~~Sept,08