To The Telegram:
This is strictly my thoughts and opinions of the growth and economy in Superior during my growing years - being born, raised and educated, making my living and now retired.
Population in Superior during my youth, around 1936, was more than 38,000 people. In 2009, 27,000 people, and a mind-boggling fact is after 100 years of a six-day-a-week Telegram, this city can no longer support a daily newspaper. Progress? I don't think so.
Right now the Tribune and Telegram are nothing more than newsletters.
We had many good union jobs to fall back on if we were laid-off during the winter freeze. No problem. I can only wonder where the people laid-off today end up.
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I believe the merchants of Superior have as much blame to share for this economy. Their wages have done as much as anything to the growth of the working poor. Yes, I have a job but I still need welfare help at the end of the month - not exactly the good life. The merchants enjoyed ten years with the minimum wage stalled at $5.15 an hour and their political party successfully fought efforts to increase it. The merchants enjoyed paying these poverty level wages while their merchandise increased in cost and value everyday. Well now that trickle down theory has come full circle and bite you merchants right where it will do the most good. Your employees can't even afford you.
We have been listening to a couple of pitchmen telling the shoppers to spend their money locally to help the local economy and I say baloney. Shoppers spend your money where you get the best deals just like the merchants do by filling their racks and shelves with "made in China" merchandise. You can't live off your greed while expecting the shoppers to support you.
We hear you whimpering about low Christmas profits, remember Mr. Merchant, you reap what you sow.
We also are tired of your motto a bored checkout person with thank you, "have a nice day." So hollow.
One last remark, Mayor Ross take a good look at the lack of pedestrian traffic before you sink a fortune of tax dollars for more cosmetic spending on Tower Ave.
- Leo W. Johnson,
Superior
