Wal-Mart is NOT the Answer to the Unemployment Problem on the South Side

June 28th, 2010 by Shorty

I have been listening to debates about Wal-Mart coming to the South Side of Chicago.  I have seen several Aldermen on the news, including my own, Aldermen Howard Brookins, fight to have the big-box retailer come into our community to provide jobs.   I personally don’t think Wal-Mart is the solution to the unemployment problem on the South Side.

Mayor Richard Daley is. Let me share why.

According to a June 14th article in Crain’s Chicago Business, Mayor Daley runs up big debts building his global city; what about the rest of Chicago?, Mr. Daley has built his “global city” in eight communities – none of which is on the South Side.  These communities have high levels of education and income as well as condos, upscale retail stores, and even nicer restaurants.

However, the article also states that “in Washington Park, where Mr. Daley hoped to host the 2016 Olympics, population is down, jobs and stores are scarce, and incomes are a tiny fraction of those in the South Loop.” Long story short, this community ain’t got jack.  Actually, this applies to most of the neighborhoods south of Washington Park. All of these problems existed pre-Wal-Mart.

The article further states,  “Despite his attention to the schools and public housing, Chicago is still mired in the past” because incomes are stagnant; there are very little improvements in the public school system; and total number of jobs are steadily declining.”  What does this mean?  To me, it means that Mayor Daley created this mess and he needs to find a solution.  And Wal-Mart isn’t the answer.

Really pay attention to what was stated.  Despite his attention to the schools and public housing, there has been little progress in income, the school system or jobs in this community.  On the other hand, condos, upscale stores and restaurants, and employment opportunities were created in his “global city” and Wal-Mart was not mentioned one time. In fact, I’d like to bet that there are no stores in those communities (i.e. Dollar Stores and Wal-Mart) that are suited for low-income shoppers.

Based on that information alone, it is safe to assume that if Mayor Daley put the same time, attention and resources into South Side communities that he did with his prosperous pet project, there is a possibility that education, incomes and employment opportunities would grow, too – without Wal-Mart.

I’m not opposed to employment opportunities being created.  I am, however, opposed to other people looking for someone else to clean up their mess.  And, I’m really enraged and insulted that Mr. Mayor is slighting the South Side by offering Wal-Mart as a solution to the unemployment problem he created instead of those he used in his hi-tech “global city.”

So, do you think Wal-Mart is the solution to the South Side’s unemployment problem?

Tags: Mayor Daley, South Side, Views, Wal-Mart
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