Washington D.C.’s city council recently passed a “living wage” measure and, in the process, may have cost 4,000 folks a job. That is if Wal-Mart, as it threatens, cancels its plan to build 3 new stores. Make that 8,000 folks if it decides to forgo opening 3 other stores currently under construction.

Letter to a Washington D.C. city councilman:

Councilmember Vincent Orange
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Suite 107
Washington, D.C. 20004

Dear Mr. Orange,

You were recently quoted in the New York Times—with regard to Wal-Mart’s net income and pay scale—as follows:

“Their net income was $17 billion,” said Vincent Orange, a city councilman who voted for the ordinance. “You don’t want to share a little bit with the citizens? Come on.”

Come on Mr. Orange, this is not rocket science. Wal-Mart’s net income was $17 billion precisely because it is bringing great value to the citizens. How about we let the citizens of your great city decide whether Wal-Mart is generous enough: Let’s see just how many folks apply for those jobs at the wage Wal-Mart offers, and how many shoppers take advantage of those low-priced goods.

Make no mistake sir, should Wal-Mart choose to place a store under a $12.50 per hour wage regime, it’ll take whatever measures necessary to maintain its profit margin (at the expense of the customer and, yes, the employee)—a margin that had once inspired it to consider opening 6 new stores in your area.

Sincerely,
Marty Mazorra
Private Wealth Advisors
7447 N. First Street
Suite 202
Fresno, Ca 93720