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demonstrate that Walmart is damaging to local economies and workers, that it receives massive taxpayer subsidies, and utilizes unscrupulous business practices and market power to squeeze suppliers in order to gain an edge over competitors. This is a corporate takeover of democracy, an attack on the middle and working classes, and a redistribution of wealth. There are also allegations of the bribery of public officials on a massive scale in order to dominate the market share. Once the competition is crushed, Walmart's "everyday low prices" will vanish and the very citizens who rely on them will be most affected. He said this is about more than Walmart; it is about how City policy has already damaged the local economy. Pleasanton is oversaturated with grocery stores, as evidenced in the economic study prepared by the City and the sale of the only locally owned grocery store close on the heels of a second Safeway moving into town. The introduction of Walmart and the market competition it creates will mean employees making minimum wage without benefits, less disposable income, fewer purchases at local businesses and the general transition of spending power out of Pleasanton. He sympathized with the neighbors of Vintage Hills Shopping Center who would like to see a grocery store at Meadows Plaza, but said it would come at the expense of other neighbors and property owners when their own neighborhood store closes. In its zeal to be a mouthpiece for Walmart and the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, the Pleasanton Weekly has done a real disservice to the community by not presenting the entire picture. The public raised important issues at the last meeting about Walmart's campaign contributions and the Mexican bribery scandal. He had requested additional information on both issues and continued the meeting to provide time for answers; unfortunately, the Council has refused to respond to these requests. He said there is a clear and legal path to an alternative. The Council can adopt a moratorium tonight on new grocery stores and pass an emergency grocery and retail ordinance that would require economic and environmental analysis as well as a public hearing prior to approving any new grocery stores. The Council can also pass an ordinance requiring any company that is indicted on or convicted of violations of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or any other federal or state law, to promptly close operations and vacate Pleasanton. He reviewed both ideas with the City Attorney and, while there are complexities, the Council can legally exercise these options. Mayor Hosterman opened the public hearing. Leslie Jones agreed with Councilmember Sullivan that anyone coming before the Council should have the right to speak, regardless of whether they have done so before. She said the issue is not one of liking or disliking Walmart; it is about the principles of free markets, property rights, and limited government. She disagreed that this is a corporate takeover of democracy and said it is a massive regulation upon businesses, residents and taxpayers. Free enterprise is what democracy and local communities are about. Every time that government prevents a company from doing business in Pleasanton, the tax base is depleted and will ultimately lead to the loss of essential services. She asked the Council to allow Walmart to do business in Pleasanton and to allow the consumers to determine who will stay in business. Mayor Hosterman closed the public hearing and noted that every email, letter and phone call received by staff and the Council have been heard and is a part of the public record. Councilmember Cook-Kallio said there has been a lot of talk about democracy. Democratic rights are predicated on the rule of law and what distinguishes this from other countries is that all parties have equal protection. Walmart is a business that has undertaken the process outlined by this Council and it would be unconstitutional for the Council to single out one company based on a general distaste for their business practices. She believed the Zoning Administrator acted in accordance with the law and that the Council is bound by that same law. City Council Minutes Page 4 of 12 May 15, 2012