What Corporate Influence Means for South Park
South Park is a community that is home to over 30 of our small business members and thousands of families who have helped to grow the community to what it is today. A few days ago I met with small business owners from the city while wandering around its streets. I could not help but compare what the city has transitioned to in the last 20 years, to what it is today. South Park, at one point was an area better left unnoticed by the greater San Diego area because it was seen by many as an eye sore.
Many did not want to invest in South Park because they did not see it's potential. But, our small business members, and the community would not let South park fall any deeper. So a concerted effort, by everyone in the community created vibrant streets, businesses catered to it's unique clientele, and culture. South Park stood as a testament to the potential for unity between culture and business. South Park, it's citizens, and business community had a distinct personality that made it special.
Which is why I have decided to take a stand against the Target store's establishment in the city. A Target in a city that has defined itself as mom and pop business friendly can only serve to hurt. We grew this city from the bottom, without the intrusion of large corporations. And, when South Park was without it's creatively defined personality there were no corporations intent on bettering the community. These big box corporations were not with us then, and I am afraid that they are not with us now. I will do everything in my power to ensure that the city continues to grow without the influence of big box corporations.
Regards,
Mark P. Arabo