Grocery Business

* Congratulations to Gov. Gray Davis for siding with the consumer and vetoing AB 84 (Sept. 23). If the supermarket chains had anyone but their own shareholders’ interests in mind, why wasn’t the public informed of the bill?

The supermarket chains claim the “big boxes” cost jobs. I disagree. The “big boxes” provide supplies at lower costs to local, small businesses. These small businesses, in turn, provide employment for many local people.

The supermarket chains claim the “big boxes” run the competition out of business. I doubt it. Ralphs, Vons, et al. will only have to run a little bit harder for their money. The supermarket chains are busy consolidating and forming monopolies themselves, the ultimate goal being to fix and raise prices. Good for them. Not good for the consumer. The vetoing of AB 84 keeps the heat on and the competition alive!

MICHAEL HRUSKA

Los Angeles