We need a greater variety of shopping alternatives in Belfast. My plan is to encourage the growth of downtown plus allow other areas in town to have stores which will complement each other. We need a small department store, (no, I didn’t say “super” Wal-Mart).

Before a store that large is constructed we would need to develop the highway infrastructure to support the traffic generated.

Secondly, it would seriously affect the downtown, which is a main reason people desire to live here. We also need another supermarket, more specialty shops, and we need clothing stores.

My criticism of the present city council is their recent vote of 5 to 0 to place on the November ballot an initiative to eliminate the people’s right to petition on land use issues. This was their answer to last November’s petition, which passed, asking for more shopping opportunities.

If Belfast citizens desire more retail stores, then let’s form a committee, study more what needs to be done, and above all act on the issue. When you eliminate the power of the people to petition, three councilors do the controlling.

My suggestion is to vote against removing the right of the people to petition, and elect councilors who will act on your behalf and listen to your suggestions and the city of Belfast’s needs.

Please vote on Nov. 8.

Alan Wood

City council candidate

Belfast