America Only Has One Oriental: United to Keep it Walmart-Free

• We are united in our concern about the proposal to welcome one (or possibly two) Walmart stores into our beloved county, and request the support and efforts of the Pamlico County Board of Commissioners to keep a proposed Walmart Express away from the outskirts of Oriental, NC.

• Walmart stores leave a massive footprint on the communities around them. A Walmart footprint in our communities will have a significant and irreversible effect on the precious human and natural resources of this area, in particular our thriving small and independent businesses, our healthy families, our food supply, and the viable livelihoods our county is so fortunate and proud to have.

• You, the Pamlico County Commissioners charged with responsible and effective oversight of our county and its resources, are obligated to consider the serious and irreversible environmental, economic and social impacts the proposed Walmart stores in Pamlico County would have on this beautiful and precious ecosystem.

• In particular, the town of Oriental has been a windfall in tax revenue for the county, bringing a steady stream of tourists, middle and upper class retirees, and entrepreneurs to shop, invest and settle in our area. The population of Oriental may be small (900), but the strength of its vibrant economy and tourism industry is its people – including those who make a living servicing the 5,000 – 6,000 visitors who pass through the town each year on their nautical journeys along the Intra-Coastal Waterway.

• Visitors fall in love with Oriental’s small town charm, its waterfront views, independent shops, galleries, art studios, restaurants, bed and breakfast inns and marinas. What keeps them coming back is that Oriental (and much of Pamlico County) has remained untouched by the sprawling congestion of fast food places, chain motels and retail superstores that dominate much of America. America and Pamlico County only have ONE Oriental. We urge you to study the facts and to keep Oriental (and Pamlico County) Walmart-Free.

o In sum, Walmart is a foraging kind of enterprise. In exchange for the land that they will occupy, Walmart will plunder our ecosystem, jeopardize our livelihoods, and exploit Pamlico County’s most precious and irreplaceable resources, including its people. In addition to leaving our farmers, small business owners, and their own workers squeezed to the point of breaking, our acceptance of the Walmart business model will leave our county and precious coastal towns even more impoverished. Are you really ready to let that happen?

We, the undersigned, call on the Pamlico County Board of Commissioners to do everything it can to preserve Oriental's small town, relaxed way of life and to protect our livelihoods. In short, we urge you to Keep Oriental, NC Walmart-Free.