Loose Lips: Wal-Mart keeping tabs on its support

In case anyone thought support for the Wal-Mart distribution center was waning, the big box chain is coming up with fresh figures to see how the public feels about its Merced project.

A survey two years ago showed that 80 percent of people here support the project. Who'd think the world's largest retail had self-esteem problems?

Lips' abode got a call the other night from a friendly woman with Voter Consumer Research in College Station, Texas, wanting us to answer some questions. Somehow Wal-Mart forgot to scrub us from the list of phone numbers.

First, she asked, "Who do we support in the mayor's race? Michael Gabriault-Acosta, Bill Spriggs or Rick O-um-Oh-ser-e-oh." Hard to say at this point.

The poll segued into a series of questions about whether we supported the Wal-Mart distribution center and what we thought of the opponents' criticism. By this time, Lips was scribbling notes as fast as the pollster.

We approached head Walmart mouthpiece Aaron Rios at a company event to learn more about the survey. Like a good spokesman, Rios couldn't say anything about the survey.

If we were a gambler, we'd bet the figures will be revealed just before the project goes before local leaders. Unless somehow the project's support has gone the way of health care reform.

Race for the prize

Even though the horses just sprang out of the gate for the November council race, candidates are already busy passing the hat around.

Why it was just four years ago that political donations in the Rick Osorio versus Ellie Wooten duel topped $107,000 -- more than enough to buy a house these days. Candidates are back out, though money's a scarce resource.

Councilman Bill Spriggs' first event is in a friend's backyard. Tickets are $15, which covers the cost of snacks. For an extra $5, he'll lecture you on Prop. 13's effect on city budgets.

Asthma assailant Mary-Michal Rawling will rub elbows downtown at Forte Frozen Yogurt. Tickets are $15, which includes an eight-ounce cup of yogurt with toppings. Forte's a green business in one more way -- raising cash.

Richard Cervantes, a planning commissioner and welder, and Joshua Pedrozo, a teacher, are the top hustlers at this point. Records show Pedrozo has netted $1,294 with with La Vern and Sheila Hoffman giving $150 and Merced College library director Susan Walsh kicking in $105. Pedrozo spent $250 to have a spiffy Web site built.

Cervantes has collected $1,267, spending $1,000 on a campaign consultant. Top donors include Greg Hostetler's Ranchwood Homes Corp. ($120) and Building Industry Association of Central California executive Stephen Madison ($120).

Though the gifts seem to be a little lighter these days, it's good to see the builders are still giving. It just wouldn't be an election without 'em.

Loose Lips can be reached at editor@mercedsun-star.com.

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