Curbs on Big-Box Stores

* Re “Ventura County Backs Study of Grocery Sales Curbs at Big-Box Stores,” May 17.

Since when did our Board of Supervisors’ job become catering to the dictates of labor unions?

I am outraged that our board would take it upon itself to do what labor organizers have failed to do: punish larger retailers such as Target, Wal-Mart, Kmart and Costco for not bowing to their wishes.

The board’s attempt to prohibit these larger stores from selling a variety of grocery items is nothing more than an anti-free-market crusade. This action is unfair, anti-competition and unacceptable.

The board needs a wake-up call from Ventura County’s working families. The voters of this county--not the union organizers--put these five supervisors into office. We need to hold the board accountable for its actions and their adverse effects on our working families.

MARCI SEIDEL

Thousand Oaks

* As someone raising a family on a fixed income, I resent my Board of Supervisors making presumptions about my wants and needs. I usually shop at our local grocery store, but at times freely choose to visit one of these larger stores because of the convenience and, most importantly, their affordability.

I strongly object to the board attempting to rob me and my family of the opportunity to make purchases at the store of our choice.

JENNI KUNIHIRO

Thousand Oaks

* What’s amazing is that the huge grocery chains think they have the right to determine what other stores carry. What’s even more amazing is that our own Board of Supervisors is actually considering such a ludicrous proposal.

Let’s hope our supervisors remember who they really represent.

PHIL QUARTARARO

Simi Valley