From Deseret News archives:
Wal-Mart foes say official biased
One member of the Board of Adjustments is "biased," they say — and influenced the outcome of a hearing Wednesday designed to stall construction of the big-box store.
"We certainly feel it would have been highly ethical and fair if (board member) John Eriksson had stepped down (Wednesday) night," said David Putnam Jr., leader of a community opposition group. "We're very disappointed with Wal-Mart and city officials about that."
Ericksson, chairman of the Board of Adjustments, works for a law firm that has represented Wal-Mart in cases against opposition groups. At Wednesday's meeting, he disclosed that conflict but said he was confident he could consider the appeal of Putnam and other members of the South Davis Regional Community Foundation.
Members of the Board of Adjustments voted unanimously to deny a request by the foundation that they remand portions of a conditional-use permit granted to the retailer in December by the city planning commission.
The appeal was the last opportunity for opponents to work with the city to halt construction of the 200,000-square-foot Supercenter, planned for 400 West and Parrish Lane.
Now, court is the only option — something Putnam says the group is considering.
"I'm like a bulldog," he said. "We're going to continue fighting this."
E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com
