Over the last year or so, many reporters have written stories about how much Wal-Mart has changed, and how they are no longer as controversial as they were. Of course we know better. While Wal-Mart has ramped up their PR effort with flashy stunts and prominent press releases, they have remained, at base, the same company with the same problems. And the controversy hasn't gone away. Just take a look at this story about a recent Planning Commission meeting in Lodi, CA. Usually Planning Commission meetings don't draw a crowd, but when Wal-Mart was the topic, the hall was full and the discussion lasted far longer than it was scheduled.

Yes, controversy is alive and well when it comes to Wal-Mart. Many at the meeting were concerned that Wal-Mart would kill off local businesses, particularly grocery stores.

Here's the article from The Record:

LODI - A long-proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter on Wednesday night was once again the center of a heated debate in Lodi.

A capacity crowd filled Lodi's Carnegie Forum to argue whether the Planning Commission should approve a 226,441-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter at Kettleman Lane and Lower Sacramento Road.

The debate lasted until late into the night. Commissioners did not consider resolutions that would approve a land-use permit, and design and energy specifications by press time.

Proponents - who included Wal-Mart employees and the project's developer, Darryl Browman - touted Wal-Mart's ability to generate tax revenue, jobs and other forms of economic growth.

Opponents argued that a Supercenter would hurt small businesses and grocers. One even threatened to move away if a Wal-Mart was approved.

"I wasn't thrilled when the first Wal-Mart was approved," said Mary Miller of Lodi. "Now, I'm wondering if it's not the right time to sell my house and retire in Carlsbad."