San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders vetoed an ordinance today that banned the construction of super stores in the city. Wal-Mart wants to build a super store, which is an establishment larger than 90,000 square feet and generates more than 10 percent of revenue from non-taxable goods, such as groceries. KPBS reporter Nicole Lozare has more.
Sanders signed the veto while standing in the parking lot of a Wal-Mart in Kearny Mesa. He says city hall shouldn't be deciding where people shop.
Sanders : The council's action also sends a message that San Diego isn't business friendly. That's a message I don't believe we can afford to send.
But the veto may not amount to much. Even Sanders admits that he just wanted to make sure his position on the issue is clear.
A quick poll of some city council members makes it clear that they, too, are unlikely to change their minds on the issue.
Earlier this month, they voted 5 to 3 to ban the construction of the super stores. The council only needs five votes to override the veto.
Nicole Lozare, KPBS News.
