Aldermen to Walmart: Thanks for the Money, Now Stay Out

The Somerville Board of Aldermen Thursday accepted a $25,000 grant from the Walmart State Giving Council that's going to the Somerville Arts Council (the Board approves grant receipts to the city).

Some aldermen wanted to make sure that accepting the grant didn't mean the relationship would go any further.

"I never want to say no to a grant or a gift, and I'm prepared to support this," said Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz, "however, I feel we should make a statement there would be no reciprocation here. It is a big sum of money. Wal-Mart has tried to come to Somerville in the past."

"The issue of Wal-Mart coming is one that concerns me greatly and one that concerns members of the community," she said.

In June, Wal-Mart abandoned plans to open a grocery store in Assembly Square.

Alderman At-Large William White wanted to assure people there were no strings attached to accepting Wal-Mart's grant. "It does not indicate in any way, shape or form that any gift that goes into the city treasury, that goes to a worthwhile cause, is designed to any way grease the skids or result in any type of reward or favorable action."

Ward 4 Alderman Tony LaFuente said, "I'm not a big fan of Wal-Mart … I'm glad they're not in Somerville, and I hope they never come to Somerville, but I'll certainly, gladly take their money."