As we prepare for Corporate America to join our community in the form of Family Dollar/Dollar Tree, I would like to point out that its CEO Richard Dreiling makes $1.3 million a year — not counting performance incentives of up to another $2.275 million this year, plus stock options.
I bet he doesn’t spend any of his “family dollar” in Jefferson County.
I know a bunch of local business leaders who do spend their family dollar in Boulder. And I’ve witnessed the support our local businesses give to our community. The Vossler family at L&P Grocery gives generous food and monetary support to our fair and rodeo, fire department, and schools. The coolest ladies volunteer at the See and Save second-hand shop, which donates items and money to our community regularly. They give winter clothing to our schools and checks to the fire department.
Hardware Hank and the Kirsch family have been in our community for generations. They regularly sponsor events and support volunteers and locals with donations and charge accounts. Not to mention all of these establishments are clean, inviting, friendly, well staffed, and helpful. I’d like to thank them for making our community great.
I know money can be tight. I’ve experienced that myself. But consider the cost of (slightly) lower prices at Family Dollar. That money is not staying in Boulder. Do we want to be cheap and contribute to Mr. Dreiling’s wealth? Or do we want to support the businesses and people who have long supported our kids, local events, and safety?
I would much rather see my family dollar go to the families who live in, work in, and give back to our community.
