[Before you read this, check out the article on Rochesterfirst.com.]

So Walgreens is closing their store in the Bulls Head neighborhood.  Here’s what I’m taking from this story: our Mayor is a banker; he’s a capitalist.  And yet he is shocked that a national corporation would shut down stores in one of the most depressed parts of our city.  They are under a legal obligation to do what’s in the best interest of their shareholders – NOT the City of Rochester.  That’s capitalism!

Do you know which pharmacy COULD have the best interests of the City?  The pharmacy that is cooperatively owned and run by local residents, preferably those living in the Bulls Head neighborhood. 

Most of us, even if we pooled our money, would not have the start-up resources to get this going.  Our Mayor in conjunction with City Council could use economic development funds to help get this going, as a no-interest loan &/or a grant.  They sell buildings to rich people for $1 all the time.  And if Mayor Evans’ letter to the CEO of Walgreens begging him not to close the one store works, you know it will be with a ton of tax breaks.

But do we really expect our Banker Mayor to think of something like this?  I know I don’t.  But there ARE people who are currently on City Council who I would expect to appreciate what I’m talking about.  The question is, are they WILLING to advance this idea?  Some of them are up for re-election in 2025. 

If they don’t, I will propose this when elected to City Council.  With your help, of course.