An open letter to Associated Grocers New England
As a state representative for the town of Pembroke for 14 years, I was extremely proud to participate in the groundbreaking for the enlargement of Associated Grocer’s facility in my town. We welcomed them to our “Industrial Zone” designed specifically for this type of business. They have been great corporate neighbors — contributing to our tax base, supporting many town causes and, of course, employing many residents from surrounding towns. I was also invited to the unveiling of the huge solar array on the roof of their buildings in 2021, which perhaps the next session of the legislature will allow them to fully utilize, easing the burden on our shared ecosystems.
But to paraphrase the late, great Dolly Parton: I’m beggin’ of you please — don’t destroy the pensions that your employees have worked to build over their careers with you. We understand that you are being hit with higher costs, but so are the rest of us and that includes your workforce too. Please just hang in with them and perhaps things will get better for all of us after November.