TOP OF MIND: Are Albuquerque drivers really that bad? What have you seen and what do you think can be done?

Top of Mind is a weekly question about an issue affecting New Mexicans.

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION

What do you think about the proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons?

“That merger should absolutely be prohibited. The U.S. economy needs more competition, not less. After blocking that merger, the federal government should atone for its recent betrayal of the peoples’ trust and break up Amazon, Google, Facebook, Microsoft, the big banks, the airlines, and all the other conglomerates. The late 19th and early 20th century Trustbusters would be appalled by the current corporate environment.”

— Frank Fisher Rio Rancho

“Companies do not merge to save customers money. Make no mistake, the bottom line for big business is increased yearly revenue for shareholders and CEOs.”

— Gustavo Zappa Albuquerque

“Any such merger should be designed to offer a better deal for the consumer. As a consumer, why should I care about how this deal will benefit corporate executives and stockholders? If this merger is not likely to benefit the consumer, I support the lawsuit to stop it in its tracks.”

— Ricardo Flores Albuquerque

“I hope Albertsons decides to stay as they are. I love the store on Ventura and Paseo del Norte. If Kroger is able to take them on, I’ll lose my favorite store. That’s not good for Albuquerque. It’ll be just another monopoly.”

— Patricia Wood Albuquerque

“Do not like the merger of these two food store giants. In addition to expected job losses and price controls, many of us would lose our current access to Albertsons pharmacies since Kroger pharmacies do not accept our secondary health insurance, which covers military retirees. Lots of us in ABQ.”

— Dave Coulie Albuquerque

“The companies piously proclaiming ‘customers will likely see higher food prices and store closures if the merger isn’t allowed’ is plain BS. In reality, we all know from past experiences that if the merger does succeed, then consumers will definitely see higher prices, store closures, and workers losing their jobs.”

— Keith Kofford Albuquerque

“Merger is a terrible idea. I think Kroger was complacent with its supermarket monopoly in Los Alamos; I was not happy with the shopping. I’m far happier with the Albertsons in Santa Fe. Competition is good and that is obvious in Santa Fe, where shoppers have multiple choices.”

— Khal Spencer Santa Fe

“Searching for chia seeds at Smith’s, I was directed to go down ‘the chip aisle.’ Being appalled, there is an entire aisle devoted to chips — in addition to the cookie aisle — I am glad there is Albertsons. Are we looking forward to grocery stores becoming convenience stores just carrying junk?”

— Jennifer Murphy Placitas

NEW TOP OF MIND QUESTION:

Are Albuquerque drivers really that bad? What have you seen and what do you think can be done?

Want to participate in Top of Mind? Submit your response at: https://www.abqjournal.com/opinion/ — go to Other Forms, then Top of Mind

Responses must include your name and city to be published.