BRENDA OSTROM DISCUSSES THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOCAL PRODUCE AND SUBWAY SUPPLIES. Who knew that something as simple as a sandwich could cause such a stir in Mariposa? Well, the lunch fare definitely has created an uproar, as evidenced by the packed house at the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday.

The issue stems from the proposed Subway restaurant that will be located at the corner of Seventh Street and Highway 140. The franchisee just wants to set up shop. Opponents say the establishment would cause irreparable economic and social harm to Mariposa.

Brenda Ostrom and Laura Phillips led the charge asking the board for an emergency ordinance that would prevent Subway’s opening. “There ought to be a law,” Ostrom said of the establishment of chains like Subway in Mariposa. She called formula chains like Rite Aid, Burger King and now Subway have an “imminent and long-term significant impact on Mariposa’s economy.”

According to information distributed by Ostrom before the meeting, Subway would be sending some 12.5 percent of its profits, plus non-local ingredients and supplies, out of the county. “This is a valid concern for our local, economic well being,” she said.

Ostrom asked the board to step back and take a look at the issue. She said reasonable doubt was “reason enough” to enact the emergency ordinance. Ostrom said the whole philosophy of Subway directly conflicts with the Mariposa experience.

“What is the Mariposa brand?” Ostrom asked. “Is it the Jayson at River Rock, cowboy eggs benedict at the Miner’s Inn? Is this a destination or a drive through?”

Ostrom detailed the difference in local revenue turnaround from chains versus independently owned businesses. She said that local business returns 3.5 percent more money back into the local economy than chains. Moreover, Ostrom said, chain stores take away from the personality of the town’s businesses. “Chains undercut local business. There is a direct link between an increase in chains and a decrease in social capital.”

As far a charitable contributions, Ostrom said chains give 75 percent less than locally-owned shops.

Ostrom read some comments collected from local business owners on the subject. “Big chains do not belong in Mariposa,” the owner of Blue Heron Sports wrote. “That’s what we have the Central Valley for.”

Ostrom said the establishment of one chain could open the flood gates. “Chains attract chains,” she said. “Independent business attracts independent business. Mariposa needs to take a hard look at what we want.”

Ostrom said she and her group are not anti-growth. In fact, they just want the County to follow its general plan in planning for economic development.

Phillips said the issue is a priority. “We wouldn’t do this if we did not think this was the most important issue,” she told the board. She said a Subway opening in Mariposa would create a “current and immediate threat to public health, safety and welfare.” She concluded, “The threat and possible damage to the town is substantial.”

Marty Paige, the franchisee, also addressed the board. He explained that he is fourth-generation foothill resident who owns three Subway stores. He said he and his wife chose Mariposa because of its “great community spirit” and said they had been thinking about opening a business here for about 10 years.

Paige explained that he is heavily involved in supporting community causes at each of his other stores. “We’re excited about the opportunity to have the store here,” Paige said. “We’re going to employ Mariposa people, and we’re just a healthy choice.”

Board Chairman Kevin Cann said the topic had been “very emotional” over the past several weeks. A Facebook page, No Way Subway” is said to have attracted some 200 fans in less than a week. Those fans, however, did not address the board in mass on Tuesday.

John Ford, who owns the Butterfly Cafe, said he disagrees with the belief that he and other are anti-growth and anti-competition. Ford said he is against big chains coming to town, however. “I’m fine with competition,” he said. “It won’t put us out of business, but it will hurt us.”

Kay Mickel, former owner of the Century 21 franchise in Mariposa told the board business should be attracted, not deterred. “Every business that has the legal right to be here ought to have a level playing field,” she said.

True Value Hardware owner Troy Foster said that Paige has a right to open a store here and that the argument boils down to fear of competition. “They are entitled to do business,” he said.

Ron Iudice, co-owner of the building where the proposed Subway would be located, said he and his partner have shown years of commitment to Mariposa. “We built Seventh Street into quite an enterprise,” he said. “We, above all, love Mariposa and strive to do the best for Mariposa.” Iudice also said the stature of the 114-year-old building will be maintained, regardless of the tenant.

The board took no action on the item, as it was scheduled solely for information purposes.