I was happy to see the ADN’s recent article about the Federal Trade Commission suing to stop the Albertsons/ Kroger merger. Since the announcement that these businesses were even planning a merger, we have seen a decrease in competition, visible by Fred Meyer eliminating their weekly ad in the ADN, a decrease in the savings of their weekly “specials,” and an increase in prices that I don’t believe can be wholly attributed to inflation.
The fear of a negative impact of this merger on Alaskans has been voiced by many of its residents, state representatives and U.S. congressional delegation. What’s missing is any comment by our attorney general or his team other than the recent statement that they’re following it closely. I would prefer they lead like Colorado and Washington instead of following. Perhaps they are too busy limiting women’s rights or addressing the grave danger of a transgender using a bathroom not sanctioned by them. Their time would be better spent brushing up on the antitrust laws in the Clayton Act or the Sherman Act and sending a strong statement to the FTC supporting their suit.
— Chuck Stielstra
Anchorage
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