A SLAPP (strategic litigation against public participation) suit by local behemoth Meijer against an Acme public official has been slapped down by a mediation panel . Meijer hoped to intimidate Acme Treasurer William Boltres into dropping his opposition to their application to build a giant store on M-72 in Acme by filing a SLAPP suit against him. SLAPP suits are an inexpensive way for big players like Meijers to try to stifle public opposition to a project they want to jam through. Private citizens or public officials who oppose the project are hit with lawsuits that can cost many thousands of dollars to defend. Often, rather than take a chance on bankruptcy, the opponents fold. It's a pattern of behavior that Meijer has engaged in more than 30 cases in 4 states. On this occasion, Traverse City attorney Grant Parsons stepped in to help Boltres defend himself, and Meijer has lost the first round. Not surprisingly, they intend to contest the panel's recommendation, according to this article in the Record-Eagle .

It's convenient to shop at Meijers, no doubt. But does a store that tries to bully local governments in this way really deserve our patronage?