CANNON BEACH – About 20 people showed up for a town hall meeting in Cannon Beach Saturday to discuss a proposed Walmart in Warrenton, but Walmart officials didn’t show up.

Organized by the Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce, the meeting was meant to be a discussion between residents and business operators concerned about the Walmart and Walmart representatives.

A documentary film, “The High Cost of Low Prices,” which examines Walmart’s business practices, also was shown.

Jeff Jewel, chamber director, read an e-mail message he received from Karianne Fallow, Walmart’s senior manager of public affairs and government relations. “On behalf of Walmart, we’re sorry we couldn’t be present today to answer any questions,” the e-mail said. “However,we would like the opportunity to meet with chamber members to disucsss our business and our commitment to the communities we serve, in more detail.”

Jewel said the chamber planned to poll its membership to learn how members feel about a Walmart moving to Warrenton. He said future discussions also may be held with Walmart officials and with officials from the Oregon Department of Transportation.

“This is just the beginning conversation of our future,” Jewel said.

Those who watched the film expressed concern about how a Walmart store might affect stores in Cannon Beach, Seaside and Astoria.

Several suggested that people testify at upcoming hearings in Warrenton when permits are considered for the store.

“It’s not just about how it will affect Warrenton,” said Suzanne Kindland, who operates the Icefire Glassworks in Cannon Beach. “We’re all residents of Clatsop County. If it is sucking resources out of Warrenton, it’s going to affect us, too.”