Let the debate over the liquor issue begin

Editorials

Discussion

December 14, 2009

Anonymous The Jacksonville Daily Progress Mon Dec 14, 2009, 03:04 PM CST

As citizens of this country, of this state, county and our town we not only have a right to take a stand for what we believe, we have an obligation.

In the past several weeks, the buzz has been the potential of bringing a wet/dry election to the ballots in March. The question is does Jacksonville want to make this step. Maybe you feel it is a good move for the city for economic or even personal reasons. Or maybe your thoughts veer in another direction and you feel it would be a detriment to our city.

Everyone should take interest in the process that is under way to call for a liquor election in Jacksonville. The outcome affects the whole community, which is best served if the people who live here participate in the final decision.

If your choice is the pro-alcohol side of the issue, Progress Jacksonville has formed a committee and is circulating a petition. They are bringing up the issue of allowing packaged alcohol sales up for a vote loud and clear. They are giving people the opportunity to come out and support them in their effort to call for an election; if you side with Progress Jacksonville, sign the petition, state your support — but most important — show up to vote.

If your choice is in opposition of packaged alcohol sales in Jacksonville — make that known as well. Take your stand. Those who are opposed have not yet coalesced into a united front against those calling for a vote. United front or not, votes count individually.

Those who remain undecided will need to hear from both sides of the issue. They need the groups who are polar opposites in the debate to let their views be known so they can weigh the arguments in their own minds and make an informed decision.

Some who remain undecided will say they don’t feel strongly one way or the other. That should not keep them from participating in the process. Examine the benefits or disadvantages that could result.

We urge you to open your mind and consider the pros and cons of the situation. Think about how it would affect you and your family, and the community as a whole. Then get involved and be ready to cast your vote when the time comes around.

If we shirk our responsibility to get involved in shaping the laws of our society, we allow special interest groups or cliques or factions of the community to decide the rules. Then when we aren't happy with the result, we complain.

So get involved and be informed. Then stand up for what you believe on this issue.

May a healthy and robust debate take place so that no one can later say, “They didn’t ask my opinion.”

Text Only

Editorials

Election ground rules
Throughout the coming months there will be a series of job fairs across the country — with some people hoping to keep their jobs, while others want to take it away from them.

January 25, 2012
Not just who we are, but who we aspire to be
Rarely in our country's history have non-elected officials had a profound effect on public policy. While rare, it does happen from time to time.

January 15, 2012
County budget discussion needs to begin soon
When county commissioners were forming the current fiscal year's budget this past summer, there was a lot of talk.

December 20, 2011
Silence from LMC can be deafening
Each time there's news about a change at Lon Morris — whether it be the departure of an official or the delay of paychecks — the rumor mill in the area begins to fire up again.

December 10, 2011
Transparent government a must for JEDCO, city
The concept is simple — those who handle public funds should do so in as open and transparent a manner as possible.

December 4, 2011
Time changes but memories stay the same
What do we say in this 21st century that might be correct? To be correct and definitely not damage anyone’s feelings should it be: Happy Holidays, Season’s Greetings, Merry Christmas, a nod of the head or better yet nothing at all? I have noticed all of the above and many times displayed with no emotion at all.

December 11, 2010
A tragedy at the lake
How embarrassing for Jacksonville that every one of the 18 life jackets donated to help keep our kids safe while at the lake are gone.
Those life jackets were placed there to be used on the honor system — use it for the day, then put it back before you leave.

July 31, 2010
Let’s continue the debate
The Cherokee County Conservative Women’s Group is to be applauded for being the first to provide a venue for the two sides of the alcohol election debate to meet and deliver their positions in a public forum.

April 10, 2010
Census numbers mean dollars for Cherokee County
March 27, 2010
Is it 40 years too late?
U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) recently introduced a resolution designating March 30 as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day. What a great way to show our Vietnam veterans how proud we are of them. It’s about time.
But is it too little, too late?

March 20, 2010
More Editorials Headlines

Editorials

Search Results

Discussion

Let the debate over the liquor issue begin

Site Map

Contact Us