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November 7, 2009

Jacksonville going wet?

Committee formed to get alcohol sales election on 2010 ballot

By Nathan Straus

nstraus@jacksonvilleprogress.com



George Douglas is ready to see a change in Jacksonville — he now chairs a committee to try to get a wet election on the next Jacksonville ballot.

He became the chair of the committee to explore the possibility Thursday evening.

The item would allow alcohol sales for off premises consumption within Jacksonville city limits.

Douglas said the decision and debate on whether to make Jacksonville a wet city is an economic one.

“It will allow Jacksonville to be competitive with surrounding communities. It will level the playing field, will generate a significant amount of additional revenue and hopefully hold down future tax increases,” Douglas said.

City officials stated they have no opinions one way or the other about the eventual outcome of such an election.

Jacksonville Mayor Robert Haberle said the vote would be a referendum from the people, and city officials would not take a position.

“Each individual is going to go to the polls and vote their personal convictions,” he said.

City Manager Mo Raissi said it will be up to the voters to decide whether they want alcohol sales in Jacksonville.

“We try to stay neutral,” Raissi said. “The city does not take a position on an issue like that.”

Police Chief Reece Daniel said he also has zero opinion on the issue, and added the decision is entirely up to the citizens.

The process of putting alcohol sales on the 2010 ballot will start with the application for a petition, which must be signed by 10 registered Jacksonville voting citizens. After the application is verified and approved at the Cherokee County Clerk’s office, it would then need to be signed by 35 percent of the city’s residents who voted in the most recent gubernatorial election.

Douglas said this would amount to a little more than 1,000 signatures.

Once these are verified, the petition will then make its way to the Cherokee County Commissioners’ Court for an election order.

A potential Jacksonville alcohol sales election would follow on the heels of a similar election in Rusk during the summer of 2009.

Rusk stores have been able to sell wine and beer since the city’s voters approved two propositions during the May 9 local election. Proposition 1, concerning the sales of alcohol for off-premises consumption, passed with 356 for, 326 against. Proposition 2, pertaining to the sale of alcoholic beverages in restaurants, passed with 379 for, 301 against.

Police in Rusk have not reported any change in the number of alcohol related arrests since legalization of alcohol sales in the city. The Rusk Chamber of Commerce reported increased revenue as well.

City Attorney Joe Angle said Jacksonville currently allows on-site alcohol consumption at businesses which have received appropriate certification from the state of Texas and which have been approved by the city council.

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