Decision time

Whatever the results of the Nov. 2 referendum, both those for and against legalizing alcohol sales in Hartselle know they will have to work together when the sun dawns Nov. 3. Leading up to that day, however, the divide between the two groups seems to be widening and the rheotoric is heating up.
Voters will head to the polls Nov. 2 to decide whether to legalize alcohol sales in the city. Priceville will be voting on the same issue.
For those wanting to see the city benefit from additional revenue alcohol sales would bring, the last few weeks have been busy and, at times, trying.
“It’s been a lot more work than I ever imagined,” said Ruth Carlin, who’s been active in the Hartselle Citizens for Economic Development since its inception. “Whatever happens, we know we’ve done our civic duty. We registered more than 260 people to vote and that’s saying something.”
The group is convinced legalized alcohol sales would benefit Hartselle.  Projections show alcohol sales could bring in some $500,000 a year, though that number is in dispute.
“The city of Hartselle needs the revenue,” Committee member Tom Johnson said. “I’m not saying alcohol is a cureall but if we’re not moving forward, we’re moving backwards. Now’s our opportunity to move forward.”
But that’s a step the city doesn’t need to take, according to members of Families for a Safe Hartselle. The group first formed in 2002 when it successfully kept legalized alcohol sales out of the city. It was reactivated when news of another wet/dry referendum began circulating.
Jeff Johnson, the leader of the group, said the idea that alcohol sales create a revenue windfall is misleading.
“At some point, the revenue from alcohol sales is going to go flat and what do we do then?” Johnson said. “My feeling is Hartselle people place a higher value on family values and Christian character. They want a clean, wholesome community.”
Johnson, an attorney, is not paid for his efforts on behalf of the group. Instead, he said he’s motivated by his desire to keep family values in his hometown.
One of the group’s main concern is that retail alcohol sales would bring in bars and nightclubs to the city. The city council has drafted an ordinance designed to prevent such establishments but members said that could change.
In a letter mailed to Hartselle residents last week, the group said future councils could change to allow bars and nightclubs to locate here.
The letter said, “Sooner or later, governments face budget crises. We are gravely concerned that some will even push to bring in bars, nightclubs and lounges to solve a budget crisis. At that point you cannot stop it.”
The letter was signed by 30 local residents, including former mayors Samie Wiley and Clif Knight and former city councilman Dick Carter.
While they differ on the method, both sides recognize the need to work together to help the city, no matter what voters decide Nov. 2.
“In the end, it doesn’t matter what either side says,” Ruth Carlin said. “Don’t go with what you’ve been told. Vote your heart.”

• Voters in Priceville will also be deciding whether to legalize alcohol sales there, too. The city of some 2,900 people is adjacent to Decatur and shares many of the same retail areas.
The proposal is being opposed by the Priceville Committee for Positive Family Values.

• Mad about drinking? MADD – Mothers Against Drunk Driving – isn’t necessarily against it.
In a story about binge drinking in the Tuscaloosa News, Peggy Batey, executive director of the Alabama Chapter of MADD, said the mix of wet and dry counties in the state often forces people to drive to other areas to obtain alcohol.
“On weekends, people drive to wet counties and they stock up,” she said. “If you drive a long distance, you tend to buy in bulk. And, if you buy in bulk, you’re more likely to drink the same way.”

• Alcohol sales aren’t the only thing on the ballot. Hartselle voters will also be deciding on whether to change the way its school board is selected. Hartselle’s school board is currently appointed by the City Council. If voters approve the change, the board will move to an elected one.

• In the race for Morgan County Sheriff, Republican Ana Franklin and Democrat Tom Little are vying to replace long-time sheriff Greg Bartlett, who lost to Franklin in the GOP primary. Both have long histories in law enforcement. If elected, Franklin will become one of the few female sheriffs in the state’s history and the first in the county.

• The governor’s race, as well as a slate of state races, are on the ballot, too. The governor’s race pits Republican Robert Bentley and Democrat Tom Sparks. Polls show Bentley with a sizeable lead.

• The race to replace State Representative Ronald Grantland pits Republican Ed Henry against Democrat Kathy White Goodwin. Both are involved in the medical field – Henry is a heart technician and Goodwin is marketing director for Hartselle Medical Center. This is Henry’s first venture into politics.  Goodwin has served as a member of the Hartselle School Board. Grantland opted against seeking reelection.

• Somerville Mayor Ray Long and Clay New are facing off to see who will replace Morgan County Commission Chairman John Glasscock. Long, a Republican, defeated Glasscock and two other challengers to win the GOP nomination. New was unopposed in the primary.

• Darrell Allen, a Democrat, faces Jeff Clark, a Republican, for the District One Seat on the Morgan County Commission. Clark is vying to be the only incumbent to win reelection to the commission this term. James Ray Bowling, a Democrat, and Randy Vest, a Republican, are seeking the District Two post. Vest won over incumbent Ken Livingston in the June GOP primary.

• Polls will open Nov. 2 at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. You must bring identification to vote.

• Jeff Chunn, a Republican, faces Brent Gailey, a Democrat. They are vying to replace Russ Beard as Morgan County Coroner. Beard decided not to seek reelection.

• A sample ballot and more information on county races can be found in the special election section inside today’s Enquirer.

• Bill  Hopkins, principal of West Morgan County High School for the past six years and, prior to that, as principal of the Morgan County Learning Center, is the Republican nominee for Morgan County School Superintendent. Guy Bowling, whose name appears on the ballot as a Democrat, withdrew from the race. Votes for him will not count. Two school board races are also on the ballot. County voters will decide between Republican Paul Homes and Democrat Stacy George for District Four. Jeff McLemore is the sole candidate for District Seven, which represents Lacey’s Spring on the board.

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