Update: November 7, 2007
The voters of Fannin County voted 3871 to 3330 against passing the resolution to authorize the sale of distilled spirits. Read the full story as reported by precinct on the evening of yesterday's vote: The News Observer
"To allow drink or not allow drink, that is the question" that faces Fannin County voters who will decide on November 6th. Although parts of Fannin are already allowed to sell beer and wine, and those who want to drink do, we have an important resolution before us.
Fannin County, "gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains", where the lifestyle here is unhurried, tranquil and surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Where we enjoy plenty of adventures from waterfall sightseeing, fishing, horseback riding, camping, hiking and boating to name a few. More importantly, we enjoy all of these things as neighbors. Neighbors who live next door, down the road or even on the other side of the county. We run into each other at the store, library, downtown shops, festivals, school events and even eat together in some of the local eatery's. Nothing proves more that we are neighbors with no boundaries when it comes to helping out another neighbor through church fund raisers or other venues. That's a big part of our mountain charm in Fannin county, we really are neighbors and distance between houses have no bearing. Let's remember ETC's slogan, "neighbors helping neighbors" and not loose sight of this important aspect of our culture when it comes to the debate over the "resolution to authorize the sale of distilled spirits".
Business men and women and developers have some valid points for wanting this resolution to pass. Clergy and private citizens also have valid concerns as to why it should not pass. One side says it will increase our tax revenue, generate new jobs, boost tourism and in turn, real estate. The other side believes our way of life here is being threatened, that we won't even recognize our county in less than five years if the resolution passes and we are defeating the purpose as to why people move and visit here in the first place.
Well, it seems to me it's already changing our county if we let it and it hasn't even come to a vote yet. I've been witness to name calling and failed intimidation tactics plus articles in the local papers with one side accusing the other of not telling the truth and so on. This is truly beneath Fannin County residents. This is not at all necessary between neighbors. Let's agree to disagree but with respect for each other.
You have a right to have your voice heard regardless of your position in this matter and you can do that by voting. You have a responsibility to do what is right for the overall good of this county and it is up to each one to decide what is right. You have the freedom to have personal convictions and to honor them. You have an obligation to know the facts and make an informed, intelligent and rational decision. Let's keep our emotions in check. When this is all over, no matter the outcome, will we still be neighbors?
Public comments are welcomed, but please keep them civil and clean. Inappropriate comments will be deleted.
Donna Yates, Realtor
North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains
www.move2northgeorgia.net
 |
|
|
Georgia Realtor assisting home buyers and sellers with North Georgia Homes nationwide. Specializing in real estate in the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains.
North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Always in Season - Did You Know?
North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Real Estate Market Watch - January 2008
If I were Your Real Estate Agent and You were my Buyer... North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains
Selling Your House? But What About Your Neighbor's House?
Thinking About Selling Your Home in this Market? North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains
Feds Ride to the Rescue - Good for the Stock Market but what about Homeowners?
Stress Management Course Offered - Fannin County North Georgia Mountains
North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Market Watch - End of Year 2007 Edited
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
I hope is passes so that other counties will follow suite. Driving from Blairsville to the closest liquor store is a pain.
Hi Jeff: Thanks for your comment. Union County went through this last year and I understand it was voted down. I'll just be glad when it's finally over, one way or the other although it has been great blog material.
Excellent post, Donna. It sounds like people in your area are already well aware of the vote on this issues, and the arguments of both sides, but you still found a good topic to blog about - getting along with each other. Very nice! (Love your logo!)
Margaret: Thank you for your comment. I think Fannin residents have such a close bond that regardless of how this turns out, we will still be the friendly, down to earth people that we've always been. We love our visitors and I feel sure this will all settle down and our mountain charm will survive. You inspired my logo with your post about initials. It was the best I could do at the time, but I have since come up with one I like better but I am going to have to get an actual graphics artist to draw it. I do like the dangling Realtor logo.
We are also looking for members to help us serve our referrals from
http://www.ChristianRealEstateAgents.net FREE MEMBERSHIP, check it out. Thanks,
Tim
It is issues such as this that really set folks in two corners and nobody is the better for it in the end.
Great post Donna.
Faithful Agent: Thanks for your comment, I think since you really didn't comment on my post.
Keith & Robin: The fact is our county is growing so fast that I think it's caught a lot of people off guard. I know there is a middle ground somewhere and I think our county politicians, businessmen/women, residents, clergy etc. all care enough to find the middle ground and do what is best for the majority.