Alcohol Referendum Clay County North Carolina

Below is a letter to the Editor of our local paper my wife wrote about our commissioners and the trying to block the vote for the sell of beer and Alcohol in our county. We are one in 3 counties left in the state of North Carolina that does not benefit from the taxes gained in the sell of alcohol. Five miles away at the state line, sells are available thus the consumption of alcohol is occurring regardless.... We get the trash They get the cash! As of yesterday we were lacking only 100 signatures to force a vote in September. This letter helped to push the vote forward. It was published in the Clay County Progress May 14,2009

Officials Could Save tax Dollars by Supporting Vote

I used to go to the commissioners meetings every month. Last Thursday, I was reminded why I stopped going, as two of our commissioners once again proved to the people of Clay County that they only believe in their own personal agendas and give no consideration to the will of the people. Over two years ago I pointed out to the commissioners that there was a gap in their subdivision ordinance that they have no protection for private roads that lead to subdivisions. They gave their usual canned statement. “We’ll look into it” Nothing has been done.

Now fast forward to last Thursday. They were asked by a packed room of citizens to allow a vote for alcohol and Mr. Hub Cheeks and Mr. Doc Sellers both said no matter what, they will not allow the people of this county to vote on the alcohol ordinance unless they are forced by the people. If they so chose to allow the people to vote we could avoid the expense of a special election. The question could be put on the ballot next fall in the general election but since they refuse to do so, we now will have to have a special election, paid for by YOUR tax dollars. And the vote WILL occur if not this fall, eventually. Because we will not give up on our rights until we have them.

Between these two commissioners, and certain business and churches that have forbid their employees or congregations to sign a petition for the right to vote; our constitutional rights have been thwarted. And it is no fault but those citizens who refuse to sign, not because of some personal conviction, but out of fear of retaliation from their church or employer.

Those who know me know I have no trouble speaking my mind, which is why I have such a difficult time understanding how anyone would allow another person to take their rights, as an American, away from them. It is beyond my comprehension. We are nearing the deadline to get the signatures. I have spoken to enough citizens in this county who have not signed due to fear. Their signatures would push this effort through.

The fact is: while the communities around us are flourishing, our county is dying. Except for an increase of property taxes and a substandard school for my children. It makes no difference to me financially if this passes or not.

It is quite clear that education is low on the agenda for the commissioners of this county. But for those of you who are allowing for someone or something to influence your own beliefs, SHAME ON YOU! The future of this county really does lie in your hands.

Keep in mind the main people in opposition of this vote. One is a pastor who does not even live in this county and whose church takes up at least 6 square blocks of our downtown area, which also does not pay taxes in our community. The other, owns a piece of property on our scenic highway overflowing with junky trailers open for all to see. Are these really the influences you want to speak for our community? I’d think twice about that.