Questions answered by Lamar Paris, County Commissioner
Q. Now that the election is over, are you excited about the outcome?
A. The outcome of the election will not make life any easier for me. In fact, it will just require more work. A lot of time has to be spent in coming up with an ordinance that is fair but protective of the general population. We should all remember that in an election, even with winners and losers, there are good people on each side.
Q. Who are the winners and losers on both sides?
A. This subject has always caused a strong division between folks. We should all remember that both sides had many good points. Those who are against alcohol are not doing it because they don’t like someone; they are against it usually because of strong moral and ethical beliefs. They are all entitled to their opinions. On the other hand, those who voted yes, had just as strong of a conviction that the abuses of alcohol that so many disdain, are not caused from local sales, but from a systemic problem with abuse in our society, often combined with drugs. They do not believe that local sales will make the matter worse nor are at the root of the problem.
Many will continue to disagree, but in a democracy, the majority rules when put to a vote, and in this case, the yes vote has prevailed.
Q. Do you know why so many people voted yes?
A. No, but in hearing from some, they felt that the vast majority of people who responsibly drink alcohol, should not be punished because there are the few who abuse it. Many also felt that it was required for continued economic growth in our county. Also, many felt that the additional tax revenue might save on property taxes in the future.
Q. Now that we have voted yes, will we soon have some additional chain restaurants, grocery stores and motels in Union County?
A. Many strongly believe this will happen. While it is possible, in this poor economic climate, nothing is assured or likely right now. What we do know is that without alcohol sales, most of these chains will have no future interest in Union County.
Q. When will a license to sell alcohol be available?
A. It will be at least three months if not a little longer. First, an Alcohol Board must be appointed and an ordinance drafted. Once that is done, then it will take two public hearings at county meetings to adopt the ordinance. A tremendous amount of research must be done prior to the ordinance being drafted.
Q. When will the new trails at Meeks Park be opened to the public?
A. We are a little behind, because there has been so much chipping and clearing of the trail that has been required. However, we hope to open them within thirty days.
Q. Is it true that the new Farmers Market will open the first Saturday in August?
A. According to my staff, the grand opening of the farmers market will be Saturday, August 7. The construction has been delayed because of weather and soil conditions. However, we think you will be very proud and pleased with the accomplishment made by those building the new market.
Q. Has the county been successful in receiving any grants recently?
A. Yes, we are excited at what all is going on in Union County. I will try to address many of these accomplishments in the coming weeks.