Alliance speaks out on alcohol election
Proponents believe economy main issue
By JIMMY GALVAN Editor

The Jasper Ministerial Alliance has announced they are against the passing of Propositions 1 and 2 in the upcoming May 10 election.

The two issues that might be at stake on the May ballot involve alcohol sales in the city limits of Jasper. Proposition 1 allows citizens to vote for or against "the legal sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption only." By state law this will not allow packaged liquor sales or liquor stores in Jasper.

Proposition 2 will allow "the legal sale of mixed beverages in restaurants by food and beverage certificate holders only." This will not allow stand-alone bars, nightclubs or gentlemen's clubs.

The Alliance, which had been quiet on the issue until now, stated "we are concerned that you be properly informed on the issue and potential impact."

"When alcoholic beverages are more available, crime, addictions, accidents and tragic deaths increase - all resulting in the necessity of additional law enforcement, prisons and state-funded treatment facilities," the Alliance's stated. "It really makes little difference whether the costs to you are local, state or federal taxes. It still costs you."

The Alliance states that the "biggest drug problem in America is not marijuana, crack or cocaine. It is alcohol which remains illegal for the under 21 age group."

Members of the Alliance listed on the advertisement included Pastor Lisa Ellerman, Father Ron Foshage, Rev. Mike Hancock, Rev. John Hardin, Dr. Kenneth Lyons, Pastors Gary and Karen Marshall, Chap. Mike Neel, Rev. Rayburn Pickering, Rev. Rick Roach, Rev. Brian South and Rev. Dick White.

But the business leaders and members of the Jasper Citizens for Better Business committee believe the election centers on economics.

"This election is about economics not morals," stated Joe Lopez, Treasurer of the Jasper Citizens for Better Business.

"Grocery stores report that for every $1 they lose in beer and wine sales they lose an additional $3 in general sales. Depending on size and location, this can be as much as $25,000 to $150,000 per week in additional sales. We have major grocery store chains in Jasper and we need to keep that money here helping pay for our roads, law enforcement and fire departments," stated retired teacher, John Matthews. Matthews is also a member of the Jasper Ministerial Alliance.

The committee believes Jasper County loses an estimated $7.8 million in sales yearly because of the lack of alcohol sales in the county.

"With two major grocery stores and numerous convenience stores conservative estimates are that Jasper is losing $150,000 per week in retail sales or $7.8 million dollars a year," stated John Hatch, a Partner with Texas Petition Strategies who company has conducted over 120 petition efforts in Texas. "That is an estimated $80,000 to $100,000 per year in sales tax revenue and even more with property tax revenue."

Another restaurant manager also fears the loss of tourism revenue if the propositions are turned down.

"Right now most of the fishing tournaments come to the Jasper side of Rayburn. But with Angelina County going "wet," many of those tournaments could go over there and that would hurt Jasper hotels, restaurants and income. We can't let Jasper fall behind. We need to support both Propositions," was a concern of Stephen Furlow who manages a local restaurant.

Thomas Binder, another member of the group and owner of RV Services in Jasper stated, "Jasper may be "dry" concerning the sale of alcohol but we all know people have a beer every once in while or like to drink wine with dinner. It may be consumed here, but it wasn't bought here and that means we're losing tax revenue. Let's just be honest and keep the tax revenue here."

The Jasper Citizens for Better Business group is made up of local business owners and individual citizens. The group has received financial backing from Polk Oil Company and the Texas Hospitality Association. In addition to the nearly 600 Jasper voters who signed the petition, the group released a list of local supporters and steering committee members.

Members of the committee include Joe and Sharon Lopez, owners of Ta Mollie's Mexican Restaurant, Stephen Furlow, Jasper restaurant manager, Thomas Binder, Jasper RV Services, Curtis P. Williams Jr., local teacher, Semina Panjuami, Jasper convenience store owner, John Matthews, retired teacher and member of the local Ministerial Alliance and Alicia Jones, Jasper food service manager.

"It is inconceivable to us that we would ask our youth to 'just say no' while we are inviting an atmosphere that says 'just say yes," the Alliance stated. "The issues are not to increase local sales tax revenue or local business opportunities. It is to save our youth."