LCDC
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Wet/dry election date set for Somerset
By CHRIS HARRIS
Staff Writer Commonwealth Journal
Somerset, KY
“Wet” and “dry” minded alike, mark down Tuesday, June 26 on your 2012 calendar: That’s when you’ll want to head for the polls.
Tuesday, June 26 was officially set as the date for an option election in the City of Somerset where citizens will decide whether or not they want to
allow the legal sale of alcoholic beverages in town.
County Clerk Ralph Troxtell confirmed the date for the Commonwealth Journal, following an executive order by the County Judge-executive Barty Bullock.
The vote will apply only to registered voters who are residents of Somerset.
The election is a result of petitions filed by Progress Somerset, an organization formed by local citizen Dave Weddle with the goal of creating
economic opportunities via the permission of alcohol sales.
Currently, Pulaski County and Somerset are “dry” — that is, the sale of alcoholic beverages is not allowed in any form. Burnside allows only
individual drink sales at restaurants.
Troxtell said that his next step is to get the executive order to the sheriff’s office, which will post notices about the vote in different areas
within the city limits. Troxtell will also be contacting Harp Enterprises in Lexington about printing the actual ballots.
Weddle said he’s “excited” that a date has been set now and likes that it’s so soon before the July 4 holiday.
“We can get aggressive, go out, and try to get as many voters to the polls as we can and let them make their choice,” said Weddle.
Though Weddle collected nearly twice as many signatures as needed to get the referendum up for a vote, it could be difficult for observers of similar
votes around the region to get a handle on how Somerset’s could go. Earlier this year, Corbin voted to allow alcohol package sales, while neighbor
London opted not to do so, sticking with individual drink sales only. Just last week, voters in Rockcastle County said “no” to both, while those in
the Caney Fork precinct of Pulaski County decided not to allow alcohol sales at the Eagles Nest Country Club.
That said, “I truly feel the trends are for it and not against it,” said Weddle of his goal of going “wet,” which would allow both package and
individual drink purchases.
“There’s probably been a mindset change in a lot of people over the last 20 years, so I think most people realize that even if people have issues with
drinking they’re going to find alcohol wherever they need it,” he added. “My personal feeling is, it won’t make any difference whether it’s sold in
here or in Richmond other than travel time and where they money is being spent.”
Weddle said that he and Progress Somerset are currently developing strategies to help organize “young” voters — that is, ages 40 and under — and
“bring the community” together for a goal of creating new jobs — “more restaurants, more wait staff, more cooks,” as Weddle pointed out.
“I think we want to use this election as a way to empower young people to get out and vote,” he said. “They know this issue. All they have to do is
check yes or know. Hopefully it will spur young people to not only get out and do that now, but to engage them to vote in the future.”
The largest resistance to a “wet” Somerset has traditionally come from the religious community, and this latest round of the debate is no different.
David Carr of the anti-alcohol group KIDS (Keep It Dry and Safe) said that local pastors have been organizing in opposition, having already had one
meeting with another scheduled for Monday night.
Ed Amundson, pastor of High Street Baptist Church, is the new KIDS spokesperson. He said that while he and the other members of the group are
“absolutely supportive of, and ... deeply committed to the democratic process,” he hopes that “this time our resounding ‘no’ vote will send an
incontrovertible message to the pro-alcohol lobbyists: ‘Not in our city! Not in our county! Not in our community! Not now ... not ever!”
He added that, “KIDS is both well-organized and currently preparing to mount vigorous opposition to this and/or any other attempt to legalize the sale
and distribution of alcohol in the city of Somerset of Pulaski County.”
Johnny Dunbar, pastor of Heritage Hope Church of God, added, “It is sad but not surprising that we are having to deal with this issue yet again in our
community. We have been aware for several weeks that this was coming. ... I believe that we are well organized and prepared to actively and
passionately oppose the legal sale of alcohol in our fine community.”
On Friday, March 30, the petitions asking Somerset citizens if they wanted their town to go “wet” were returned to the county clerk’s office for
certification. Weddle turned in 1,145 signatures, 984 of which were in favor of the referendum. Only 504 were needed to put the matter up for a vote.
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WaterWings
Super Administrator
Posts: 8250
Registered: 2-3-2006
Location: Lexington KY (CB)
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Mood: Flyin High
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Fantastic! Keeping fingers crossed they vote to keep tax dollars at home instead of elsewhere.
Dry counties usually have more alcohol in them than wet (or at least the ones I'm familiar with) it's really absurd to think they are keeping it out
by legislation.
It didn't work during Prohibition and it doesn't work now.
Sure hope the progressive locals get out and vote with their own minds and not what someone tells them to do.
WHATEVER floats your boat Dude!
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denmarkshepherds
Master Member
Posts: 3418
Registered: 7-18-2007
Location: Russell Co., Lake Cumberland USA
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Mood: We dont give a (Wolf Creek) DAM how you did it up north
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‘Not in our city! Not in our county! Not in our community! Not now ... not ever!” said Ed Amundson, pastor of High Street Baptist Church ...flush out
your headgear reverend. It IS here and always has been. I understand the feelings among some of the people but you cant stop something people want. So
lets drive 75 miles to buy then bring back here to consume.
At least they said wet not moist. Wet yes, moist NO!
This house still protected by GOD, guns, and German Shepherds...
'round here we speak AMERICAN!
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quickiemonster
Super Moderator
Posts: 4486
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Location: Lexington
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Mood: Bad if no water
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The election may go either way but the issue will continue to come up until someday it is passed. It is just a matter of time.
If you tell the truth, you don\'t have to remember anything.
Mark Twain
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Tom
Master Member
Posts: 2382
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Location: Somerset, Oak Hill/Winding Ridge area
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Mood: Constantly thinking of our troops and how lucky we are to have the freedoms they protect.
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I've got my fingers crossed.
I just wish I could help the vote process.
Get-R-Wet
in
Pulaski County!!!
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LCDC
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Perryman Study Finds Alcohol Beverage Sales Stimulate Economic Activity
Changing From "Dry" to "Wet" Spurs Retail Sales, Creates Jobs, Increases Tax Revenues
October 2008
AUSTIN - Communities that vote to allow beverage alcohol sales can expect millions of dollars in increased economic activity, hundreds of additional
jobs and a steady source of new tax revenue, according to a new study by The Perryman Group.
"Our analysis found that even after all other economic trends and retail patterns are taken into account, there is a statistically significant
increase in retail sales following a change from `dry' to `wet'. And, an area can reasonably expect a substantial gain in retail sales taxes the year
after approval of a local option alcohol election," said Dr. Ray Perryman, president of The Perryman Group.
The 52-page study by the Waco-based economic and financial analysis firm measured the economic impact of beer, wine and distilled spirits sales on
three hypothetical areas that changed from "dry" to "wet."
25,000-person community with per-capita income 10 percent below the state average.
Net impact of all beverage alcohol sales:
Almost $19 million in annual spending in local economy
$10.8 million in economic output
185 jobs
$429,000 in local tax receipts per year
The economic contribution of distilled spirits sales:
$5.8 million in annual spending
Nearly $3.3 million in output
55 jobs
$123,000 in local taxes per year
100,000-population citywith average incomes equal to state average; impact of allbeverage alcohol sales:
$90.1 million in annual spending
$50.8 million in output
863 jobs
$1.9 million in local taxes per year
The economic contribution of distilled spirits sales:
$27.8 million in annual spending
$15.5 million in output
264 jobs
$566,000 in local taxes per year
150,000-population city with per-capita income 20 percent above the Texas average;impact of all beverage alcohol sales:
$134 million in annual spending
$79.7 million in output
1,366 jobs
$3.1 million in local taxes per year
The economic contribution of distilled spirits sales:
$43.2 million in spending each year
$25.3 million in output
440 jobs
$964,000 in local taxes per year
"It is apparent that alcoholic beverage sales can be an important source of stimulus to economic activity. Furthermore, our study also found that
retail sales in `wet' areas are higher than in `dry' areas even after adjusting for other factors such as income," Perryman said.
For a full copy of The Perryman Group report, please visit: www.texashospitalityassociation.com
The Texas Hospitality Association is a non-profit foundation whose members sell and serve beverage alcohol in Texas.
THA's mission is to encourage the responsible sale and service of adult beverages and to fight underage drinking through public awareness campaigns
and education.
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FullMoon
Senior Member
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These people that oppose and say, Not now,not ever,should walk down the docks after a weekend or holiday and look at the trash cans. Sure are missing
a lot of tax dollars.
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Marginmn
Master Member
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Being a bigger lake, (and a better lake  ), it has always miffed me that
property values on Cumberland are lower than on Dale Hollow. I wonder how much of a role not being able to buy a beer on Cumberland plays in that?
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WaterWings
Super Administrator
Posts: 8250
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Location: Lexington KY (CB)
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Mood: Flyin High
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Marginmn
Being a bigger lake, (and a better lake ), it has always miffed me that
property values on Cumberland are lower than on Dale Hollow. I wonder how much of a role not being able to buy a beer on Cumberland plays in that?
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Good question Marginmn.
I think it may also have something to do with no income taxes in TN. I guess they have to make it up some how so they keep property values high so
they can tax them more but I'm just guessing.
PS: LC is bigger but better...depends upon your viewpoint and perspective I guess.
WHATEVER floats your boat Dude!
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RELAX
Master Member
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Location: horse capital of the world
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Why does it seem that when ever there is a wet/dry vote in the state the opposition is most always form the local churches?
Now you dont suppose that maybe the good pastors Amundson and Dunbar might have a little side business up "Copperhead Hollow" do you?
Also why dont you ever hear anything from the local business or elected officals?
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Brian
Master Member
Posts: 1278
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Location: Faubush, KY
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I was at LC on the Tuesday they held the vote. I was not surprised at the result. The area will continue to be "dry" for a long time. I would be happy
to make a $$ bet with any of you next time there is another wet vs. dry issue
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NearlySatisfied
Master Member
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Location: SD & Newport, Ky.
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It would interesting to see what the impact would be if everyone pulled out and boycotted one season.
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raptorlvr
Master Member
Posts: 1571
Registered: 1-18-2005
Location: Jamestown, KY (JRM & SD)
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Mood: The lake us up!
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Brian
I was at LC on the Tuesday they held the vote. I was not surprised at the result. The area will continue to be "dry" for a long time. I would be happy
to make a $$ bet with any of you next time there is another wet vs. dry issue
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I believe the vote you are refering to was the one that was trying for alcohol sales at the Eagle's Nest Country Club. The vote for the city of
Somerset to go wet is this coming June.
“Nobody can hurt me without my permission.”
Mahatma Gandhi quote
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show-n-goh2o
Master Member
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Let's get it wet... it would be nice to buy beer when we get close instead of packing it with me all the way down,
You can never have to much horsepower or to much money, it's just hard to have both...
A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...but, a true friend will be
sitting next to you saying, \"dam...that was fun! - Anonymous\"
Topless Pleasure 38 Donzi Zr with 525\'s
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Brian
Master Member
Posts: 1278
Registered: 4-26-2005
Location: Faubush, KY
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| Quote: | Originally posted by raptorlvr
| Quote: | Originally posted by Brian
I was at LC on the Tuesday they held the vote. I was not surprised at the result. The area will continue to be "dry" for a long time. I would be happy
to make a $$ bet with any of you next time there is another wet vs. dry issue
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I believe the vote you are refering to was the one that was trying for alcohol sales at the Eagle's Nest Country Club. The vote for the city of
Somerset to go wet is this coming June. |
Really? The radio station could've been more clear about it. Come to think of it, to throw together a vote so quickly did seem odd. Perhaps people
interested in a "wet" Somerset....should be analyzing how the country club issue failed. If you ask me...what happened a couple weeks ago is probably
a foreshadowing of how things will also proceed in June.
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raptorlvr
Master Member
Posts: 1571
Registered: 1-18-2005
Location: Jamestown, KY (JRM & SD)
Member Is Offline
Mood: The lake us up!
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Brian
| Quote: | Originally posted by raptorlvr
| Quote: | Originally posted by Brian
I was at LC on the Tuesday they held the vote. I was not surprised at the result. The area will continue to be "dry" for a long time. I would be happy
to make a $$ bet with any of you next time there is another wet vs. dry issue
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I believe the vote you are refering to was the one that was trying for alcohol sales at the Eagle's Nest Country Club. The vote for the city of
Somerset to go wet is this coming June. |
Really? The radio station could've been more clear about it. Come to think of it, to throw together a vote so quickly did seem odd. Perhaps people
interested in a "wet" Somerset....should be analyzing how the country club issue failed. If you ask me...what happened a couple weeks ago is probably
a foreshadowing of how things will also proceed in June. |
I was told that the Eagle's Nest Country Club vote failed by five (5) votes...So, if this is any indication of what may happen in June then...it's
going to be Close!!!
“Nobody can hurt me without my permission.”
Mahatma Gandhi quote
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denmarkshepherds
Master Member
Posts: 3418
Registered: 7-18-2007
Location: Russell Co., Lake Cumberland USA
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Mood: We dont give a (Wolf Creek) DAM how you did it up north
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Ive been in/on/around Lake Cumberland for 44+ years...legal alcohol???? doubt it will EVER happen.
This house still protected by GOD, guns, and German Shepherds...
'round here we speak AMERICAN!
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Brian
Master Member
Posts: 1278
Registered: 4-26-2005
Location: Faubush, KY
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Mood: No Mood
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It will happen...the big question is when. I think our kids will see it...but it might be another decade or so.
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bmgillum
Junior Member
Posts: 19
Registered: 6-8-2011
Location: SE Kentucky
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Mood: Cautiously Optimistic
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Tom
I just wish I could help the vote process. |
Actually, anyone who wants to can help...here is their web site...
http://progresssomerset.com/
At the top right is a contact and under that is "donate"...it is gonna take money to make this happen...
Cheers/bg
The older I get the better I used to be.
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FAUBUSH
Master Member
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I would love to see this vote pass, but as I contemplate things I must admit, I believe the Cincinnati Bungles may have a better chance at winning the
Super Bowl than this wet vote.
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boatchief
Senior Member
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Location: BLUE ASH OH
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Wet / Dry Vote
Since the buckeye navy pays Taxes in summerset we should have a vote!!!!!!!!!!
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RELAX
Master Member
Posts: 2556
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Location: horse capital of the world
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Mood: Giddy up !
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boatchief,
When I looked at your post it dawned on me that the way it wont pass is that most all of the people who want the wet vote reside in the county, but
the vote is up to the citizens of Somerset isnt it?
With a lot of the founding families (who still to this day, resent the corps., the lake, because they took all the good land) residing in Somerset
there might be a good chance it will remain dry for a while still!
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treewoman
Junior Member
Posts: 35
Registered: 3-24-2012
Location: Big South Fork/ Cincinnati, OH
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Don't know if this is true, but I heard that the people in Scott County, TN pay practically NO property taxes because that county makes so much money
off of alcohol sales (being right on the KY/TN border.) Could be just a rumor...but regardless, I'd rather see my money go towards the local economy.
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