Wednesday, August 13, 2003
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Wednesday, August 13, 2003 |
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On 2nd thought: Tyrone eyes liquor vote again By MICHAEL BOYLAN
If you thought the discussion over a possible referendum allowing liquor by the drink in Tyrone was over, think again. At last Thursday's Town Council meeting, Tyrone resident Connie Bogenschutz came before the council during the public comment portion of the meeting with a petition. The petition was signed by 77 residents, most just from the area around her subdivision, who would like to see a liquor by the drink referendum on the ballot. "Some of the people I spoke with aren't sure of which way they would vote, said Bogenschutz. "But they would like to have the chance to vote." Other people attending the meeting said she could bring her petition by their subdivisions as well to gather more signatures, though that may not be necessary. Many of the council members were only against a liquor by the drink referendum because they had not heard from anybody in town supporting the idea. Thanks to the petition they see that there is some interest from the citizens of Tyrone and will allow people on both sides of the issue to discuss it at the next town council meeting, Aug. 21, before putting the issue to bed. "I am more than willing to reconsider," said Councilman Paul Letourneau, who wanted to make sure that people also knew the specifics of the proposed referendum. The main thrust of the referendum is that a establishment would have to get a minimum of 55 percent of their income from food sales, meaning that a bar would not be able to come in to town. Bogenschutz was not the only member of the public to speak in favor of the referendum. James Walton addressed the council and stated that he would like the opportunity to vote and voice his opinion as well. "My wife and friends enjoy a margarita from time to time and we shouldn't have to leave town and spend our money elsewhere to get one," said Walton. Bogenschutz agreed with Walton. "Tyrone is growing both residentially and commercially. We need to have an upscale dining choice and if liquor by the drink is allowed Tyrone will generate additional tax revenue." Citizens of Tyrone will get to weigh in on both sides of the issue at the Aug. 21 meeting and, if there is sufficient interest on both sides, they will get to weigh in at the polls as well.
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