Two years ago the liquor by the drink referendum failed by one vote. Those for the referendum said it would help Sweetwater grow and improve the city's finances. Those against it argued it was morally wrong and would lead to more drunk driving, crime and families torn apart.

Fast forward two years. We still have drunk drivers, theft is on the rise, major businesses have closed, and the city is cutting its budget and had to take out a loan to make payroll last December.
Yes, most of those things are due to the poor economy. And maybe all those things would still be happening even if the referendum had passed two years ago.

But, given the state of the economy and the growing unemployment rate in Sweetwater and Monroe County, the city and its residents should take advantage of any opportunity to create more jobs and more money for the city.

Some say do not sacrifice morals and our small-town charm for more money. We can keep both even if we have restaurants serving liquor by the drink. Those who don't want to see the interstate exits develop can continue to spend their time and money downtown or in other areas of the city. And, with the added revenue from a thriving commercial area at the interstate, the city can add more amenities downtown and provide its citizens more services.

Alcohol is not an illegal substance and consuming alcohol is a matter of personal choice. Yes, some people lack the personal control to drink responsibly and those people are drinking and driving now. Having restaurants serving liquor will not change that. Few people are going to sit in a restaurant and get drunk drinking $7 cocktails. Education about the affects of drinking excessively will need to continue to be a part of a community effort for children and adults.

A vote in favor of liquor by the drink will not solve all these city's financial problems, but it will be part of the foundation needed to spur growth. As the interstate exits around Sweetwater continue to develop and pump much-needed revenue into other cities and counties, Sweetwater continues to be stuck in time and has probably already missed some opportunities to attract nationally recognized chain restaurants and stores. We cannot let that opportunity pass us again, just as all the travelers on the interstate continue to pass us by.

On June 11, vote yes on the liquor by the drink referendum and vote yes for a better economic future for Sweetwater and its citizens.

editor@advocateanddemocrat.com | 337-7101