Beech Tree News Network

A group of local citizens have announced plans to conduct a petition drive for a local option election that would allow alcohol sales in Butler County.  The announcement was made  via a press release provided to Beech Tree News from a newly-formed civic organization - Citizens for a Better Butler County. 
According to the press release, the group cites both economic and cultural benefits should voters decide to allow legal alcohol sales.
"Not since 1942 have our residents been given the choice to keep tax dollars in our local economy when purchasing beer, wine and spirits.  Several communities surrounding our county have already begun to reap the benefits, both economically and culturally, that come with the legal sale and taxation of alcohol.  We believe in order to maintain viability during these fiscally challenging times, our citizens deserve the right to choose what we deem necessary to help stabilize the local economy," the press release stated. 
Organizers announced plans to immediately start circulating the petition throughout the community and at several local businesses. 
Josh Hampton and Bryan Locke, spokesmen for Citizens for a Better Butler County and both county residents, stressed that one of the goals of the petition drive is to give Butler County citizens the right to vote on the issue.
"Signing the petition does not imply that you are in favor of the measure, but rather that you agree with allowing local citizens to exercise their right to vote on the topic," said Hampton and Locke.
Both men said they look forward to "answering any questions voters may present, and to the possibility of working with local lawmakers to set a high standard of alcohol regulation and control."
"We look at most every county and smaller community around us and we see growth, both economically and in population.  Whether we like it or not, one of the common denominators has been that those communities are moist or wet," said Locke.  "Look at the growth of Russellville, Central City, Leitchfield, Glasgow, Cave City, Franklin, etc.  Let's quit ignoring that fact and let us start a serious, frank discussion about keeping those dollars and jobs in our county, not somewhere else."
Citing democratic principles, Locke stressed the need for a change of direction in Butler County.
"We live in a democracy.  Our shuttered buildings and diminishing infrastructure remind us daily that we need a change," said Locke.  "There is, I believe, a silent majority of people in our community who know in their hearts and realize, regardless of religious or moral beliefs, that this would be a gigantic leap of progress for our community." 
Hampton echoed Locke's comments by explaining his desire to have a better Butler County for his family and their future in the community.
“I’m looking to keep my family and businesses located in or around this community, but without some sort of positive shift economically and culturally, it will become increasingly difficult to make that happen,” said Hampton. “Certainly, there are people who abuse alcohol. There are gluttons in many situations, but we can’t hold the faults of a few against everyone. It’s impossible to be fiscally conservative and against the taxation of this legal product. We’ve had verbal commitments from several area restaurateurs, stating they would migrate to Butler County given that this movement is a success,” added Hampton.

Kentucky law requires that in order to get the measure on the ballot, 25 percent of the total number of voters who cast ballots in the last General Election must sign the petition.  According to organizers, 4,149 individuals voted in the November 2014 General Election.  That would mean that 1,038 signatures of registered voters are needed to put the local option election on the ballot.  However, Citizens for a Better Butler County are seeking to gather more than 1,500 signatures.  The organization is hoping for a special election in early 2016. 

The petition that voters will be asked to sign will read as follows: 

Petition for local option election within the county of Butler in the state of Kentucky; In order to promote economic development, tourism, and to exercise our individual freedom within the county of Butler in Kentucky, the undersigned, being residents and registered voters in the county of Butler, do hereby petition for a local option election. We the undersigned registered voters hereby petition for an election on the following question:
 
"Are you in favor of the sale of alcoholic beverages in Butler County, KY?"

Several local businesses have agreed to serve as "petition-signing" hubs.  Voters can sign the petition or pick up voter registration cards at the following locations. 

 - Firehouse Pizza (116 East Ohio Street, Morgantown)
 - Kuntry Kitchen (827 G.L. Smith Street, Morgantown)
 - Pizza Zone (618 West G.L. Smith Street, Morgantown)
 - Garcia's Mexican Restaurant (103 Veterans' Highway, Morgantown)
 - El Azteca Mexican Restaurant (216 South Main Street, Morgantown)

Petition available for download and print - http://bit.ly/1fK4IP0.

Citizens for a Better Butler County has also formed a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/morgantownky.

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Story by John Embry, Beech Tree News.