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July 16, 2008

Varnell passes one alcohol measure, another still pending

By Charles Oliver

A measure to allow the sale of distilled spirits by the drink was ahead 111 (58.11 percent) to 80 (41.88 percent) with eight provisional ballots yet to be counted, according to the Whitfield County Board of Elections and Registrars.

The city has allowed the sale of beer and wine by the drink since January.

A measure to allow the sale of alcohol by the drink on Sunday was ahead 100 (52.08 percent) to 92 (47.92 percent) with those eight ballots yet to be counted. Those numbers are unofficial.

“We are definitely going to be sending some letters to major chains letting them know about the opportunities here,” said Mayor Pro Tem David Owens.

City Council member Thomas Burnett called the votes “good news.”

“I’ve heard there are several people interested in putting something up here if this passed,” he said. “But we haven’t had anybody come out and say, ‘If this thing passes, I’ll start building.’”

City Council member Mark Fidler said the votes would help spur growth not just in Varnell but across the northern part of the county.

“Ultimately, what will happen is that the county will adopt it for the whole county, and we’ll get growth at Connector 3 and other exits along the interstate. It’s a win-win for everybody,” Fidler said.

City Council member Susan Hamlin said she was also pleased with the results.

“I’m very glad for the turnout. I did go over there a few times during the day just to see the activity, how many people were coming into the polls. And I was very glad to see everybody coming for the elections,” she said.

Elections officials said that several Varnell voters had to use provisional ballots to vote in the city election because their names did not show up on city voting rolls but the tax assessor’s office confirmed their residences were in Varnell city limits.

Those ballots will be counted by Friday.

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