T'ville could join Jackson as 'wet' city
Thomasville's heated debate on wet-dry similar to Jackson's in 2005
By Jim Cox SA Publisher

Jackson has had the distinction- critics would say the notoriety- since July 2005 of being the only locality in Clarke County where alcoholic beverages could be legally purchased.

That could change Tuesday as Thomasville voters go to the polls to decide a municipal wet-dry referendum.

Clarke County remains one of 41 dry counties in the state. More and more municipalities in dry counties are pursuing municipal referendums on the question.

The approval of sales in Jackson triggered the possibility of a vote in Thomasville and proponents started promoting a referendum shortly after the vote in Jackson.

Proponents first asked the Thomasville City Council, in February 2006, to seek enabling legislation, which the council did and a local act was approved later that spring.

Zoning enacted

The process was hampered somewhat because Thomasville did not have any zoning laws. Mayor Sheldon Day and other city leaders promised that zoning would be in place before a vote was scheduled. In addition to zoning, the council also started working on an alcohol control ordinance.

Proponents presented a petition formally requesting a referendum in January. Initially, a date in April was proposed for a referendum.

The process dragged though and a delaying tactic of the dry forces that questioned whether the petition signature numbers should be based on the last general election instead of the last municipal election put the matter on hold until the Alabama Attorney General's office could rule on the matter. The AG's office said the law was clear in that petition numbers had to be based on municipal election figures.

Finally, with zoning and alcohol ordinances in place, the city council set an Aug. 14 date for the vote.

Resembles Jackson in 2005

The wet-dry debate has intensified in recent weeks and resembles the heated campaign that Jackson went through in 2005.

The dry forces were the first to organize as "Citizens Against Alcohol Sales in Thomasville" or CAAST with WMBV Christian Radio manager Rob Moore as chairman. "No" yard signs came out early and a billboard with a informed motorists for months, "God's hand has blessed Thomasville without alcohol... Let's keep it that way! Vote no!"

Wet forces did not organize as quickly. However, once organized "People Responsibly Organized For Alcohol Control in Thomasville" or ProAct did file political committee organization papers with the Clarke County Probate Office as required by law. CAASTdid not file until the oversight was pointed out.

CAAST's "no" advertising message has dominated the campaign in recent weeks, fueled by donations from area churches.

The wet side has been aided by endorsements from the local chamber of commerce- the Southwest Alabama Chamber of Commerce, and the Thomasville Industrial Development Board. Last week, Mayor Day also endorsed legalized sales, saying they are needed for economic development. At the same time Day blasted what he termed false representations by CAAST. He specifically singled out CAAST's accusations that adult entertainment would be allowed if Thomasville votes wets. Day cited the zoning ordinance and the alcohol control ordinance as specifically prohibiting such establishments.

Jackson an influence

It is clear that Jackson's wet status has influenced both sides in the Thomasville debate.

Thomasville Industrial Board Chairman Carroll Scarbrough in an interview recently explained, "People are coming here to spend the night to do business at this conglomeration of paper mills around here….A guy comes in, and he likes to have a nice meal and a glass of wine. He can't do that in Thomasville. Where does he go to spend his night? Likely, Jackson."

Elouise Barren, a dry advocate in a letter to the editor of The Thomasville Times, warned citizens not to be misled by reports that Jackson collected over $200,000 in revenues from alcohol sales in 2006.

"That is only half of the story. They didn't tell how much Jackson collected in fines for 'Driving Under the Influence' or how much was collected for domestic violence because of alcohol, or how many accidents or deaths occurred because of alcohol. It doesn't mention how many people had to put up their homes for bail bond to get their sons, daughters, husbands, wives or other relatives out of jail. Neither does it tell how much money was paid to attorneys, or how many people had to file bankruptcy because of alcohol. It doesn't mention how many thefts or rapes happened because of alcohol."

However, Jackson Police Chief Charges Burge has repeatedly said that alcohol offenses and alcohol-related crimes are not up as a result of alcohol sales.

The south end of the county has pretty much stayed out of the Thomasville fracas. Churches that

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