Steve Morris mentioned that it might not be on the ballot until at the earliest February? He was drowned-out by boos so it was difficult to hear it all. He also said the referendum would cost the taxpayers $15K.

I think Howie Bruce and Steve Morris promised their campaign contributers that they would never vote for an ordinance. I also think the other side thinks they can pull-off a Blairsville and put the matter to rest for another 5-years. Nothing against Union County, but Fannin is perhaps more progressive than they think.

The problem is that enough of the progressives might vote against it because of the franchises and hard liquor it will bring. So it's a decent gamble for the other side. If they win, they take all, but if they lose, they lose big. Nonetheless, I think you will see a significant amount of organization by both sides. It's just starting to gather a big steam, but at the meeting there were brochures, "I vote yes for beer/wine" stickers, a petition, a roomful of angry people, and law enforcement even made a show-of-force.

I think the best thing to do right now is to attend the meetings, stay in these guys' faces, and let them know that their meetings will never be the same until an ordinance or referendum passes. Plus it's a great way to get acquainted, educated, and organized, and trust me, it's not a boring meeting!

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