Well, the Bible thumpers are going to be worse than flies on @#%*. I saw what happened in Blairsville last summer. You would think alcohol will lead to the end of all civilization as we know it. What Blairsville didn't have, and what Blue Ridge needs, is an organized effort in favor of the vote. A majority in Union County would have approved it, but the only organized effort was by the Bible thumpers pushing their absurdities and threatening their congregations.

See the linked article in the paper. (First post, not sure the link will work).

Fannin voters to decide on liquor in November - The News Observer - News

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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I think the best option is to do something that both sides would probably be in favor of - start a recall petition for Bruce and Morris. It is now obvious they are not representing the people of Fannin County. Everyone is upset about the animal control situation. Add to that the fact they have done nothing this year. Now they are opening the doors to liquor in FanninCounty at a taxpayer cost of $15k. It wouldn't be the first time the Fannin voters ran a commissioner out of office.

After they are gone Fannin would have another election. The voters of Fannin could then have an in kind referendum for beer and wine pouring by voting for new candidates that promise to create a beer and wine ordinance or vote for those who say “no booze” of any kind.

I think the only other option is to start putting pressure on the City of Blue Ridge. If they could be enticed, they might create their own beer and wine pouring ordinance to avoid having beer, wine and liquor in the county and all the tax revenues that go with them.

I am very concerned if liquor passes. The county administration can't even handle animal control issues. How could we expect them to properly control liquor? I don't see them being prepared to prohibit bars, nightclubs and other establishments that depend on liquor. Also, forget about keeping the franchise restaurants out of Fannin. Forget about developing small chef/owner restaurants.

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Please, to everyone who reads this blog, please get the facts. Google alcohol facts. Google small tourist town economic development success stories. Call Commissioner Tommy Ledford or email him to ask what the Ordinance will entail, and how it will restrict "bars" from opening here. Know where the city limits of Blue Ridge are, where all of the ugly (non alcohol serving) fast food sprawl has occurred. Know that Voting Yes will stimulate small restaurants to open here, in small areas of Fannin County, and be a catalyst for economic growth. Talk to restaurateurs like Tim Richter of Toccoa Riverside Restaurant and Alice at Goodfellas and ask them how serving wine and beer would enhance their places. Think about what it would be like to have an Enricos here. Or 12 Enricos... one Thai, one gourmet mexican, one candlelit cafe, one food oriented pub, one fresh seafood, one another candlelit cafe, one a latte/glass of wine/NY Times dessert place, one a gourmet salad place, one a vegetarian organic food/wine cafe, one a new American menu, one a New Orleans menu, one a Chicago steak house, one a panini and Italian wine pairing, one a "slow food" organic dinner chateau, a vinyard with great food. Oh, sorry, I went past 12. There will be lines out the door for any of the above concepts if executed properly.