1. I can’t wait to vote hard on the wet/dry referendum. It’s a no-brainer that this patchwork of dry areas in Dallas has to go. The liquor industry, though? They want to keep beer out of grocery stores (and in liquor stores), so they’re predicting all hell will break loose if we change the status quo. The DMN runs an editorial today taking a look at three North Texas cities that have recently gone down this road. The verdict? I’ll drink to it.
2. You’ve been following the dustup over at the District Attorney’s office? The county auditor says it told Craig Watkins back in 2008 that it had found evidence that Constable Jaime Cortes was getting kickbacks from a crooked tower. Craig Watkins’ office says, “Nope. Never got that memo. We didn’t hear about this till late 2009. Are we working a case against Cortes? Maybe. Maybe not.” Now you’re up to date. Me, I’m just waiting for the sweet, sweet, on-message quote from our good friend Eric Celeste, the communications director for Watkins’ reelection campaign. Eric is going to have to earn his retainer this month.
3. I love it when Dallas defies its stereotype. Yes, we’re right here in the Bible Belt. Those East Coast liberals (damn you, East Coast liberals!) think we’re all conservative and creationist down here. Well, let’s ignore the latter for now. But along comes progressive Royal Lane Baptist, which got booted from the Baptist General Convention of Texas for having gay deacons. Royal Lane Baptist, established 1952, was also one of the first to have women as deacons. Now, about that fossil record …
4. Did you know that in Dallas there’s nothing to stop you from picking up a stray dog and, even if it has tags IDing the owner, selling it? The Council is expected to pass an ordinance today that will change that. Kudos to citizen Brad Kirby, who, after having his microchipped huskies stolen, is behind the change.
5 comments
Re 1. Please, this is not a wet referendum, it is a modified wet referendum. This does not bring retail hard liquor sales into the neighborhoods, beer and wine only. People get all excited when you call it “wet”, thinking fifths of vodka will be displayed next to Sprinkles cupcakes.
Also, as history has shown, it really doesn’t matter what the voters want. Denton County’s wet vote from last May was overturned yesterday by a state judge. Just as Dallas’ petition from two years ago was.
This has no political backing from the current powers that be. Which city council persons have come out for it – how about county commissioners? None.
I am beginning to feel those of us who sign those darn petitions over and over again are the truly disenfranchised ones.
As you may have surmised, strong drink is my passion, my lover, my therapist, my chiropractor, my pet chinchilla, my life. If I had to live in a dry area, I’d be the honor of a broken heart.
You’d think the City Council and County Commissioners — faced with another year of slashing budgets, closing libraries and eliminating jobs — would welcome the additional sales tax income brought in from citywide sales of beer and wine.
Voters who support these … referendums? … referendi? … whatever — should take note if their councilperson and commissioner did as well come re-election time.
This vote will NOT remove wet/dry areas. It will NOT make Dallas all wet. Yes, the patchwork needs to go, but this vote will NOT eliminate it. The dry areas will stay as they are but, just as Amy said, modified so they can sell beer and wine in stores like Kroger and Target. The other petition is for the elimination of the private club rules for restaurants. They will still have to apply for liquor licenses, as per the norm. There will just be less red tape & fees for restuarants. This vote will NOT allow bars into dry areas. That means Dallas will not be all wet. You will still have to drive elsewhere to buy your vodka, tequila and bourbon.
I find it interesting that Progress Dallas notes the cons of the referendum under the pros. No one seems to really be discussing the cons. I love a good ****tail. I’d love to buy booze wherever I want. I’m all for making Dallas completely wet. BUT we have to make sure that what we’re voting for is what we’re going to get. We’ve made that mistake before as Dallasites. (Where is my park by the Trinity?) Don’t get caught up in the hype and believe Dallas will be entirely wet. It will not.
As with all elections and votes, know who and what you are voting for. Then choose according.
Note to Craig Watkins: Listen to Eric. He is smarter than anyone else you have on your current campaign team.