Package sales in stores makes sense for Watkinsville

Last night the Watkinsville City Council started the long process of considering the sale of beer and wine at the city's two or three stores. These sales, known as package sales, were introduced by council members John Walsh and Samantha Purcell. Immediately council members Brian Brodrick and Mike Link spoke out against the measure to allow a couple of convenience stores to sell beer and wine. Keep in mind it is already legal to buy beer and wine at stores outside the city limits of Watkinsville in Oconee County. This leaves city council member Joe Walter as the deciding vote on this contentious issue. There will be forthcoming workshops and public input at various, much like the process the city went through last year to decide to allow beer and wine sales in restaurants. I hope Walter supports the idea of Purcell and Walsh. Sam wants to attract a new grocery store to town. I am sure the local churches will be in opposition once again. Police Chief Lee O'Dillon said to me he hopes we get a Hooters. He does not drink but does not understand why you can not purchase beer and wine in Watkinsville, when half a mile down the road you can.

Will Brian Brodrick run for mayor to replace outgoing Mayor Jim Luken? Will there be any opposition to for him? Will there be any candidates for Post 1 and 2, currently held by Brodrick and Walsh? The answer my friend will be found out between August 26 and 29 as that is the time of qualifying.

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