AEFC Legislative Alert - Arkansas HB2242
AEFC: House Bill 2242 was introduced by Rep. Ray Kidd (D-Jonesboro). The bill proposes to reduce the percentage of registered voter’ signatures on petitions necessary to call a local option election to change the dry/wet status of a county or a political subdivision of a county. Currently, the petitions must bear signatures of 38% of the registered voters in the county or subdivision. HB2242 will lower that percentage to 15%.
While 38% may seem high for some, lowering the percentage by over 60% appears drastic for proponents on both sides of the issue. Currently, proponents of changing a county’s status to dry from wet must gather the same number of signatures as those wanting to convert a dry county to a wet one. The playing field is more level at 38%.
The issue of alcohol is a polarizing one for many communities. Strong opinions can be found on both sides. If a community is to be put through such a divisive, emotionally-charged, and draining battle, it should take a significant number of registered voters to initiate it. Talk to those in counties who have suffered through local option election campaigns and ask them if that is something they would enjoy enduring every two years. A 15% level for signatures could result in just that, repetitive elections that never settle the issue and that keep the folks on both sides fussing and feuding. That is not conducive to a high quality of life for those communities.
Lowering that level to 15% is a sure recipe for unsettled and difficult times. Those in dry counties need to give special and concentrated attention to HB2242 as it will if passed most directly impact you. However, every county in Arkansas should be concerned about B2242 to prevent the precedent being used for other initiatives.
Tags: alcohol, HB2242, Arkansas, AEFC, Jonesboro, AR To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!
While 38% may seem high for some, lowering the percentage by over 60% appears drastic for proponents on both sides of the issue. Currently, proponents of changing a county’s status to dry from wet must gather the same number of signatures as those wanting to convert a dry county to a wet one. The playing field is more level at 38%.
The issue of alcohol is a polarizing one for many communities. Strong opinions can be found on both sides. If a community is to be put through such a divisive, emotionally-charged, and draining battle, it should take a significant number of registered voters to initiate it. Talk to those in counties who have suffered through local option election campaigns and ask them if that is something they would enjoy enduring every two years. A 15% level for signatures could result in just that, repetitive elections that never settle the issue and that keep the folks on both sides fussing and feuding. That is not conducive to a high quality of life for those communities.
Lowering that level to 15% is a sure recipe for unsettled and difficult times. Those in dry counties need to give special and concentrated attention to HB2242 as it will if passed most directly impact you. However, every county in Arkansas should be concerned about B2242 to prevent the precedent being used for other initiatives.
Tags: alcohol, HB2242, Arkansas, AEFC, Jonesboro, AR To share or post to your site, click on "Post Link". Please mention / link to the ARRA News Service. Thanks!
Posted by Bill Smith at 10:42 AM - Post Link
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