ALCOHOL SERIES: Council split on issue

Larry Penkava

ASHEBORO — The Asheboro City Council voted May 27 to hold an alcohol referendum, but the board is split down the middle on the issue. Four voted to have the referendum and three against.

With the campaign heating up prior to the July 29 election, the three council members voting against and Mayor David Jarrell have announced they’re throwing their support with the Citizens for a Safe and Healthy Asheboro, which opposes alcohol sales.

The four members voting for the referendum had previously joined the Committee for the Future of Asheboro, which is for legal alcohol sales.

The Randolph Guide asked all eight members the same questions. The list of questions can be found at the end of the story. Their answers follow:



Mayor David Jarrell

No. 1: My position on alcohol sales in Asheboro has not changed since my being elected to City Council in 1997. Having lived in five other areas that had alcohol during my professional career, I have seen that alcohol sales is not the panacea for growth and the economy it is purported to be. In fact, the problems and costs seemed to outweigh the possible benefits. My main concern is making alcohol more accessible for our young people.

No. 2: Does not apply.

No. 3: Life will go on. We know that at the present we have a progressive city that is an excellent place to live, work and raise a family and we cannot predict the future.

No. 4: There will be more money, time and effort spent, especially by proponents, than ever before.

No. 5: As stated earlier, since we can’t predict the future, it is hard to say. The national economy will have an effect, as usual. We have a good economic base and I expect that to continue.

No. 6: Of course, they address only one side of the issue. I have seen NO figures that substantially support their claims. It is true there are some tax revenues, but based on research by George Washington University Medical Center, alcohol drains $186 billion from our economy every year. That translates to $611 for every child and adult living in America.

No. 7: We have had steady growth for several years, but like all cities in North Carolina, we have been affected by globalization of the economy. Our tax base has grown. We can see the growth with new restaurants and hotels along Dixie Drive in the last few years.

No. 8: Every elected official should take seriously every vote they make to be sure their decision is what is best for the majority of our citizens.

No. 9: The city does not control the issuance of ABC permits. They are issued by the North Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Any inquiries about their procedures and criteria for issuing permits should be addressed to the Commission.

No. 10: By election day, both sides will have made strong arguments for their positions. Any misconceptions will be determined by the voters.

No. 11: There is disagreement on this divisive issue, but in our society, each of us can vote according to our convictions. Time will tell what impact there will be on the next election.



David Smith, mayor pro tem

No. 1: I’m in favor of the vote. Personally, I believe liquor by the drink is not going to change Asheboro either way immediately. I support citizens’ right to vote to make that determination. I believe economically (alcohol sales) will allow Asheboro to move forward. The average family income has decreased. We’ve lost lots of jobs and the number of children in poverty has increased. In 1990, 13 percent of Asheboro children were at or below the poverty level. In 2000, the number was up to 27 percent. Fifty-eight percent of the children in Asheboro City Schools are eligible for free or reduced lunches. Our local economy is in trouble. Growing the economy and growing the community is the issue.

We have an asset nobody else in North America has (in the N.C. Zoo). We have a geographic location that’s prime to enhance tourism. We are a central location for statewide events with the largest natural habitat zoo in the country. We should be able to attract events. Tourism professionals had a zoo conference at the N.C. Zoo, but they stayed in Greensboro and were bused back and forth. It was because of not being able to get wine and beer with their meals. We need to position ourselves to have more events. This to me is about growing Asheboro, giving people more options to spend their money here.

No. 2: Over the last few years numerous citizens have asked for the opportunity to vote (on alcohol). I felt like it was appropriate when the citizens group asked for it.

No. 3: If it passes, it will be almost a non-event. There’ll be maybe a restaurant or two in the short term. In the intermediate term, we may get a hotel or convention center. In the long term, the tourism industry will grow and prosper.

If it doesn’t pass, I see things staying the same – a little normal growth, being in the center of the state, but basically more of the same.

No. 4: (Proponents) being led by a citizens group. In previous campaigns, people were hesitant to be involved because of the social and political fallout.

No. 5: I thinks it’s divided our community, it’s divided our Council. Regardless of the outcome, there are going to be hurt feelings. But the citizens have the right to vote again after 14 years.

No. 6: If it passes, I don’t believe it will be the end of life as we know it, as some would have you believe. I don’t see appreciable changes in the lifestyle of Asheboro.

No. 7: It’s been the same old same old – fast foods and motels. We lost Target two years ago. They looked at us a long time, then at the last minute said Asheboro wasn’t a Target town.

I don’t know that we’ve grown the way we ought to with the Zoo.

No. 8: I’m pro-Asheboro. For my 11 years on the Council I’ve tried to make decisions based on what I think is in the best interests of the community.

No. 9: The state writes the ABC laws. We may write zoning ordinances to control growth (of alcohol outlets).

No. 10: There’ll be bars and strip clubs on every corner.

No. 11: Probably. I guess we’ll see.



Mack Priest

Nos. 1 and 2: As a Council member, my position in the past was to support a referendum because the request had been brought by a petition including 35 percent of the city residents’ signatures. As for the current referendum, I voted against it mostly because of a matter of ethics and principle. It was widely known beforehand how the vote to hold a referendum was going to go. The majority of Council members would be voting for it. Knowing the voters would not have their rights denied, I chose to vote negatively because of the way the process was brought into existence. I voted against having four Council members (and even if it had been six) make a decision on a voting process that had not been requested by a larger and fairer representation of registered voters. Also, I chose not to support the liquor, beer and wine (at) people’s request because it was presented to the Council by two individuals who do not live within the city limits and are not eligible to vote on the issue.

No. 3: If the referendum passes, some citizens will argue that alcohol revenues will greatly benefit the city while, at least in one major way, I see these profits diminished by the increased police protection that will be required to deal with the people who abuse alcohol and cause increased violations of the law.

If the referendum does not pass, it is most important that the Council and other community leaders seek a more viable solution to grow our economy.

No. 4: This referendum is different from those in the past because our Council was split on the issue before the referendum was even requested. A year ago, political maneuvering to allow alcohol sales in Asheboro was instigated. Unbeknownst to half the Council, at least two Council members and some local businessmen went to Raleigh, paid a lobbyist and sought to have a special bill introduced in the State House which would have permitted the Asheboro City Council to vote on alcohol sales without the participation of the local electorate. Thankfully, this tactic failed to come out of the legislative committee because a State House representative from Randolph County intervened and made it known that half the City Council members back home in Asheboro had no idea this legislation was being pursued in the first place. Once the Raleigh incident became public knowledge, those on the City Council favoring alcohol sales became very obvious. Ever since, working relationships among Council members definitely have been damaged because of these behind-the-scenes actions.

No. 5: Politically, this alcohol referendum is different from those in the past because the harmony and spirit of cooperation that have been trademarks of previous Asheboro City Councils now appear to be very damaged. Behind-the-scene tactics have diminished the trust relationship Council members long had among themselves. Sadly, we now have a split Council.

Economically – see answer to No. 3.

No. 6: The argument that pro-alcohol people present fails to acknowledge the downside of how alcohol really does not bring any human being who consumes it any positive results. Alcohol is a gateway drug, which can lead to an unsafe and unhealthy lifestyle. Why make a drug that has the potential to bring harm to our citizens more readily available?

No. 7: While the Zoo certainly has had a positive impact on Asheboro, I see a number of ways the city has been progressive and also improved the quality of life for its citizens. Growth can be measured by the fact that our city has been “in the black” financially and has provided support for economic development, tourism, improved and expanded water and sewer systems, hospital expansions, new recreational facilities, a revitalized downtown, art and cultural events, a new Farmers Market, and the list goes on.

No. 8: I try to make decisions based on both my personal beliefs and the good of Asheboro. Evidently, the personal beliefs I have exhibited and the experience I have had as a family man, a business owner, a church member and a community leader were taken into consideration by the voters who elected me to public office 22 years ago. All those life experiences have served me well in trying to make decisions for the future good of Asheboro.

No. 9: These criteria are yet to be developed.

No. 10: The biggest misconception is that those who voted against the request for a referendum were denying citizens the right to vote. The truth is the referendum was going to take place because the vote on the Council was already stacked in favor of it.

No. 11: There could be some fallout based on a voter bias regarding the issue and changes in representation in the Council that could follow. The most important issue is that voters be fully informed about the persons they elect to public office.



Talmadge Baker

Nos. 1 and 2: I’m in favor.

One reason I voted for the referendum is because the strategic plan (approved unanimously by the Council) included the call for an alcohol referendum.

I feel like it will help the economic situation in Randolph County. I have sat next to (out-of-town) groups that come in (to local restaurants). One will want a beer or mixed drink and the waitress has to tell them they don’t serve alcohol. The people hardly believe it, laughing about it. Some say, “I’ll never come to this town again.” We’re apparently not serving the needs of people visiting here who could stay a while. They’re going to Greensboro or elsewhere. I’m of the opinion if we could serve these people they’re more likely to stay a while.

No 3: If it passes, I see over time some additional restaurants, the likes of Outback and Appleby’s. I see the possibility of more hotels and meeting facilities. Down the road, I’d like to see civic centers.

We’ve got so much to offer here, especially in tourism. We could accommodate groups of 200 or 300. It would be nice to have groups come in and stay a day or two longer to visit our attractions.

If it doesn’t pass, things will be the same.

No. 4: I think there’s better organization for the “pros.” Almost 40 community leaders have come out for it. More are recognizing the benefit of it, and are willing to come out.

Nos. 5 and 11: Of the present Council, all will gain and lose votes. I don’t think there’ll be lingering hard feelings.

No. 6: They’re doing a good job, trying to present their side of the issues. They’re using whatever statistics they can find and they should present them with the understanding that the other side has the same option.

No. 7: I personally think the Zoo has been a great benefit to Asheboro, but we have not developed or taken advantage of it as much as we could have or should have. I really think we have an opportunity to gain – promoting the Zoo benefits Asheboro. The key point in the strategic plan is doing things to promote the Zoo which in turn will help Asheboro.

No. 8: I don’t know that you can separate the two. I have to take my experience, my knowledge, and use it to decide what’s the best thing for the people of Asheboro. That’s not to say every decision helps everybody. I try to make the best decision I can to affect the greater majority. It’s an opinion.

No. 9: We have the authority to set up ordinances for the control of where a place goes. The state issues permits. There will be a local ABC board.

No. 10: That there will be drunks everywhere. I don’t see that happening. It’s evident we have a significant number drinking alcohol now. I don’t see any difference.



Linda Carter

No. 1: I’m against. I really believe there’s a lot of other things to be looking at to do for Asheboro.

There’s a lot of money being spent on this election. I believe that money should be used to focus on marketing the City of Asheboro – retail, industry.

The city paid for the 20-20 Vision Strategic Plan. It said we need to focus on what we had – the Zoo, our location, what will bring industry to Asheboro, educating our school children. We have an excellent community college and four-year colleges less than 30 minutes drive from here. We don’t have anything other than the Chamber of Commerce that focuses on retail.

I don’t believe alcohol is going to bring a better quality of life. For that we need parks, the Zoo, things structured for families. I don’t see that alcohol has a base in all that. I don’t see larger restaurants (coming) because of our population and we’re only 20 minutes from other locations.

In my mind’s eye, I see gas stations with beer piled up in the windows for people to buy. Now they can get it at Randleman.

No. 2: There is another option for a petition of 35 percent of registered voters (to call for a referendum). I have a real problem – like they tried to do last year – with someone outside calling for a referendum. People inside the city should call for it.

No. 3: If it doesn’t pass, it’s a great opportunity for the Council to focus on the 20-20 Plan, marketing our location and education.

If it passes, I see service stations all over Asheboro being piled up with alcohol. It will cost the city more in police protection and domestic violence. It won’t just affect the city but the whole county.

No. 4: I think it’s a split Council. There’s a council that operates within the Council. It started last year when some went to Raleigh to get the law changed to circumvent the people. They’ve been working over a year to continue to separate the Council. We should be working as a whole. They’re being influenced by people who don’t live in the city.

No. 5: I see a split in the Council. I have a lack of trust for some fellow Council members that I didn’t have before. I’ve thought that we had a great Council. After this is over it’s not there.

No. 6: (The argument that) the best of the best are not coming back to Asheboro, as if alcohol is the reason for that. There are certain jobs we don’t have here. It depends on what (college graduates’) jobs are. It doesn’t depend on whether you can go to a restaurant and get a drink.

The fact that some of our industry is moving out of the county, that’s a trend. That doesn’t have to do with alcohol.

No. 7: We’ve come a long way. However, if it hadn’t been for the Zoological Society, we would be nowhere near as large as we are now. Why can’t we get markings, such as elephant tracks, leading to the Zoo? We’ve never had anything but those brown signs with directions to the Zoo.

We have to work with the legislators (for more state support of the Zoo).

(High) gas prices have focused people back (to local tourism). Our tourism people, the Chamber of Commerce, economic development and the city should be marketing the Zoo. I believe we need at least a part-time marketing person. We need a continuity of purpose, working together.

No. 8: I look at it as the good of Asheboro. Everybody has opinions but I, personally, try to look at Asheboro as a whole and listen to what people say.

When I sat next to (former councilman) John McGlohon, he always seemed fair. He carried a card he got from council training to all our meetings that said “Public problems involve four principal public values: liberty, equality, community, and prosperity. Public problems arise when people pursue different public values. Public choices arise when we have to decide how to get more of one value without giving up too much of another value.”

No. 9: I don’t think we have anything. If all four items pass, we’re going to be in trouble with some of our statutes on what is our quality of life in Asheboro.

No. 10: Bringing in industry, restaurants. We’re not going to get all those restaurants. We’re not what they’re looking for.

No. 11: Yes, absolutely. If you can’t get 35 percent (of registered voters) for a petition, but outside people, I believe there’ll be a change next election.



Keith Crisco

No. 1: I am for the legalized sale of alcoholic beverages in Asheboro, mainly because with the changing economy in the world, what Asheboro must do is create jobs. To be economically successful there must be a different formula used for success than in the past. Probably like no other Council person, I’ve seen the worldwide effects of globalization, economic shifts and loss of jobs. We cannot afford to do anything but our maximum effort using all the tools available to address these issues.

While alcohol sales are NOT a panacea for economic success, it can be a critical component of creating new jobs and new economic growth that we so desperately need.

No. 2: I voted for the referendum because I felt this issue dominates so many discussions and so many considerations that I believe the people need to express themselves. The (20-20) Strategic Plan called for a vote – OK’d unanimously by the Council. It called for an alcohol referendum. Voting for the referendum is not the same as being for alcohol.

No. 3: If it passes, I believe we will see in the relative near term some increase in restaurants and a general increase in economic attitude and activity.

If it doesn’t pass, the positive items mentioned above will not happen and a signal will be sent to those businesses, new citizens, tourism visitors and the general outside world that Asheboro does not choose to accommodate their interests, but rather to maintain the amenities<<b>b>lifestyles of the past.

No. 4: I was not involved in those in the past, but I understand there’s a broader base of leadership (in this election’s pro forces), and frankly, we have a more acute issue of job loss.

In 1994, the erosion of manufacturing jobs had only begun, but we have lost over 6,000 jobs in manufacturing over the last five years and a significant number this year. Therefore, a sense of urgency to address the issue is much greater today than in 1994.

No. 5: Politically, my hope is the involvement in this issue will created new involvements (of voters), participation in many future issues.

In the last municipal election, there was a 18 percent turnout (at the polls). We need greater involvement ... on all elections. I hope people don’t quit their involvement Other decisions are important, too.

No. 6: They’re well-meaning and sincere in their position. I believe their personal concerns for alcohol need to be measured against the quality of life success of communities with alcohol sales. Many flourish with it.

No. 7: Asheboro’s population now is about 23,000. It was 15,000 when the Zoo opened. Early projections were of 30,000 by the mid-1980s. We’ve grown much less.

Most agree we haven’t received the economic and population boost we could have received from the Zoo being here. It is a world-class facility and can’t be under-estimated, and it’s here. We need to embrace it, support it and grow with it.

No. 8: Without a doubt, what’s good for the community.

It’s my judgment. People may disagree. Personal beliefs are a primary criterion. It’s based on my background, experience running a business, experience in international trade, running a payroll – what will be required for Asheboro to succeed in the future.

No. 9: B-2 (business) zoning needs to be reviewed quickly and tightening any situation that may allow undesired results. Establishments with alcohol sales should not be allowed open after midnight. Most important is to control hours and to tighten zoning for loopholes. With those actions, we can eliminate undesirable results.

No. 10: It almost appears there’s just teetotalers and alcoholics. But there’s a great middle group of good Christian people who either consume or don’t consume some alcohol that this is not a big issue with.

Another misconception is alcohol is not here. It’s very present in Asheboro. Legalizing sales won’t significantly increase consumption, in my opinion.

No. 11: I believe personal political goals should never stand in the way of good public policy. I committed to work on things important to Asheboro independent of the political consequences. Doing what’s right for Asheboro is infinitely more important than any political ambition I have.



Eddie Burks

Nos. 1 and 2: I was against the Council calling for the referendum at the request of a few people living outside the city limits.

The state mandates (a petition of) 35 percent of registered voters. That’s the way it should have been presented.

(Editor’s note: General Statute 18B-600 says a city alcohol election can be called by either a petition of 35 percent of the registered voters or a request by the governing body.)

My position is that I do not believe economic prosperity is going to come on the passage of the alcohol referendum. It’s the same story told to every other city – they’re promised fine dining, hotels, convention centers to offset the loss of jobs. Our proximity to Greensboro is too close to warrant another convention center.

No. 3: If it passes, we will not see a proliferation of fine dining, hotels or convention centers. We will not see an increase in traffic to the Zoo or other attractions because alcohol is available.

I will be able to stand on my front porch and see a cantina, corner bars will pop up, some of the chain restaurants will sell alcohol, but most of the local restaurants won’t.

If it doesn’t pass, Asheboro will still be a great environment in which to raise a family, city leaders will work to attract new businesses and the city will continue to grow. We will need to put a greater emphasis on educating our youth and workforce to attract business.

No. 4: It appears the proponents are much more organized and well-financed. The population has changed. There’s a tremendous Hispanic population that was much smaller in 1994. I don’t know how many are eligible to vote but they could have an impact on the election.

Nos. 5 and 11: Unfortunately, alcohol has an affect every election, whether it’s a referendum or not. There are many voters whose primary concern is your stand on alcohol sales. There are people on either side who will hold grudges in the next election.

No. 6: They sincerely believe in what they’re doing. I just don’t believe that we’ll realize the economic benefits. They’re running the campaign the best way they know how. I believe it will be won or lost by fewer than 100 votes.

No. 7: Drive down 64 and see the growth. There was no Randolph Mall or Wal-Mart, only King’s Department Store. There’s been a significant growth in restaurants. We have chain restaurants that people said would never come without alcohol. We’ve gone from two or three to seven or eight hotels. Shopping options have grown tremendously. The Mall came in and 64 took off. There were three shopping centers then. How many are there now?

No. 8: It’s very challenging to separate. My personal beliefs affect my actions. I try to be objective, but my personal beliefs color any decision I make. I do believe the decisions I make are in the best interests of the city.

I try as a Christian to apply Christian principles to the decisions I make. Before every City Council meeting, I pray for God’s wisdom and that any decision I make will be pleasing to him.

No. 9: To my knowledge, there are no current criteria. It’s something the Council would have to determine, have to create. There are certain standards the city would have to set.

No. 10: Economic prosperity is supposed to be tied to this. It’s not real. Why would a hotel invest millions of dollars in our city just to sell alcohol? It won’t. How many more restaurants are we going to get? A couple, maybe. Can 30 or 40 restaurant jobs offset the loss of manufacturing jobs?



Walker Moffitt

No. 1: My position is multifaceted – economic development, hospitality and tourism for our area.

I’m concerned for the thousands of jobs we’ve lost, especially the last three or four years in furniture and textiles. They’re not coming back. We can continue our efforts for manufacturing jobs, but that’s hard to attain.

I’ve been involved with the Zoo since its inception. When it was first talked about, there were predictions that Asheboro would be 30,000 (in population) in a few years. It’s 36 years later and it’s not a town of 30,000. What happened? We enjoyed the prosperity of our manufacturing base and the Zoo was left on its own merits. It’s done well by itself but not the city-zoo partnership as envisioned.

The Zoo is a $300 million attraction. We have the luxury of having the attraction, we just need to make the decision to utilize it to its fullest. A convention center and hotel at the Zoo is envisioned on property owned by the Zoological Society. We’ve got to have spillover from the Zoo in hotels and restaurants.

The tax base (from alcohol sales) we know for sure is approximately $300,000, going to Randleman, much of that from Asheboro (residents). I think Asheboro could see $500,000 to $600,000 a year (with alcohol sales). I feel like it’s money left on the table to be used for quality of life issues, to keep the property tax rate conservative and to create jobs for many displaced workers.

No. 2: It was a legitimate request supported by a widespread community group, including the Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Corporation and the Tourism Development Authority. That was enough to allow a vote of the people. I think people on both sides would support the democratic process of a vote.

No. 3: If it passes, various franchises and investment groups (will be interested in Asheboro). We do have consultants working on the Zoo convention center. We know there are investors in place on that project. What’s proposed is a five-story Safari Experience on Zoo grounds across the street from the hotel (on Society property). We’ll clearly experience more restaurants and hotel choices.

Our housing market needs a shot in the arm. We can market Asheboro as a bedroom to Greensboro. We’re cheaper and convenient. More people will be willing to locate in Asheboro.

If awarded this tool, we’ve got to have a plan of work to use it. I believe we have that, with investors and sites. We just need the green light.

If it doesn’t pass, we’ll revert back to business as usual, continue to swim upstream with one hand tied behind our back. We will not dry up and blow away in any rapid fashion, but any progress in real growth will be difficult to achieve.

No. 4: This campaign is wholesale different. In the past, there were one or two brave souls to spearhead what we like to call a “stealth campaign.” People didn’t want to deal with the debate. But in this campaign, supporters decided they were going to be upfront, proud of their actions and spread the message that it’s OK to be for ABC. The main thing that’s different is the large committee with a forthright statement, a healthy debate and exchange of ideas. It’s become much more civil.

Nos. 5 and 11: If it doesn’t pass, there will be little change in the political climate. If it passes, there will be little change in the short term. I would like to think we can move on from that, get away from stereotypes. I would certainly like to think that whichever side prevails, in any upcoming election all accomplishments (on the Council) will be looked at.

No. 6: The “No” side has truly sincere and deepseated beliefs in their opposition to the ABC referendum. I have never questioned the sincerity of their beliefs. Each side has done considerable work to provide statistics to support their beliefs.

But the information provided by the “No” side doesn’t logically add up for me to the conclusion they draw. I’m against the same things as they’re against in terms of alcohol problems. I believe legalized control will help in prevention of those ills and they do not.

No. 7: Adjusted for inflation, I believe Asheboro has decreased in size and value in 30 years. We haven’t kept pace with the rest of the Triad and North Carolina.

No. 8: You can’t separate the two. I try to incorporate my private experience in business and life. I draw from what’s worked and what hasn’t. I listen to the opinions of agencies, government officials and citizens. I try to draw conclusions of what’s best for Asheboro. Sometimes it’s popular and sometimes it’s not.

The toughest thing to deal with is trying to determine what’s the feeling of the 11,000 (city voters) that didn’t show up that night (at Council meetings). You give it your best shot and hope you’ve done the right thing.

No. 9: There are local and state levels of controls. Within two weeks (of a “yes” vote), the state ABC Commission will hold a public meeting to explain all the criteria required – including location of businesses and procedures for licensing.

We have powers within our zoning jurisdiction to fine tune the ordinance. It’s no one’s goal to have bars on every corner and adult establishments. If there are gaps in the zoning laws, we will sit down and address them.

No. 10: The degree of negative fallout from the controlled, legalized sale of alcohol.

The picture painted of moral and social decay is just not evidenced in other towns that have legal sales of alcohol.



The questions posed to Asheboro City Council

1. What’s your position on the alcohol referendum and why?

2. Why did you vote the way you did (on the referendum)?

3. What will happen if the referendum passes? If it doesn’t?

4. How different, politically, is this alcohol referendum from those in the past?

5. What do you see as the long-term effects of this campaign, both politically and economically?

6. What do you think of the arguments of the other side?

7. How has Asheboro grown in the 30 years since the N.C. Zoo opened?

8. Do you make Council decisions based on your personal beliefs or on what you think is for the good of Asheboro?

9. If the referendum passes, what criteria will the city have for alcohol sales establishments and their locations?

10. What do you see as the greatest misconception of your opponents?

11. Will this referendum have any impact on the next Council election?

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