As mentioned below, Brazoria County voters will decide whether wine can be sold in stores across the county and mixed drinks in restaurants around Pearland. The Pearland Journal has the story, as does the Chron.
The proponents are affiliated with the Pearland Area Chamber of Commerce who see an opportunity to increase sales tax revenues, revenues now collected by neighboring cities where local residents have to drive to purchase wine, or have a drink with their meal. A group called BRACE, the Brazoria Residents to Advance Community Economics, states that a dozen Texas cities that have seen significant increases in sales tax revenues after legalizing sales. The story suggests that areas leaders are concerned about the development on the west side of 288 which is providing additional shopping and dining options for their residents.
A small group called Circle the Wagons! led by community leader Larry Townsend oppose the proposal arguing that it will underline efforts of AA members to stay sober.
Certainly the most touching item on the ballot in Pearland (for non-smokers anyway) is the proposed smoking ban which is on the ballot because of the efforts of area sixth grade students. They went door to door to collect the necessary 500 signatures. Smoking bans raise interesting personal liberty issues because of the existence second hand smoke. As opposed to over eating, which only affects that eater, smoking has effects on people nearby, so it has an impact on the liberty of others.
