Dec. 5, 2012 —
When it comes to getting a wet-dry ballot question before Grayson voters, Keith Bays is hopeful that the third time will be the charm.
That old expression became relevant late last week when Bays learned that County Attorney Patrick Flannery has advised the Board of Elections to reject the petition filed last month for a local option election in one precinct.
That petition actually was a revision of the original one which failed to propose that the special election be held on a Tuesday, as required by state law.
“This time we’re going to ask for an election in the entire city,” Bays said Tuesday. “That will require more signatures but it is less complicated than going for other options.”
Based on the turnout in the November general election, the third petition will have to have at least 277 valid signatures of registered voters who live within the Grayson city limits.
Bays says he will go after at least 325 signatures to allow for rejection of those who mistakenly sign when they live outside the city or are not registered.
“We’re learning more about this process as we go along and other individuals are taking notice and want to be involved,” he stated. “I don’t expect any problem in getting that many signatures.”
Bays is hopeful of having a local option election early in 2013.
“That is a reasonable timeframe for circulating the petition, having it validated and the election date being set,” he added.
Originally, Bays petitioned for a wet-dry vote in the North Midland Trail Precinct, which includes Carol Malone Boulevard on the west and the eastbound lanes of I-64 on the north.
Bays said he understands the legal issues raised by the county attorney and will not object when the second petition is rejected officially by the Board of Elections.
Flannery’s letter to the Board of Elections says the one city precinct petition does not qualify under KRS Chapter 242.
Bays remains positive about his efforts to bring legal booze to Grayson.
“I am even more convinced that having legal alcohol is a good way to boost Grayson’s economy by increasing tourism and creating new jobs,” Bays said. “We can help our city grow and prosper.”
Bays said he likely will organize a committee to help with the campaign to bring legal alcoholic beverages to Grayson.
Currently, the only place in Carter County that allows the legal sale of alcoholic beverages is the Rock Springs Winery near Carter City.
Keith Kappes can be reached at kkappes@journal-times.com or by telephone at 800-247-6142.
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