Committee recommends Stewart Cohen for Alcoholic Beverage Control Board; Nobel Watkins interview deferred

The Economic Matters Committee on Oct. 15 issued a favorable recommendation for the appointment of Stewart Cohen to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board and deferred action on the appointment of Nobel Watkins to the Recreational Advisory Board.

Cohen, who said he has been a city resident for roughly a dozen years and has lived in the county and city for nearly 50 years, told the committee he sought the appointment because he wanted to participate further in city government. "I've been a resident of the city for, I guess, a dozen years and in the county and then in the city for, oh, almost 50 years now," Cohen said. He described himself as retired and said he has reviewed recent minutes and the board’s rules and bylaws.

Committee members attested to Cohen’s community work and cited statutory expectations for board members to have a reputation for honesty and familiarity with alcoholic beverage license operations. Alderman Savage asked about familiarity with the code and the work; Cohen said he had "perused recent minutes of the commission" and reviewed bylaws and rules and could learn remaining details quickly.

The committee approved a motion for a favorable recommendation; Cohen’s nomination will be forwarded to the full city council for final confirmation at the Oct. 27 meeting. The committee also took no action on the appointment of Nobel Watkins and voted to request Watkins attend the next meeting (October 24 or 27) so the committee may interview him before recommending appointment.

No formal objections to Cohen were recorded. Committee members encouraged Cohen to attend the council vote if he wishes but said attendance is not required for confirmation.