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Faith leaders urge voters to reject Columbus County alcohol referendum
Summary
Two local faith leaders told the commissioners they oppose a county alcohol referendum set for the November ballot, citing concerns about addiction, impaired driving and family harm. Commissioners emphasized the board only approved placing the question on the ballot.
Pastor Jon Walton of Transformation Church and Michael Lee, associational missionary with the Missionary Baptist Association, spoke during public input to oppose an April 20 board decision to place an alcohol sales referendum on the November ballot. Walton shared personal testimony about past struggles with alcoholism and urged the board to consider social impacts including addiction and family harm; Michael Lee, who said he was injured by a drunk driver and uses a wheelchair, told commissioners he would encourage voters to oppose the referendum if it appears on the ballot.
Commissioners clarified the board’s role in the matter. Commissioner Giles E. Byrd emphasized the board only authorized placing the measure on the ballot rather than enacting it, saying the decision “only allowed it to be put on the ballot. It’s up to the people.” Chairman Brent Watts thanked citizens for participating and for voicing their views.
The public comments came during the meeting’s public input section; commissioners noted two sides to the question and reiterated that the final decision rests with voters in November.
