LONGVIEW — More than 9,000 signatures have been collected in the petition to get alcohol sales approved for the remaining dry portions of Longview.

The group heading up the push for alcohol sales, Longview United for Growth, told KETK in December that they had reached the number of signatures needed to get the measure on the May ballot.

They began the petition in November, and within 6 weeks had gathered at least 6,000 signatures.

Longview United for Growth's treasurer, Kimberly Fish, tells KETK, "I think everybody in the community understands that the way to get economic development to come to the area is to allow grocery stores and convenience stores to sell beer and wine."

The City of Longview secretary now must confirm the signatures before the issue can be officially put on the ballot.