Tatum, TX (Longview News-Journal) — TATUM — City Secretary Shelly Williams said she has heard of no organized efforts either way to sway voters in the city election to consider the sale of beer and wine for off-premises consumption.

“I’ve heard some comments on both sides, but nothing organized,” Williams said. The election is set for May 11, when three of the city’s aldermen positions also will be on the ballot, she said.

“Those for it say residents are driving to Longview now, and if we have sales (of alcohol) here it should be safer because they won’t be driving back and forth,” Williams said. “It will also help the city out as far as sales taxes go.”

She said she did not have any idea what kind of boost city hall might see from increased revenues.

First Baptist Church of Tatum Pastor Trey Robertson said he also was not aware of any organized effort for or against the proposal. He said he is recommending residents vote against it.

“My vote would be no,” he said. “It’s not just a Biblical or moral issue — I just don’t see the need for a big push for it.”

Robertson said in the 12 years he has been pastor at First Baptist he is only aware of pain caused by alcohol consumption.

“There have been a lot of families around here affected and hurt,” he said. “All the news you hear related to alcohol has been bad from things like accidents and deaths.”

Robertson said on top of those reasons for urging a no vote on the beer and wine sales proposition, he said a majority of Tatum-area residents likely drive through town where alcoholic beverage sales are allowed on a regular basis.

“They drive through Lakeport, Henderson and Longview — it just would not do much by approving it,” he said.

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