We have written editorials over the last two weeks extolling the virtue of having a good school system in this county. We believe we are heading in the right direction, but it would be helpful if additional restaurants bringing with them additional tax revenues would locate in our cunty. More local diing choices would mean Newtn County residents would not have to drive elsewhere to spend money and leave tax revenues for other school stystems. We need that money to stay home.

To entice major chains to locate here, we need sales of alcoholic beverages by the drink.

But that can’t happen now, and will not happen for at least two years.

In August, the county commission struck a blow to the future development of Newton County when they voted 3-2 against having a public referendum on drink sales on the ballot for the Nov. 2 General Election.

Their misguided distrust in the ability of the citizens to make their own decisions in regards to such issues is unacceptable.

This issue is dead for now, but can be voted on again to be presented on the 2012 ballot.

In the meantime, major restaurants that depend on a liquor license to help make the bottom line profitable shun Newton County. As a result, the county suffers the loss of a major tax base.

We know now that much planning and organization needs to take place before the vote comes up again to place this ordinance on the ballot.

Groups like the Newton County Chamber of Commerce have sent questionnaires to its members to get a sense of the member’s wishes on this matter. Other groups need to do the same.

To some people this is a morality issue. We don’t believe it is. Alcohol will be served in a controlled atmosphere, and we also are fortunate to have a good police enforcement agency in this county that will enforce the laws regarding drinking and driving.

Let’s be prepared this time and not allow ourselves to be knocked off the path to growth by elected officials who feel they are empowered to think and act for us.