Portland, Tennessee Blog

If beer is wrong to be sold on Sunday....the churches should push for it to be wrong every day of the week. Why single out Sunday?? Isn't that legislating religion??? If this is a "moral issue" or "religious issue", why don't they just shut everything down on Sunday and let's all go to church on Sunday ! I, for one, believe that the 7th day is the Sabbath. Why about MY rights?
All of you who said this is a CONTROL issue....that's what it's all about....one group of people controlling another.

To:jasonmiddletn
Keep barking little dog. You don't know who I am but I know who you are! As for the Mcdowell situation, that will be taken care of at the next election.

VERY WELL SAID DEB L.
"I don't think that this is so much of an economic issue as a control issue. You might as well put a sign at the city limits that says, "If you don't agree with our church, just stay out -- we don't want you.""

I vote that they pass regulations on churches that requires a church to be no smaller than 3,000 sq ft maybe then there wouldn't be one in every nook and cranny of this town. Where I come from a Church is a CHURCH big, large lots of members, I know it isn't how big or small it is the purpose behind them but come on, look at the size of some of the churches in this town, makes me wonder if some of them aren't just a front so they can control where the sales of certain beverages in this town can be done...

I have now been a resident in Portland since March of this year. I love the beauty of this town and plan to stay here for a while. So that being said, i would like to voice my opion about the beer sales here in our town on Sundays. Does not one realize that Sunday is also a major sports day on t.v. and that many people, myself included like to have a beer or two during the game. Now i am told that Tn. has the biggest football fans in the country. Being here for 2 years now i surely believe that. Now with just that small amount of info, brings me back to the beer on sundays and the buy Portland first stance and then to the old Ponderosa. We sell beer on sunday, we he profit, we also make money to build our own community center or to endeavor on any other project we choose.(i.e. a new animal shelter and better personel).

Here we go again! The sale of beer in Portland is once again rearing its ugly head. I would first of all like to say that I am not an alcholic. Never have been. Never plan to be.
But I do believe that I have a legal and moral right to make that choice for myself. I realize that there are churches out there who feel that they are put on this earth to control the morals of others, even those who don't belong to their church. I believe that the members of the Beer Board need to try a little harder to be less narrow-minded and controlling.
I don't think that this is so much of an economic issue as a control issue. You might as well put a sign at the city limits that says, "If you don't agree with our church, just stay out -- we don't want you."

Hey folks, I thought it might mention, if you thought THIS Sunday beer blog was interesting, check further down the page and read the comments posted on the "Civic Center" blog. There was more debate on THERE about Sunday beer sales than in THIS category!

You people kill me on here!! Downing our ONLY council member that will stand up for is right for our CITY!! That's right people OUR CITY!! If you don't drink fine....then you don't have to worry about buying it. This would bring I think alittle extra cash flow into our city that for sure needs ever bit it can get. Let's all stop the stupid small town politics of he said, she said.

As far as JH is concerned go stop in Portland Lake......Be a REAL person and stop hiding behind your screen name and post your real name. What's that you say??? Scared??

Debra, don't worry, it's fixen to get reeeeal interesting!

Where are the authors of this blog? We need some new blog authors to keep this blog going. We need a new topic at least once a week.

Anything New going on in this town?? The sunday beer sales issue is worn out.. When are we going to get a new restaurant to eat in, or a new shop to spend our hometown money in. What's with the price of houses lately??? are they built on gold mines? WOW!!

hellllllooooo!

Daniel,

I understand completely where your coming from. I was raised the son of a preacher and have 3 other preachers in my family. I am all for not only beer sales, but also liquior by the drink. I don't buy the whole religious legalism that makes you out to be some sort of sinner, or "immoral" if you drink. Can anyone recall the very first miracle Jesus performed? Yeah, I know we will get everyone's legalistic, religious "programming" on that question. BUT, for the most part I agree with what you say, you can't use religious guidelines to make laws, that I wil give you. You also can't legislate morality.

I don't see this as an issue of morality. The religious folks will tell you it is an issue of morality. But I would like to know how they arrive at that opinion...and not once have I gotten a logical, free thinking answer...I get the programmed response, based on whatever denomination someone happens to be.

As I have grown older I have realized how I was poisoned as a child with alot of hocus pocus and people trying to scare you into believing their way. Since becoming Catholic I have learned a lot of interesting things, have even visited the vatican. Guess what we had for communion....WINE!!!! OMG, I'll burn in hell!!!

You mention Jesus saying "on this rock I will build my Church". Who or what was he referring to when he said that? Guess where this persons tomb is located? Figure this out and you will know why I converted to Catholisism, among many other things.

Anyway, I'll stop my rant. I don't and never will believe we can make our laws based on anyones religious beliefs.....if we do we will be in another Civil War and America will die.

This is my opinion and not the opinion of the paper I work for. First, I'd like to explain that I come from a family where three of my uncles are preachers and missionaries and alcohol on any day of the week is not accepted. Also, I have always found it hypocritical that the two drugs that kill the most people in the world on a yearly basis, alcohol and cigarettes, are the only two that are legal in America. Not saying that cocaine or other controlled substances should be, but if we are outlawing them based on danger, we're being very hypocritical.
I find it a little contradictory that we are fighting a war with countries in the middle east because for one reason, their governments are run by religion. That was one reason Bush gave for outing the Taliban, they controlled people's lives with religion and in some cases, very harshly. We operate in America under the assumption of a democracy. Democracy, as we're constantly told by our President, gives people freedom. It means that just because someone disagrees with your choices, you can still make them because it is your life.
Alcohol is a very dangerous drug, but since it is legal, people should be able to decide when and where they want to purchase it. One of the main reasons for the civil war was to decide whether federal or state laws would prevail for a person. now we are allowing local governments to decide on issues that have been legalized by the federal government.
Religion is great but one of the fundamental issues of the Bible is choice. If God wanted to decide our lives for us, we would not be here. I believe He gives us choice to decide our true intentions. Forcing religous views on anyone is not the way of the New Testemant. When religion decides politics, we become similiar to the Taliban. We cannot live in a democracy and give people citations for not going to Church, or lock them in prison for not following God's will.
I have the upmost respect for Aldermen Callis and Coker because I feel they do exceptional research for their positions. As they both said, there are many ways of getting revenue but where do we draw the line?
I could understand this argument if beer was outlawed from Portland completely. But for now, it is not. Outlawing it on one day of the week seems odd since most religous people will tell you that Sunday morning followers are a dime a dozen.
I think it is understood by both sides that outlawing beer on Sundays is costing Portland money. Moral decisions on government issues are immportant, but Biblical interpretations opens a wide variety of complications.
Don't believe me? How did we get a billion different churches in the world? Jesus stated that He would build His church(notice the singular tense) on this rock, not His multiple churches.
Biblical interpretations have scattered the truth of the Bible. If we start putting Biblical interpretations into the Government, whose interpretation do we use?
Maybe the next council will vote to eliminate the sell of groceries one week of the year for fasting. Where does it stop? This issue should not be based on money, it should be reviewed for what this means. I come from a state where selling alcohol is banned on Sunday statewide. It's a morally just goal to want to eliminate alcohol, but it's legislation has accomplished very little.
If we want to keep Sunday holy, let's eliminate lottery tickets on Sunday to. Let's get rid of porn magazines in stores on Sunday. Let's close down all businesses that are open during church hours. If not, what's the point?
I know what some officials will say. The people voted not to have alcohol. I agree, but most people would vote to get rid of taxes, speeding tickets and other things. But that doesn't make it right.
I respect both opinions, and I can always agree to disagree.

If the newspaper will not investigate the dog pound, call Channel 4 News, they love stories like this.
I hate beer but I'm all for the Sunday Beer Sells. Portland needs the revenue.

Jessica,

While I agree to disagree with you on the liquior and beer issue, If what you say about animal control is true, I find this quite disturbing.

While I am aware of how busy a person can get ( I own a small business and can get very overwhelmed sometimes) Perhaps the gentleman (and I use the term loosly) at animal control could use a new job since it is so aweful. Or perhaps some classes on dealing with the public, after all he is only there because WE pay him to be there, maybe he has forgotten that.

I know this is off subject but if what you say is true, this really troubles me. Maybe one of our local papers could go to animal control and investigate further, I know they read this blog.

Sorry to stray off subject, but maybe this speaks to a larger problem......I am a firm believer that attitude reflects leadership, maybe we should look at his supervisor,(whomever that may be)maybe there we will find the problem.

Ms. Jessica, I think I can answer your question you asked Tim. Why has it never passed? From what I have observed, there is a new market that has been built at the corner of 52 & 31W. Evidentially the business is suffering due to the fact that he is slammed with customers on Sunday attempting to purchase beer, and he reluctantly has to turn them away and refer them to his competitor across the street who can sell it. I think he has asked for assistance with this, and there is finally a city council now that might actually consider this change. It’s been tried several times before, but good ole politics kept stopping it. It’ll be interesting to see if it even passes this time. We’ll see….

Keeping an open mind is very important, but as we all know, it is MUCH easier said than done. I,however,am not trying to be a downer on the supporters of this issue, I am merely trying to understand their point of view, since I do not see the perks in the ways others here do. I am quite confused on something you brought up as well,Tim.If so many are for it, why hasn't it been passed yet??? Just makes me wonder what will change the vote this time..

Mr.Mcdowell, May I ask you a question? With no disrespect,but You mentioned our animal control being able to compete with other cities.Have you honestly seen our animal control center?? Have you ever needed their services?? As much work as I know goes into such a job, I am afraid I can not give the two thumbs up on this city's service. I moved into the Cornerstone Sub. recently and found an old Yorkie wandering the streets, feeling sorry for it, I took it in, gave it a good bath and fed it,not being able to keep it,I called Animal Control..i had to call 15 times before someone answered the telephone, the gentleman was quite rude but said he would come get the dog in about 20 minutes, 2 full hours later, dog still at my home,I call again,5 tries later, the man answers and I explain who I am and was wondering why he didn't come get the dog..he raises his voice and says "I'M THE ONLY PERSON HERE! I CAN'T DO EVERYTHING AT ONCE! I'M A BUSY MAN!" I told him to forget it and that I did not need him to come and get the animal,I would take it to Animal Control myself,A kennel is no castle,but it was a very nasty place, and urine along with feces were everywhere. I hope that isn't the 5 star treatment of animal control you are insisiting on is so high class.It was quite disturbing.

Well, here I am again posting on this topic when I thought I would let enough be enough. This really in a way is not completely about Sunday beer sales, but it might be an interesting point. I felt the urge to respond back to something I thought was motivating conversation. What I am referring to is this talk about Franklin’s welfare without alcohol.

First let me say with respect to Jessica, I appreciate your interest and comments on Sunday beer sales, whatever your position on it may be. This is not intended to be a rude remark back to you but hopefully because of your comment, we can all share different opinions as to why this may be.

You may not have known, but last year Franklin voted in liquor by the drink. I understand that it has impacted their economy and growth in a positive way.

I am not in any way trying to force alcohol sales. This is merely an observation. However if you really take a look at Franklin, and why it has managed in the past without alcohol I believe it’s because its infrastructure is nowhere near a comparison to Portland.

First off: We have a fully staffed, full-time fire department (they don’t). We have a much larger Police Department than they do. And all of our departments from Parks, Sewer, Sanitation, Streets, Water, Gas, and Animal control I would put up against any city anywhere! It takes a lot of money to support a budget composed like that.

Second: A major influence to the retail is that Franklin is the county seat of Simpson County, (we’re not).

Third: Cracker Barrel and the hotels that surround it are along an Interstate exchange that has utilities available for developing (we don’t).

Fourth: Wal-Mart and, coming soon, Lowe’s are actually not in the city limits of Franklin but once again they are at an advantage because of the interstate exchange.

The last thing that I’m sure we all can agree on is that at any given time, go shop or eat at one of these places, what do you see? PORTLAND PEOPLE!!! Am I starting to make sense here? I’ve always believed that if it weren’t for us folks from Portland, those businesses would go bankrupt.

With that being said, that kind of retail and our money being spent there, they don’t need tax money from alcohol! I wish we didn’t have to resort to it either! I know you’ve all heard a million times that we generate over a quarter million dollars annually in taxes from beer sales. This money is used to balance our budget and provide us with many services.

Now there’s a flyer posted in our banks and other places that is encouraging us to “Shop Portland First” It explains that a 10% increase in sales is the same as a 5% property tax increase! Does this not seem contradictory? “Shop Portland First” but not on Sunday! I just don’t understand! THIS, fellow residents, is why I support beer sales every day of the week. If we’re going to sell it, then sell it! Franklin used to not sell it. Did that stop them from drinking it? Nope! They came here and bought it! Do we stop folks from getting it on Sunday? Nope! They go right outside the city, get it, and bring it back. Am I forcing alcohol down your throats? Nope! I am simply giving you the basis for my opinion. I fail to see how this is FORCING anything! PLEASE keep an open mind!

Jody McDowell

It seems that there are more people in favor or at least open to the idea of beer sales on Sunday on this blog than there are against it. It truly brightens my day to see so many people with good common sense putting forth their opinions. Lets just hope everyone uses common sense when they drink as well. My question is this: if there seem to be so many people in favor or indifferent to the changing of this law,where do some of the other councilmen get their data for their argument on the other side? Are they just polling the people that they go to church with? Lisa, you make a good point about Logans, O'charleys etc. But I am going to go a step further.I feel that if you patronize these establishments, you are supporting them, whether you drink or not.But we all still eat there, we just dont always chose to drink,and thats all thats being asked for here is a choice.Jessica, you make some valid points too. Franklin is growing and was on the verge of it before liquor by the drink got voted in, but has really taken off since then. Lets compare ourselves to another near by town: Lafayette. The only advantage they have on us is being the county seat and they have Wal-Mart, Tractor Supply,RiteAid, Walgreens, etc. How does atown with less than half the population of ours support this much retail with little or no manufacturing or industry within its borders? We have more industry than you can shake a stick at, but nowhere to spend our money.As far as drunk drivers go, unfortunatly,the more people that move in the worse its going to get. The PPD badly needs help to keep up.About all we can do as parents is to instill our beliefs and morals into this younger generation and hope that it sticks in their minds. Iam trying to do my part and I hope that other parents and role models are doing the same.

Well put Lisa, Also Jody I have supported you in most cases, expect when you have done more for a certain builder along with the rest of the council, but in this case on beer on Sundays you are 110% right we lose money and they buy at the shell station, Also ever wonder one don't might just get open when that person leaves the shell or where ever they bought it, think about that for a second, and yes if you buy in Portland it could happen too. So let it pass and get the money and STOP handing it to surrounding counties.

I agree that I want my family safe also, but what is the difference if someone goes to another town on Sunday and has a beer at the bar. Or goes to the Titans game in Nashville and has quite a few beers and then drives home. They are putting my family more at risk by driving from someplace else after drinking then they are if we allow beer sales and they go home and watch the game. People drink all the time in this town and that is their choice it is up to our fine Police department to stop these people from driving. I agree that it is not always possible, but stopping beer sales in Portland on Sunday is not going to stop these people from drinking and driving.

I think that we should all have the right to make our own decisions on our actions, this is America afterall and we are a free country,but there are some real stupid Americans out there that make horrible decisons that put my family's life in danger and this law isn't going to change that no matter how the votes go. I guess I am just looking for a way to help prevent drunk driving in our town, and it doesn't seem like there is much support for that around here, so buy your beer, but remember you are responsible for your actions and no law can make my family safe from your drunk driving.

Ashley,

I want to say thank you because, yes there are other religions that go to church on Saturday and beer is sold on this day.

I dont see a problem with beer being sold on any day of the week because it is everyones personal choice to buy that beer whether it be here in Portland or going to another town to buy it. As I have learned from "Jack Canfield; The Success Principle" everyone is responsible for their own actions. You must take 100% responsibility for your own actions. Do not blame other people for your actions. Quit blaming Mr McDowell for your actions and acting like he is the only one pushing this. There are a lot of people who support this and he is just trying to be the voice for all of us who cannot be.

What is the difference for you people to scream "no no" this is immoral, but then you get out of church (if you even go to church) and you go to Logans, O'Charleys, or some other place that has a bar. Do you not go in if they have the game or race on and people are drinking beer? Or do you buy a beer while watching? I think most of it is you are scared your friends and neighbors are going to see you buying beer in Portland so you think if you keep it out and you go somewhere else then you can go there and not get caught. Also what about those of you who think it is immoral, but do go out on Saturday or another day of the week and buy beer then on Sunday when the ball game comes on or the race comes on you sit in front of the TV and pop open a cold one. Is that not being immoral? Lets all grow up everyone has a choice on what is right for them. Lets stop shoving how immoral it is to have liquor by the drink or buying beer on Sunday down our throats and give every citizen in Portland the right to choose!!

Very well said Councilman,

Typical that when people have no other defense to an arguement, they start personal attacks, I don't care about your personal history, that is for you and your family to deal with, not me or anyone else (even those who seem to be self righteous).

Let's keep our eye on the ball here, I agree totally with what you say, and I don't ever mean to come off as harsh, But I too love to come here and express my opinions. I hope it passes, and I hope liquior by the drink will pass as well someday. Portland will grow when this happens.

Franklin Ky does have liquior by the drink, and has started to grow SINCE this passed.

I admire your willingness to stand up for what may not be popular, but trust me, there are many, MANY of us out there who agree with you.

Come on people, let's grow up a little,Aren't we all adults here? There is certainly no need to resort to critizing each other! You can certainly make your opinion clear and debate without bringing up completely unrelated issues.

And I slightly agree with you JH..Franklin,KY seems to be doing just fine, heck, they have much more than we do! Although I do not know their money situation, I don't see the town of Franklin crumbling because of their beer laws and I don't see why people think Portland will/is. It just seems silly to make such a fuss over something like this,let's get down to some serious issues to work on...vote on it and get it over with, I don't care either way it goes, just stop wasting time and make a choice. It won't please everyone,nothing ever will, but like I have stated before, if this law gets tossed aside, some good things better come out of the money Portland supposedly will make from it.

I dont think the law should have anything to do with morals.Every person has a different set of morals.It should be about adults being able to buy beer when they please.I dont understand how people can honestly say it is wrong to buy beer on Sunday? You can buy beer on Saturday is that not a Holy day for some?I see, its just your way thats right so the other religons are not important? Would it not make more sense to keep the money that it produces in Portland? I have drove to the interstate many of times to buy beer(hold back your stones).I dont think Portland will turn into sin city because people would be able to buy beer on Sunday!

Well, isn't it amazing to ME that every time I stand up for something unpopular that MY morals and tour of duty with the Police Department get thrown up in my face! If you had the foggiest clue what you were talking about, it might matter! This is NOT a blog for personal attacks. It's to share ideas and comments in a mature manner. If you ever want to know about my past, just ask. I'm a big boy and I'll be glad to fill you in. Kinda hard to do when you annonomously post your replies. And by the way, Franklin, KY DOES have liquor by the drink, and I personally don't care if it's voted for or not, it's just MY opinion!

Isn't it amazing that a person who was dismissed from the police department for being at a party with teen age girls while on duty would preach to use about morals. I also wonder how Franklin, Ky manages to prosper and grow when there is no alcohol sales in the entire county. Maybe we should leave the laws the way they are and change the councilmen instead.

It's amazing to me how Councilman McDowell chooses this to respond to. He misses EVERY committe meeting and misses several council meetings and the ones he makes, he is late. If someone is opposed based on principle, then in HIS mind that is not a reason.
Hey COUNCILMAN MCDOWELL, pay attention to all the issues and quit forcing alcohol down our throats.

Why does it seem like alcohol always gets the attention here?
Jessica thank you, who ever you are, for mentioning the fact that with all the issues we face, we always seem to get hung up on these type conflicts. It never ceases to amaze me that we, as councilmen, argue and debate for hours on end to spend fifteen dollars, yet vote a half million-dollar decision in twenty seconds.

I love this town, and would never do anything to danger our citizens. Traveling all over these United States from towns big to small, I have seen it all! So many of the towns I visit, have dealt with the same dilemmas as we. And you know, the ones that sell the beer on Sunday, and the ones that have the liquor by the drink, are no less holier than our precious town.

I respect everyone’s opinion. However, I have still heard NO strong argument for why we shouldn’t sell beer on Sunday other than someone just doesn’t believe in it or think it’s right! The cold hard fact that we have to accept is that alcohol is a legal product. Do we all have to agree with that? Absolutely not, but the forefathers of this city decided to allow us to sell it legally and having beer for sale on Sunday as opposed to any other day is not going to increase the chances for abuse.

I will always be a firm believer that a person can abuse ANYTHING! Including food, tobacco, caffeine, and yes alcohol. We understand why, and don’t have a problem with the elderly lady sitting on the front pew at church taking her sleeping pill to get a good night’s rest, but we arrest and jail the ones who down half the bottle and try to function that way. You see, THEY are the abusers!

Here is my opinion about alcohol, and other drugs as far as that goes; I see this scenario over and over again. We seem to think that if we ignore it, it will go away. Lets not let our stores sell it, lets not let our restaurants sell it, lets pretend it doesn’t exist and it will just disappear. Well folks I am telling you, it is NOT going to disappear. I don’t care WHO you are! Teachers, Preachers, Brothers, Sisters, sooner or later, you, your children, someone you dearly care for will come in contact with alcohol. It’s up to us ALL to teach them the responsibility of it. Let’s educate them on what it does, how it affects life, and how NOT to become the ABUSER! Furthermore lets offer help to the ones who HAVE become the abusers. Would this not make more sense? I just ask everyone to keep an open mind about this.

I will close by saying this; being on the city council is one of my greatest enjoyments, besides my children. I strive to always make the wisest decisions. I believe everyone knows by now that I do NOT ride the fence on issues such as this. I will be man enough to tell you how and why I feel the way I do. It seems to me that once a person is elected to handle a position like ours, that any decision we make, for or against something, should be respected without fear of being crucified over it. Our decisions are not always easy, especially when it involves moral issues such as alcohol. Furthermore, I mean no disrespect to my fellow councilmen who are ministers, deacons, etc. We have to be mindful of our decisions. We can not let our personal beliefs interfere with our duty to serve this city. We ALL have opinions of how things should be, but that doesn’t mean we have to put the city’s welfare aside for our own agendas.

May God continue to bless this beautiful city,

Councilman Jody McDowell
615-394-3139

This law was based on someone trying to instill that Sunday should be treated as holy,which is what so much of the world has forgotten and has nothing to do with a person being unholy because they made the choice to drink, that would be ridiculous and was not implied. My single opinion certainly won't change the world,nor will it change anything in this town,but this blog is strictly for opinions and I feel I can express my thoughts about this issue without fear of not "fitting in" persay and I enjoy listening to other's views,it helps us all see the world through each other's eyes for a moment. I realize we all have different ways of looking at this issue, but I have never tried to portray someone who drinks as a bad person, I just don't see the big whoop over this law.I find it sad that so much else is going on in the world and in our town to work on and that so much time and effort is being used on when someone can buy beer and when they can't. Oh and I apologize for mis-stating Mr. Stinson as a council member, I didn't notice the caption below until now,I like the country pride no matter who it is :)

Jessica,

Are you saying that if one chooses to have a beer, they are immoral?

How do you arrive at that conclusion?

I agree you can not legislate morality, but I don't see this as an issue of morality.

I fail to see how if someone want's to drink beer or liquior makes them immoral. I am sure the arguement will be, it causes you to get drunk. Yes it does, but how do you propose we keep people from getting drunk?

This whole idea that somehow a person drinking makes them "unholy" is so rediculous.

I am all for it, and have been for years. Why not take that money and earmark it for some of the pet projects that have proposed around town? If you're going to have a "sin" tax, use the money generated from it for something good.Jessica, I apologize, but you cant legislate morality. Its been tried several times in our country and it never works on any level. And Mr. Stinson is not a council member, he's a member of the alcohol beverage board, there is a difference. Now if we can only get some liquor package stores we'll be in bussiness.

I am all for adults being able to buy beer when we choose to..I have always thought this law was just stupid.

I have already expressed my opinion on the Sunday sales.Money making will always be the focus for the many in this issue rather than morals, and if the law does change, I hope that it will result in more alert police to catch drunk driving and hopefully the money it does bring to Portland will do some good rather than nothing at all to improve our city.

Just a little note, I love how the a council member in good ol Portland,Tennessee can show up to work in overalls...doesn't get more country than that!

Well if you want beer on Sunday all you have to do is go to Shell by the interstate to purchase it. We are just letting the revenue go somewhere else. As much as they are always talking about how much more money that our city needs why not go ahead and sell beer on Sundays.

I do not see a problem with it. It's a known fact, If you want something, you go where it is sold. Portland needs all the revenue they can get and if selling beer on Sundays will help the city I say "Go for it"!