Don't Listen to the Old Man in the Pickup Truck

As economic development director for Anson County, I strongly urge you to vote FOR the Mixed Beverage* Election November 8th. But, more importantly, I encourage you to listen to the voices of the young professionals upon whom the future of the county will depend.

If you look closely at the lower right-hand corner of the blue and white signs urging a FOR vote on Mixed Beverages, you will see they are paid for by YP Anson. So what is YP Anson? Is it some political action committee funded by out-of-state alcoholic beverage manufacturers and casino owners? No, it's Young Professionals Anson, an organization made up of and funded entirely by local business people and community members under the age of 40.

They are the bankers, real estate agents, lawyers, shop owners, entrepreneurs, factory managers, and tradespeople who will lead Anson County into the next decade and beyond. Most of them were born and raised here, left to get a college education, and chose to return and raise a family because they could see the potential and opportunities this community offers.

But they also understand that this county will not reach its potential without a business environment that encourages the restaurants, shops, stores, and attractions that help create a place where people want to live, work, and visit. Most chain restaurants, hotels, and retail stores will not consider a community where alcohol sales are restricted, and many other businesses will not consider a location that does not have restaurants, hotels, and retail stores.

So, don't listen to me if you don't want to; I'm just an old man in a pickup truck. But please do listen to the voices of the young professionals, the business start-ups, the growing families, and the emerging community leaders, and vote FOR Mixed Beverages.

*Mixed Beverages is the general legal term for beer, wine, and cocktails. The law would permit the sale of those alcoholic beverages in all parts of the county.

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