Regarding letting voters have the chance to vote on Nov. 6 on a Sunday sales referendum, the Mayor said, "I am opposed to this, and I feel there already is sufficient time during the week when people can make purchases of packaged beer, wine, and spirituous liquor."

So since when does the mayor speak for all citizens? The people should have the right to decide!

he's afraid to let us vote on it, because it would pass-leaving him with no authority to do anything about it-welcome to Duuuuuuhhhhhglasville!

The people have a right to vote!!! We will vote out this Mayor.

Bye Bye Mr. Mayor.. you are out the next time around.

City Council can still show their power to the citizens. Override the mayors veto on Sunday sales. You voted unanimously last time, do so again.
Show the Mayor he is not in control , the citizens have the right to vote for or against Sunday sales.
If the mayor actually felt that the majority of citizens wouldn't want it, why did he not let it go through for voting?
Because he thinks he has the power and others will follow on the council?
Hope the council shows him what government is all about with a stern vote to override.

I am so sick and tired of right wing politicians telling "the people" how they know what is right and wrong and that only the right wing should be making decisions. Does he realize how scared he appears by trying to say what "the people" can vote on? I am willing to bet he is a Baptist.

OK, so veto the extended hours if you really think that helps. I do not favor your action that but I guess that is your prerogative. I do believe that not allowing your own Citizens to make their own decision on Sunday sales speaks very much to the "me and my Baptist friends" mentality. BTW, ask your own police force about the crime related to "bootleggers" and those involved in crime related to making alcohol available because it is illegal on Sunday...... oh, and by the way, all of this will be available just a couple of miles up the road.

Let me get this straight. The Mayor says, "his belief that a majority of Douglasville's citizens are opposed to the two measures approved by the City Council." Next regarding letting voters vote on Nov. 6, he is opposed to that. How can you believe the majority of citizens are opposed to the measures and you fear letting that majority vote to vindicate your belief? A Republican governor along with a Republican led legislature approved a measure to let citizens vote on this issue statewide. I hope ya'll realize, we have three and a half more years to put up with this guy! City residents really need the Mayoral election moved to the same election year cycle as the County's Board Chairman election. This would get more voters involved in electing a Mayor.

He needs to go! I hope the City Council overrides his veto and I look forward, as a tax paying citizen, to vote the mayor out and the right to buy on Sunday in!

I admire the mayor for standing up for what he believes. I also believe people have the freedom of choice, as long as their not hearting anyone.
Personally I don’t need the extra two hours drinking. And I can buy a little extra Saturday so I can drink at home on Sundays. Are we really trying to attract Atlanta? If you want what Atlanta has you are free to move.

What an arrogant piece of work. Twit

WOW, I don't even drink and this pisses me off!

It's a shame we have to wait until 2015 to vote this guy out of office. He has repeatedly lied to the citizens of this city, and has no one's interest in mind other than his own.

Eric, can you give some examples of what lies Mayor Persons has told? Just wondering. Have any of you met Harvey in person? I think he is quite interesting to talk to and he does have firm convictions, right or wrong. He may be testing people's reactions with this move, knowing that his veto can be overridden.
Also, if alcohol sales somehow leads to more accidents, he can easily say "I told you so" and prove that he was right, even if his attempts to stop after hours and Sunday sales are defeated.
I think his position of "public safety concerns" is actually a bright move on his part because no one can point a finger at him and his decisions in this area should someone be hurt or killed over a weekend due to alcohol sales in this area.
On the other hand, he is very much risking the citizens' anger by "taking away their freedom of choice." That won't win him any votes and could backfire, as we see here. So, I'm just saying, the mayor is testing the waters with a bit of a gamble, maybe sacrificing freedom for safety? Just my opinion. I'm sure he will be just as interested to find out how this turns out as we are. He may be playing the audience . . .

One word for the Mayor, you got to (GO)

His press release alone is ground for recall.
-veto a unanimous vote which will cost our city serous money
-Claim that he did because the majority of constituents agree with him
-in the next breath oppose the idea of those very constituents right to vote on the issue

I feel like we just striped back into a bad rerun of "Dukes of Hazard"

I could care less about buying liquor myself on Sundays, but I've never supported the ban from a philosophical standpoint. But, when the State Law was adjusted and neighboring communities lifted bans, it became clear that we needed to, also. The City Council agreed. State-wide, voters have repeatedly shown their support for the ban.

The mayor's veto was not politically-based, it was religious-based. There is no other explanation. If a politician makes policy against that of the legislature and the people based on a religious value, that is absolutely wrong.

So you can drink in a bar up to 1AM Monday through Friday, but on Sunday morning it causes more accidents? That's real logical thinking! I don't really care about Sunday sales, if you can't plan ahead that far, maybe you shouldn't be drinking anyway!

Sacrifice freedom for safety?!? Seriously?

Great job mayor! You ate doing something that the City Council did not do and that is listen to the people! There were over 300 people at the meeting opposing this and only a few supporting it!! There were also over 1,000 signatures of people opposing this! The City Council did not listen! I do believe the minds were made up even before the meeting and all due to some people making money!!!! I admire the mayor for taking this tough stand!! This was actually said at the meeting by a supporter, "If you are worried about being hit by a drunk driver after midnight, stay at home." Really???

The only reason that many may support it is because most of the public didn't even know about it! If 300 plus came out on a rainy night to oppose then I really think if explained and put to a vote, the people would not want it! Ask the parents of the 2 boys that were just killed on Post road after hours by a drunk driver!!! Why are there bills like this in the first place?? Because drinking is known to be dangerous!! Why would we want to lighten some restrictions??? Most people did not know about this!!!

Just guessing the mayor's office will say that bringing City Council issues to the voters is not consistent with the city's charter. Bond issues probably are, but not policy issues.

Last time I checked, allowing Harvey to have a city issued vehicle (SUV) which he promptly crashed into a pole is more dangerous to the citizens of our great city than allowing us to vote.

*facepalm*

I'm beginning to think that there is something about Sunday that makes people want to drink and willing to fight to do it.

I do not live in the city limits, however i do visit some of the eating places & outdoor concerts. When is the next meeting ? That way we can all attend !

Harvey Persons: I personally do not favor Sunday package sales of alcohol, but feel that there is substantial public opinion to allow it to be placed on the ballot and allow the citizens to decide. The facts for both sides need to be presented and the citizens need to decide this issue.

How any one would vote on this is not relevant, the citizens not knowing about the issue is not relevant, Religion Politics are also not relevant!
This is a matter of freedom, and not allowing the citizens to vote on this or any other issue is un-american,

We need to make sure that we realize the City Council did not vote in favor of Sunday sales. They voted unanimously in favor of citizens deciding the issue. They sided with the State Legislature and the Governor who passed and signed into law SB-10 which allows jurisdictions to place the matter before the citizens and allow them to voice their choice....through the vote.

Let's make sure we are all clear on this....ultimately the Mayor did NOT veto Sunday sales. He vetoed allowing the citizens of Douglasville to exercise their right to vote.

I hope county officials are watching this situation very carefully. When the opportunity arises...public officials should never prevent citizens from voting. I don't care if you are for or against Sunday sales. That's really not the question at this point.

The question is... why can't the people vote and decide per SB-10?

...I was at the City Council meeting as well, and I saw many, many people there wearing green tags in support of local businesses. Those were the same people in favor of placing the Sunday sales issue on the ballot. Notice I say "in favor of putting the issue on the ballot"....not in favor of drinking. There are many people who want the vote who don't even drink that I know. This is about letting the people decide.

It is refreshing to see the level of response to these issues brought up here on Patch. I have tried to stay out of politics since the election, as I felt that the new mayor deserves the space and "freedom" to acclimate to his new office and to establish his priorities and agenda, as is his right. My involvement could be construed as a distraction and unsolicited carping. After my defeat, I supported Mr. Persons in the runoff and felt that he would show a better sense of judgement and responsiveness to the needs of our community. I must now admit that I am very disappointed based upon observing some of those actions in the last several months. I am in agreement with most of the comments above, especially in regard to trusting our citizenry to make its voice heard on such a critical issue. I guess the bottom line is that we hear the voices that we choose to listen to. Let's hope that in the future, our mayor chooses to listen to a wider variety of people.

Bax
Mr. Mayor, Your an Idolit ! All your doing is sending more money to the next county. You can not be a Mayor of the people buy passing judgment according to your wants. The citizens will let you know what they want through the VOTE not your beliefs. One could always go to a bar on Sunday but then he/she would have to drive home opposed to going to the store and buy a bottle of wine and take it home to drink. You show a complete lack of thought and common sense on this matter.

Personally, I don't care either way about the alcohol sales and such, but we have a real problem here...

Let me get this straight. The city council votes 5/5 for something that appears to have popular support. Then the mayor vetoes it AND refuses to let the people vote on it. Does one guy have that much power here?

I'd say that it's time for both sides to put down their bibles and booze bottles for a moment while we handle the much larger problem. We all just got screwed out of our say in things and we can't stand for that. Revolutions have started for less.

Keep in mind that the mayor is driving a brand new Chevy Tahoe that the voters paid for. I guess that wasn't enough to buy his respect for all of us. Typical underhanded Doulasville/Douglas County politics. This is a sad state of affairs.

RN, I see your point, but this is America, let the people vote on this issue, and be done with it. Why is it that we the people have to live by the rule of a few people when we are many. We see this in the courts today, where people vote then one judge say no your votes don't count. Why not bring up the fact that people die every day of the week, and not just on Sunday from a few to many drinks. People are going to do it anyway you look at it.

Vote him out. At least we can still vote for that.

The score right now in Douglasville is:
Liberty for law abiding, tax paying citizens - 0
Religious fundamentalists - 1

It's sad how willing Americans are regarding giving up their right to vote. Persons took that away from you whether you are for or against the issue. This is not something the City Council or the Mayor should decide. This is a personal issue for each citizen to decide for themselves. Let the people vote! Please contact your city council rep and urge them to override the veto.

I hope the city rep's will override his veto. I voted for this guy and I expected him to do the right thing and let "WE THE PEOPLE" decide. This is just another example of big government. The mayor must be afraid of letting us vote because if the law passes, then that will go against what he personaly believes in. To veto a majority vote from the council, all the church goers in Douglasville must have flooded his office with calls, and it really makes no difference because all of the feared drinkers will just go spend thier money in other counties. City council--Please let us vote on this issue.

The strange part of this is that I have a Winston, mailing address, but live Douglasville. I did not vote for Persons, matter of fact I haven't voted for any Mayors since moving here. Yet I pay taxes in Douglasville. I need to find out about this, yes I've been lazy on this, just don't want to make the trip to the court house.

He voted for safety rather than profit and convenience. I appreciate that.

One of the worst parts of this is that we have councilmen who are being harassed and threatened. This is not what this city or county is about and I'm shamed and saddened that those who are trying to do what's right have to put up with this kind of garbage.

The one thing I'm happy about is that I didn't get the chance to vote for HP, as I live in Winston. Now I will for sure go to the voting office to find out why I don't get to vote for things in Douglasville, as I pay taxes in the county. The other thing that I'm happy about is that I'll get the chance to vote this man out.
The other thing is that if you don't want to buy, and partake of adult beverages then don't. Just don't tell me what I can, and can't do.

If I remember correctly, less that 3,000 people honored their freedom to vote for Mayor. Maybe now more will take this responsibility more seriously no matter which way they prefer to vote.

I am not a Baptist and I support the Mayor's decision. Alcohol is a drug and it is a dangerous one. If you want to pickle your liver, it's your decision. You can do it any day of the week. Why do you get all unglued about not being able to do it in one day out of seven?

You're welcome, Linda. I forgot to mention brain damage along with the pickled liver. With some of the comments here, maybe the harm's already been done. I rest my case!

Pure socialism at its best as I see it. Also he wants to be a one term kind of guy. He will for sure get my vote on that issue.

LM,
Nope, toys can stay. Even if they have to pay for them now. I just don't want someone telling what I can and can't do, this is America, you know. If you choose not to go into a store then that is your right. I put in thirty years to protect, and defend that right for you, and America. I think we would make great friends, and have some great conversations. Thanks. Now for me to find out where it is that I have two voting places that I've known nothing about.

The "logic" you've expressed is the same kind that pornographers use to peddle their smut. When your rights to imbibe infringe on my rights to driving on a safe road is where the law steps in. That's why we have traffic lights. Is it UNAmerican to not be able to drive whenever you want, in whatever direction? Certain laws are in place to protect society. If you want to live the law of the jungle, then maybe you should move to one.

OK, thanks for this info that I've never known. I vote at two places. The school, and old court house. Why I've never been told this is beyond me, maybe there was a reason. I know now, and will for sure be there to place an informed vote.

Holy Smokes! That state web site (http://sos.ga.gov/mvp) is a haven for identity thieves. All you need is first initial, last name, county of residence and a birth date to get a voter's full name, home address and a link to change THEIR address in the state database. As a former fraud investigator, I find that frightening. The state need to take a look at that system and tighten up security.

Man, where were all you people when the Government made us give up our freedom concerning wearing safety belts for "our" safety? Or allowing the WSA to collect
"storm drainage fees(taxes) from people who are not connected to the public water system or sewage system? While I agree that it should be put to a vote ( I do not live within the city limits), there a great many things that our government gets away with concerning our freedom and you knotheads don't gripe about them. If you think not getting to drink on Sundays or past 2AM is such a travisty just wait until you wake up one morning and our government tells you that you can't leave your home without permission. HA!

If WE THE PEOPLE have the SAY (in the long run) then WHY do we have any ONE PERSON (the mayor) TELLING US what he thinks we say or what is best for us.
It's up to US to choose if WE want alcohol today tomorrow or the next or even SUNDAY! Mayor said he was concerned about drinking and driving, well Vila Rica is about 15 miles away and they sell alcohol and how many people you think know that in Douglasville? And you best bet that people are going to DRIVE (the thing the mayor is afraid of) drunk or not to get alcohol, hopefully no drunk driving, but you have to take in consideration its possibilities.

By vetoing this he is only making more citizens rise to the occasion and really letting him know who's voice is REALLY heard.

Aside from this issue, the Sentinel reports that Mayor Persons ran his brand new "City paid for" Chevy Tahoe, he had to have because it made such good economic sense, into a light pole. The repairs were done at Wren's Body Shop for the sum of $10,132.66 according to City Finance Director Karin Callan. WOW!! What else will voter's look forward to in the next three and a half years he is in office?

I still can't believe that he first invoked the notion that "the majority of citizens oppose changing the ban," and then chides the citizens for wanting to vote.

I love this paradox, also: "I was elected to make decisions. Do you vote on speed limits or zoning matters? No,”

Mr. Mayor, the city councilmen and women were ALSO ELECTED TO MAKE DECISIONS! All seven of them did on one and five of seven of the other. I guarantee you that, were the mayor to veto a 7-0 zoning issue vote, there would be push-back! Especially if he made the decision due his personal bias or interest against the populace and the OTHER ELECTED LEADERS, like this one.

Ha! the good part of this is that I still have those blue trash bags. Wonder if they are still good? Not sure what he meant when he said that there was a lot of progressive people moving into Douglasville. I am not for sure a progressive.

Since I did not get to vote, I would say a re-call could happen. I'm not sure, but did the people vote on this issue? I now know that I have to vote in two places, one for Winston, and the other for Douglasville. didn't know this before as I was not informed, the one time I went to the voting office they didn't know. I really didn't do my part so I have no one to blame on not voting, but myself but I can bet you it will never happen again.