Rusk Voters Approve Beer, Wine Sales

RUSK -- Beer and wine can now be sold at grocery and convenience stores in Rusk, and restaurants with a license to sell alcohol will be able to sell mixed drinks in the city.

The alcohol election involved two propositions: proposition 1, which allows the "legal sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption only" and proposition 2, which allows the "legal sale of mixed beverages in restaurants by food and beverage certificate holders only."

John Hatch with Texas Petition Strategies -- a firm hired in January by proposition supporters -- has said neither proposition allows liquor stores in Rusk.

Proposition 1 passed with 356, or 52.2 percent, of the votes for and 326, or 47.8 percent, of the votes against.

Proposition 2 passed with 379, or 55.7 percent, of the votes for and 301, or 44.3 percent, of the votes against.

These results are complete but not official.

"I was pleased to hear that it passed. We appreciate all the support and we appreciate the voters recognizing the economic value of this issue," said Martha Neely, treasurer of Rusk Citizens for Economic Growth.

Hatch also expressed his delight with the election outcome.

"We're very excited. Clearly the information got to the voters," he said. "I think they finally heard the message that this was not about liquor in Rusk."

Lee Welch, member of Citizens Against Legalized Liquor, has said it's the "unintended consequences," such as underage drinking, domestic violence and driving under the influence that would concern him the most if the propositions passed.

Volunteers helped CALL with the campaign by addressing postcards and making personal phone calls to people regarding the election, he has said.

Welch previously said about 100 people had helped out with CALL's campaign, whether by contributing or volunteering their time.

Tyler resident Jim Haire is one of the volunteers who helped CALL.

Haire previously confirmed he passed along information that CALL could use in its campaign, but was not paid for providing the information.

The campaign supporting the propositions has consisted of normal practices, Hatch has said, such as advertising and making phone calls.