Upcoming referendum is big decision for our future

Voters in Russellville will head to the polls in November to decide not only the politicians that will guide local, state and federal governments, but also whether or not to legalize alcohol sales within the city limits.

The Russellville city council approved a referendum Monday night to put the issue on the ballot and the voters’ decision will affect Russellville and Franklin County for years to come.

Supporters say the increase in tax revenue will help generate revenue for the city’s budget. Opponents say any money generated would not be worth the new problems they feel legalized alcohol sales will create.

Both sides have strong arguments for their positions, but voters should look into the matter for themselves before deciding how to vote.

They should see how legalized alcohol sales have benefited or hurt towns of comparable size. To see high tax revenues from a smaller town does not help nor does looking at crime rates from a town with a population 10 times larger than Russellville’s.

Be an informed voter when you go to the polls to decide this issue. Making the wrong decision — one way or the other — could hurt Russellville for decades to come.