October 24, 2006
Tuesday

On November 7th, 2006, M.I.C. voters will be going to the polls to cast a Yes or No vote on whether or not our Council should take the process a step further to legalize alcohol on Annette Island. There have been many arguments on this issue, some members are for and some against.

"If" it should pass, Metlakatla may open a liquor store on the island, depending on the decisions of the tribal council. Metlakatla has been "dry" for decades. Some members say opening up a liquor store would hopefully put bootleggers out of business, but I have doubts about that, it would seem to me that bootleggers would only declare a 'price wars' on selling liquor, with easier access to more alcohol, just more competition for them. With a liquor store there will be rules and regulations to follow, with bootleggers it's like a "free-for-all," come one come all, whenever. With bootleggers there is absolutely no control at all. And some citizens are concerned now that the Waldon Point Road Project is near completion, that there would be more vehicle accidents if/when a liquor store opens.

Whether or not the legalization passes, alcohol will always be around. Prohibition never did work, and never will. That's why laws are put into place to control liquor violations.

Sincerely,

Virginia E. Atkinson
Metlakatla, Alaska


Received October 24, 2006 - Published October 24, 2006

About: "Long time residence of Metlakatla."

 

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