Thoughts on Proposed Ordinance Change

There is an item on our next City Council agenda that seems to have already caused some stir.  On the agenda for discussion and possible action is the change in the ordinance that currently prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages on city property.  Given the stir and the number of questions swirling around, I thought I would go ahead and share my opinion on this proposed ordinance change.  Please indulge me and continue to read on despite the lengthy explanation to follow. 

I have to admit, this is one of those issues where I'm on the fence, which for me is rare.  I'm very right versus wrong, right versus left and don't dwell in many grey areas.  However on this item, I do see a grey area.

The current ordinance is extremely restrictive.  It offers no wiggle room at all.  It is written as unlawful without exception.  This has admittedly been an issue in the past with the Cruisin' Concerts (which I chaired and have first hand knowledge of) and was brought up again recently with the requests for a possible fishing rodeo, a wine and cheese fundraiser, etc. 

In a world where local city and county authority is being taken away increasingly by the state and federal governments and where it is becoming more and more difficult to generate business and event interest which then generates a diversified tax base thanks to the outside visitors such events bring into our city thus easing each of our tax burdens, allowing such possibilities on an as requested, as approved basis would make sense.  Essentially, it would provide the possibility for economic development, large events, and other opportunities we do not see now.

Some cities, such as Biloxi, outlaw alcohol on city property unless approved by their parks and recreation director, city manager, or other city employee. This essentially takes the political heat off those City Councils and passes the buck.  To me, City Councils were elected to make such calls, not City staff, and we shouldn't be passing the buck.

Since we are not a dry county and alcohol is legal, giving the City Council the authority to approve such requests would seem prudent.  Simply never reviewing the merit of these requests is not practical.  Giving a blanket denial (as is done now) or a blanket approval (which I would vote against) to me is not wise.  Putting the decision in the City Council's hands since they are elected and responsible for our city's growth or failure would have merit.  This would allow a public hearing for all such events and allow the public and the City Council the opportunity to voice their concerns and/or support giving us all more say over the growth or demise of our city.

This to me is a constitutional rule of law issue.  I believe that a republic government's role is to provide equal opportunity for all and it is up to the individual and the local governing bodies to control and enforce the limits where one's personal freedoms begin to conflict with another's.  That is the balance against which I measure how I vote on all decisions facing our City and is always in my mind.  I must balance my own will and convictions with the will and convictions of all whom I serve, whether they are red, yellow, black or white; blonde, brunette, or red headed; white collar or blue collar; Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, or Atheist.  To me, the greatness of our nation is that all of these people and groups are welcomed and encouraged and given a voice.  Reaching a fair balance and moderating activities is the answer.  And since we are talking about public taxpayer properties, I feel it is important to allow the opportunity for equal access to all taxpayers through a public vote allowing the citizens and the City Council a say, thus giving everyone the same footing to access of the property of which we all pay for.

There are areas and events in my mind I wouldn't ever vote to permit alcohol (such as 12th Street Park, the ball fields, etc.).  As a matter of fact, I have received another proposed draft ordinance exempting I.G. Levy and Beach Park from this change.  That sounds nice and is intended to pacify some, but if you're going to restrict an area or two, why change the ordinance at all.  This only invites problems later.  We elect City Councils to act in our best interests and to make decisions based on facts, facts that either positively or negatively effect our City by listening to those they serve.  Tied hands never create anything. 

I still believe that the best government is the government closest to the people.  I'm for giving the local governing bodies more control over their futures through open public debate and discussion.  Passing this ordinance to me does just that while maintaining control of our future through the public's input and a City Council vote.  However, restricting areas just to appease and get the ordinance passed is not healthy either.  Either we leave it as it is or we allow the City Council to permit the use of alcohol through a public vote process.

I for one am not afraid to vote my convictions.  If I feel through discussion an event would adversely effect our children or would create a public police nightmare, I'll quickly vote to deny.  Similarly, if an event is a positive function designed to benefit our community, I'll support it if I see said benefits.  To me, it's not about the alcohol; it's really about what events best fit and promote our City and what events can best help to diversify our dwindling tax base.  Right now, we don't know what's out there or what possibilities are around the corner.  I'd like to have our City Councils now and in the future have the most resources to capture the most opportunities.

I know there are those who simply disdain alcohol.  They see the hurt lives and struggling families.  I've seen those and have dealt with some of this in my own extended family.  I also know, having been raised and having served in churches in various capacities all my life, the quick ire such discussions can cause.  I personally do not believe the sacred scriptures ban alcohol.  I believe it preaches moderation through self control and maintaining an upright public witness.  This may differ with your personal beliefs  and your interpretation of scripture but I trust our hearts and intent are similar in that we both seek to understand the mysteries of the Word and the understand God's love and character more fully.  I have not divorced my faith from such arguments; it is my relationship with the Creator that allows me to be free and to realize that I am to do my part to impact my community and engage those I serve whether in a relational one-on-one way, which is where I believe ministry best occurs, or within the context of my roles in life, including politics.  I balance my own beliefs with the intent and spirit of the republic and the voices of the people. 

I also believe the law of our land does permit alcohol consumption and has legalized it meaning we as individuals and as local governing bodies are left to enforce moderation upon ourselves since government is established for all, those who drink and those who don't.  If you believe alcohol should be illegal, then call for a referendum and let's vote as a citizenry to change the law.  I see my position on this as trying to balance the two sides while maintaining my own convictions.  Giving the Council a vote and allowing the public to offer input does that in my mind. And restricting areas just to pass the ordinance only opens up future problems.

To read the two proposed ordinances for yourself, click on the links provided above.

The only difference in the current ordinance now in place and the first proposed change (#1) is the phrase ""Except as otherwise specifically authorized by the City Council..."  The second proposed change (#2) keeps that phrase as well but exempts I.G. Levy and Beach Parks.

I hope this helps clarify my position on this issue.  Please feel free to email or call me with your opinions.  As always, I am willing to listen and discuss any possible concerns or suggestions you may have.

Also, take a minute and vote in the opinion poll below to help me hear from you.

Frank Corder
Pascagoula City Councilman - Ward 4