Grapevine liquor, voting fraud, religious test, fight Washington

Grapevine liquor

As county commissioner, I’m honored to represent 15 great communities in north and northeast Tarrant County.

It troubles me when one of the communities I represent is being unduly influenced by a large out-of-state retailer to sell hard liquor at locations throughout their city.

This is what’s happening in Grapevine. Unregulated sale of hard liquor on any commercially zoned property will not provide any significant revenue for the city, nor will it do anything to improve the great quality of life the residents of Grapevine enjoy today.

Grapevine has one of the lowest tax rates in the state, one of the best school districts and the best Main Street.

Can you imagine a liquor store on historic Main Street?

Vote “no” on the liquor issue in Grapevine. Residents and the mayor and City Council have worked hard to make Grapevine a city for families.

Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate’s propaganda letter warns residents of a crime increase, winery tourism collapse and school/church danger if voters approve liquor stores in our city.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission allows cities to forbid stores within 300 feet of schools and churches.

Let responsible voters decide.

Religious test

State Rep. Craig Goldman, in his latest campaign mailer soliciting contributions, directs a few lines of criticism toward his Democratic opponent, Elizabeth Tarrant. He states twice that Tarrant is an atheist and does not share the values of citizens in the district.

How is her being an atheist relevant?

Does Goldman think she should be disqualified from running?

One might expect Goldman, who is Jewish, to be more tolerant of those who do not share the majority Christian belief.

Not long ago being Jewish led many to discount a candidate. Thankfully those days are behind us.

How unfortunate that Goldman is feeding those old prejudices.

As for values, Elizabeth Tarrant is committed to funding our public education system, healthcare for the most vulnerable in society and a living wage for all workers.

These are indeed values this constituent wants represented in the Legislature.

Voting fraud

The coverage of the local investigation of voter fraud on the front page was sad. (“State looks into allegations of voter fraud in Tarrant,” Oct. 16)

Pandering to the fringe right is being encouraged by the Trump campaign.

You know the only reason this sham investigation in occurring in Tarrant County is because it is the last urban county in Texas that would tolerate such cynical behavior — because it is the last Republican stronghold.

Fight Washington

I encourage voters to elect M. Mark Mitchell in U.S. House District 33.

Mark would lead the fight to secure our borders, protect gun rights and limit government.

He will take our Texas ideas to Washington and continue to strengthen our community, not polarize our conservative passions.

Mark has our backs when it comes to fighting the Washington establishment.

This story was originally published October 26, 2016 at 4:50 PM with the headline "Grapevine liquor, voting fraud, religious test, fight Washington."