Less than 10 percent of voters decide fate of liquor stores in Bolivar

While the citizens of Bolivar got ready for their long Memorial Day weekend, an election was held on Thursday, May 21, that would not only decide who would lead the city for the next four years, but also decide the fate of package liquor in the city.
Only a handful of voters, 341 out of a possible 3,792, voters cast ballots, which is less than 10 percent of eligible voters.
The referendum on package stores passed 227-93, or 70.94 percent to 29.06 percent, meaning that Bolivar may now have a liquor store within the town limits. The only other contested race in the election saw Quantissia Tasha Hamer upset incumbent James W. Futrell 86-80, winning by just six votes, 51.81 percent to 48.19 percent for the District A Position 1 seat.
Three other incumbent  council members ran unopposed, and easily won re-election. District A Position 2 was won by Larry A. McKinnie Sr. with 141 votes. District B Position 1 was won by Todd Nealon Lowe with 122 votes. District B Position 2  was won by Tracy S. Byrum with 135 votes.
Rob Jensik, director of the Hardeman County Chamber of Commerce, and supporter of the package liquor referendum, was surprised at the dismal turnout in the election.
“I was surprised that the turnout was so low, especially since there was such a controversial issue on the ballot,” Jensik said.
He went on to say he is hopeful the city will soon get its own liquor store.
“This is going to be a big boost for both the city and the county tax wise,”Jensik said. “ We should do what we need to do to keep shoppers at home."

To view more, please log in or subscribe to the digital edition.