Valdese Mayor Jim Hatley on Thursday night announced his support for alcoholic beverage sales in Valdese.
Speaking at the annual appreciation dinner for the Valdese Merchants Association, Hatley said, "I don't believe you can legislate morality. If people want to drink, they're going to drink. Why shouldn't the town of Valdese have those taxes instead of Hickory or Morganton?"
Hatley said people already have expressed interest in opening new businesses if the referendum on alcohol sales passes on March 2. Among those are a wine-and-cheese shop and a restaurant.
Hatley said he thought it was time someone on the town council stood up and voiced an opinion.
"(The town council) knows the value of those dollars (from alcohol sales) in the town and what they can be used for," Hatley said.
"I do not want to raise taxes," he declared. Hatley said he believes revenue from an ABC store – another issue on the referendum ballot — will help the council avoid raising taxes.
He went on to describe continuing economic development projects in Valdese.
Clark Erwin is restoring the Old Waldensian Mill in the hopes of attracting new businesses, Hatley said.
One potential use would be a computer training center opened and operated by Olive Hill Community Economic Development.
Another idea involves having three movie theaters that each hold 60 to 65 people and have reclining seats and accompanying bistro tables.
The town has applied for a grant to replace the street lights in town, Hatley reported.
Ronnie Pruitt, owner of Grace Jewelry and a former Valdese Merchants Association president, said the group continues to aid the growth of Valdese as it sponsors town events such as the Halloween treats in the street and Christmas parade.
Hatley noted the association has established a scholarship fund for special education students at East Burke High School and Draughn High School.
Pruitt, whose store opened nine years ago, said business has been on the upswing for the past several years and he hopes that continues.
"I have to be optimistic that it will continue to grow," he said.
Pruitt attributes the success of his business, and many others in Valdese, to the small-town atmosphere that encourages personalized service.
The Valdese Merchants Association has not issued a statement regarding the alcohol referendum.
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