Perryman: Alcohol Measures Would Strongly Benefit Economy

TYLER — Renowned economist Dr. Ray Perryman Wednesday indicated that Smith County will see strong economic impact if it passes pro-alcohol propositions in November. Perryman predicted a sales tax revenue increase $4.9 million, the possible creation of some 1,600 jobs, and a total economic impact of over $7 million. The original numbers were just a little over half of what Perryman reported Wednesday to community leaders and media. Perryman pointed out that Tyler’s daytime population swells to over a quarter of a million due to commuters and shoppers.

Bob Westbrook chairs the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee and serves as treasurer of the pro-alcohol Buy Local First group. He says he’s excited by the numbers, pointing out that they may encourage local governments to rely less on property taxes. Westbrook says that could encourage local entrepreneurs to expand their businesses.

There are four propositions on November ballots. Residents of the city of Tyler and Justice Precinct 2 will each decide on sales of mixed drinks in restaurants where it’s not already permitted, along with sales of beer and wine in local stores. An opposition group, Stand Strong for Tyler, continues to fight the propositions. One of that group’s key actions has been to contest the validity of the petitions that got the propositions on the ballots. Local officials continue to insist that the petitions are valid and were properly approved by the city of Tyler and Smith County.