The three local lawmakers — Rep. Steve Hurst, R-Munford, Rep. Randy Wood, R-Saks, and Rep. K.L. Brown, R-Jacksonville — have effectively killed the bill that gives the Anniston City Council jurisdiction over when and how alcohol can be sold within the city limits. The intent of the measure is to allow Anniston’s four council members and mayor to approve and regulate the sale of alcohol on Sundays. By unanimous vote, the city approved a resolution asking the Legislature to pass the bill.
The bottom line is that politicians with the biggest stake in Anniston’s prosperity should have the final say on this matter. Just makes sense, right? Nope, say Hurst and Wood. Brown is the late-comer on this issue; after initially supporting the measure, he joined his naysaying colleagues in an act of solidarity. In the backwards math of the state Legislature, an objection from only one local representative or senator is enough to doom a local bill.
If Brown, Hurst or Wood wish to interject themselves so deeply into the affairs of the city of Anniston, they should move to town and run for City Council. Until that time, they should put aside their objections to an Anniston-only bill and let it pass.
