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The local board finally folded and approved the growth initiative. They tried to keep our lake stagnant for years but they underestimated how hard we would fight to bring jobs and opportunity to our community. Keep your eyes on them because we are not finished ensuring this progress is actually …

August 8, 2016

Smith Lake Economic Growth Initiative

Smith Lake Economic Growth Initiative

🏆 Won — 171 supporters Verified

Final supporters

H
Hedrick M.
N
Nelda M.
C
Charles M.
K
Kit C.
T
Tonia W.
J
John H.
J
Jeffrey C.
J
JW H.
M
Michele T.
E
Eugene M.
+161 more
JD
Started by Jim Davidson 10 years, 2 months ago

Updated: July 28, 2016

Like a diamond that is deep, clear and blue, Lewis Smith Lake is an Alabama treasure. Spanning 21,000 acres and touching over 500 miles of shoreline, Smith Lake's pristine waters connect Walker, Winston, and Cullman counties, and support the recreational and economic activities of the people of North Alabama and beyond. As a tourist destination, the lake is an easy drive from larger metropolitan areas such as Birmingham, Huntsville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa.

While the crystal clear waters, recreational attractions, and environmental beauty of the lake has been enough to attract tens of thousands of to our shores, Smith Lake's full potential as an engine of economic growth has NOT yet been realized. Handicapped by discriminatory limitations, our ability to grow and prosper, and to achieve maximum results for everyone involved, requires that we take decisive action NOW! To move forward, we must find ways to offer more competitive and comprehensive businesses, services, destination-types, employment opportunities, and visitor experiences.

With these limitations in mind, but with a commitment to what we KNOW can be achieved if we work together, and if we let our voices be heard, we ask for your support for the Smith Lake Economic Growth Initiative (SLEGI).

By signing this petition and adding your support to this effort, WE-THE-PEOPLE will influence decision makers both locally and in Montgomery, to act on OUR behalf. In short, we are petitioning the Alabama Legislature to PASS HOUSE BILL No. 69 and to INCLUDE WALKER, WINSTON, and CULLMAN COUNTIES without reservation. This will allow our local businesses, restaurants, and other establishments to offer adult beverages to their patrons on a 7 day per week basis.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! ... and you DO NOT HAVE TO LIVE HERE TO PARTICIPATE..

PLEASE JOIN WITH YOUR FRIENDS, NEIGHBORS, AND FELLOW TAX PAYERS BY SIGNING THIS PETITION. Send a strong message to Montgomery! Tell your elected leaders that you DEMAND EQUAL AND FAIR TREATMENT, and that we be allowed the same rights and privileges as ALL OTHER COUNTIES across our great State!

THANK YOU!

Update: Sunday, July 24, 2016. We have had tremendous support and we THANK YOU very much!! No question, people from all over who know & love Smith Lake agree that we need help growing our economy and our employment opportunities.

Also, as of this time, we understand that the Governor has not yet called a Special Session for July 25th. Rest assured, if no Special Session occurs this month, we are working to ensure that our voices are heard in Montgomery WHENEVER the Alabama Legislature convenes again.

Update #2: July 28, 2016. Thanks to all who've faithfully supported this effort. As you may have heard, there was no Special Session on July 24th. We understand that the next one will be held in September and we're working to see that our voices are heard in Montgomery at that time. Your willingness to sign this petition and help this effort has not been wasted. THANKS to everyone and we'll keep you posted as we make further progress.

Updates

July 19, 2016

The local officials are still trying to ignore the potential of Smith Lake while our businesses suffer under their outdated restrictions. I have been spending my time demanding answers from the county boards and they are terrified of facing the economic reality we are pointing out. They think if they stay silent we will just go away but this momentum proves we are not backing down.

July 19, 2016

The local officials are finally starting to notice the massive pressure we are building against their stagnant policies. This wave of support proves they cannot keep ignoring the economic future of Smith Lake any longer while they protect their own interests.

Reached 100 supporters

July 19, 2016

47 Comments

J
Jim Whisenant
10 years ago Featured

This is so needed. The potential for not only business revenues to increase, but also the tourism. Especially on the Cullman County side.

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Larry Watts
10 years ago Featured

This would allow more restaurants to stay open year around and allow the employment a more local people .

C
Claude Fox
10 years ago Featured

I own a home on Sipsey Pines Rd and a rental cabin in Lakewoods subdivision and would very much like to see this petition approved!!

B
Becky Bonham
10 years ago Featured

It is time for this area to join the 21st century. These laws limiting alcohol sales are archaic. It is a fact that the city of Cullman has prospered economically since "going wet". I am sure this would happen in the Smith Lake area. Wake up!!

J
John Hagefstration
10 years ago Featured

Definitely needed -- let the local merchants and restaurants get the tax revenue!

J
Jeff Thomas
10 years ago Featured

Our lake needs restaurants badly!! . Restaurants struggle around the lake and alcohol will help them survive and hopefully thrive. I run a vacation rental business on the lake and guests are really surprised to find one small corner of the lake where you can drink a beer with your hamburger. Alcohol is being brought to the lake from around the lake...lets let our restaurants and stores sell it.

H
Hedrick Miller
10 years ago

YES!

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Nelda Miller
10 years ago

Smith Lake needs this!