Chatham Chatlist Highlights» liquor by the drink

Need a time out?

Chatlist Moderator — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 03:49:52 +0000

Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 10:29:08 -0700 (PDT)
From: Jennifer Gillis
Subject: Need a time out?

People, people, people. . .what flew up your britches??!! Really, it’s getting to the point that a person has to put on a suit of armor before reading the chatlist anymore. Can’t we get back to requests and recommendations instead of all these mean-spirited recriminations? Sheesh!! Go on, drive in the left-hand lane to the nearest place that accepts Plentys and have yourselves a big ol’ mixed drink, for goodness sake.

Jennifer

Overheard on polling day on the streets of Pittsboro

Chatlist Moderator — Mon, 25 May 2009 03:18:09 +0000

Date: Tue, 12 May 2009 13:39:35 -0400 (GMT-04:00)
From: doug berg
Subject: On the streets of Pittsboro

Overheard on polling day:

“Sir, how do you feel about liquor by the drink?”

“Well, it’s a bit early, but if you’re offering….”

Last Week’s Hottest Bulletin Board Topics – Week of May 10, 2009

Chatlist Moderator — Tue, 19 May 2009 12:55:28 +0000

Date: Sun, 17 May 2009 22:58:13 -0400
From: Gene Galin
Subject: Last Week’s Hottest Bulletin Board Topics

Last Week’s Hottest Bulletin Board Topics

1. Pittsboro-Chapel Hill Fixed Route Transit Service (Read 3282 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,6235.0.html

2. LBTD Voting results (Read 1846 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,13005.0.html

3. I live in the town, not the county. I don’t need county cops’ protection and shouldn’t have to pay for it (Read 1677 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,11807.0.html

4. Senator Richard Burr’s Office Just Called Me Regarding Chathams ICE Resolution!! (Read 1602 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,12884.0.html

5. Pittsboro taxpayers to foot the bill so Lyle’s kid can ride the bus (Read 1589 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,11440.0.html

6. What am I mssing ?? (Read 1519 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,13150.0.html

7. Please help out Colleen if you can with a Plenty mixup (Read 1210 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,13066.0.html

8. Join Us for a Town Hall Discussion (Read 1095 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,13048.0.html

9. Chatham County Economy and Growth for Jobs – Heading in the Right Direction? (Read 949 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,13079.0.html

10. activerain.com – Chatham passes LBD. What happens now? Pretty much nothing (Read 939 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,13093.0.html

11. Would you commit $32/month for 18 months to support the Pittsboro to CH Bus? (Read 907 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,11509.0.html

12. The Future of the Pittsboro Plenty Funny Money? (Read 722 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,13084.0.html

13. Looks like citizens will pay $24,000 for busline for a few (Read 598 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,13210.0.html

14. Did we really need LBD in Chatham to get a hotel? (Read 505 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,13098.0.html

15. Pics & Video from “Opportunity Chatham” Meeting in Siler City (Read 377 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,13111.0.html

16. The GOP and the CCV at Siler City Alive (Read 363 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,13074.0.html

17. AT&T phone cable cut (Read 352 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,13118.0.html

18. Bynum ballfield (Read 340 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,13114.0.html

19. TN – Immigration protesters’ day in court to continue (Read 295 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,13194.0.html

20. Relay for Life has moved to Saturday Event (Read 286 times) at
http://chatham-county-nc.com/bulletinboard/index.php/topic,13159.0.html

Mayor Voller’s post is not a hoax

Chatlist Moderator — Sat, 09 May 2009 02:14:47 +0000

Date: Fri, 01 May 2009 12:26:58 -0400
From: Cindy Moore
Subject: that one is NOT a hoax

The one about the gentleman’s club may be a hoax but did everyone read on down about the comments from Mayor Voller and listing Steve’s name?????

that one is NOT a hoax and has had A LOT of comments……not all supportive

Pray!

We think the gentlemen’s club post is a hoax

Chatlist Moderator — Sat, 09 May 2009 02:13:21 +0000

Date: Fri, 1 May 2009 11:41:28 -0400
From: Lynn Richardson
Subject: we think this is a hoax

Sharon and others, an associate in my office, Chatham County Planning Department, has looked into this posting and we think this is a hoax.

I suppose it could become a reality in the future that Chatham County or the Town of Pittsboro could receive an application such as this, but this posting seems to be bogus.

Have a good day, Lynn Richardson

Does Mr. Voller have a problem with people who have a different opinion?

Chatlist Moderator — Sat, 09 May 2009 02:12:08 +0000

Date: Fri, 1 May 2009 11:18:19 -0400 (EDT)
From: Sharon Thomas
Subject: Randy Voller’s Post

Mr. Voller – Do you have a problem with people having a different opinion than you?

Today, I read a post in the Chatlist that a gentlemans club is waiting to come to Chatham County if this passes. Is this the way to better the quality of life in Chatham County? Believe it or not, there are people who object to Liquor by the Drink and the effects that it will have .

“VOTE AGAINST LIQUOR BY THE DRINK” on May 5th

Sharon Thomas

Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:42:48 -0400
From: Randy Voller
Subject: Official Opposition has surfaced to the “mixed beverage referendum in Chatham County

Apparently the Sandy Creek Creek Baptist Association Against Liquor by the Drink formed on April 24, 2009 and today ( 4/29/09 ) filed with the Chatham County Board of Elections.

The treasurer is Steve Moore and the mailing address is 2430 Silk Hope Gums
Spring Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312.
The phone number listed is 919-542-4974

Best Regards,
Mayor Randy Voller, Chair of Positive Revenue Options

Jeffrey Starkweather goes ballistic over the fake gentlemen’s club press release

Chatlist Moderator — Sat, 09 May 2009 01:55:56 +0000

Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 22:06:08 -0400
From: Jeffrey Starkweather
Subject: Anonymous gentleman’s club post was a sick joke

I was sickened to read on the “family oriented” Chatham Chatlist the pornographic spoof posted on Wednesday by an anonymous poster, “Anna Lyst” , entitled ” Gentleman’s Club plans to move into Chatham County if liquor by the drink is approved.”

This was a feeble attempt at satire and it was clear to me from the title of this post that some opponents of the May 5th mixed-beverage referendum will go to any length to spread false
fears among chatlist readers in hopes misleading them into voting against the referendum. Since I did not care much for the Sopranos’ extremely violent television series I was not aware of the obvious references to that TV show, such as the fact that Silvio Dante was a Mafia character in the Sopranos who ran a strip club.

I was also informed that one reader actually called the number listed on this chatlist post as the contact information for this supposed gentleman’s club and discovered it was a porn site. Thus, any minor reading this chatlist post now has the number of a telephone sex line. Nice move “Anna Lyst.”

This poster’s real identity should be publicly exposed by the Chatlist Moderator and he or she should be permanently banned from the chatlist.

Mayor Randy Voller, chair of Positive Revenue Options (PRO), the pro business mixed-drink referendum committee that includes the Chatham County Chamber of Commerce, and I had contacted the League of Women Voters some time back to see if the League would host a public forum/debate on the referendum. With all the false rumors and fears we had heard expressed by both we felt it was important that the public judge for iself the factual support for the views of the supporters and opponents of this referendum. The League agreed to host but could not find an opponent willing to debate us in public. I also understand when the local newspaper were writing stories on the referendum they had a hard time finding opponents willing to speak. We even posted our frustration on this chatlist and none of the chatlist readers came forward to debate us in public, including “Anna Lyst.”

To be blunt about anonymous poster “Anna Lyst.” He or she is simple a unprincipled “coward.” If you want to be part of a public debate about issues in Chatham then you should at least be willing to come forward publicly and make positive arguments for your position, not rely on pornographic spoofs.

As to the substance, PRO has on several occasions pointed out the false fear about honky-tonks joints being located in rural communities or quiet neighborhoods. If Chatham were to have such joints they would already be there with the less expensive beer and wine licenses currently available. Before a mixed-beverage license is allowed, the State ABC Board requires criminal and background checks on owners, managers and bartenders. Thirty per cent of the total sales must be from food. The license is $1,000 a year, in addition to the $400 each for beer and wine. And local governments can essentially veto a location of such a restaurant in a community by demonstrating that it will be “detrimental” to
its character and safety.

Beyond these regulations, those areas of the county that are zoned have a further protection because most of the zoning in rural areas in residential-agriculture and it would require a
rezoning to commercial to locate a restaurant there. The county commissioners have pretty much unfettered authority to deny or grant a rezoning request. Residents living in unzoned areas of the county may want to petition the commissioners now for zoning.

Finally, I believe this damaging and disgusting anonymous post is a perfect example why anonymous posts should not be allowed on the Chatlist. They allow irresponsible posters such as “Anna Lyst” to broadcast false facts and rumors and to personally attack people without being held accountable.

Jeffrey Starkweather
PRO Campaign Advisor
Chatham County Economic Development Board

Baptist Association: No Position on the Liquor by the Drink Referendum

Chatlist Moderator — Sat, 09 May 2009 01:51:03 +0000

Date: Thu, 30 Apr 2009 18:50:59 -0400
From: William (Chip) Pate
Subject: Baptist Association: No Position on Referendum

I was surprised (and disappointed) see the post by Randy Voller, announcing that an organization called “Sandy Creek Baptist Association Against Liquor by the Drink” had registered as a political action group to oppose the mixed beverage referendum – clearly implying that the large association of local Baptist churches had voted in some way to become involved in the political campaign.

That perception was reinforced (if not intended) when I saw a full-page ad in The Chatham News opposing the measure. The ad was signed by “The Churches of The Sandy Creek Baptist Association” and listed the address of the Sandy Creek Baptist Association office – essentially stating that the association was responsible for the message.

While I’m still trying to get confirmation from the association office, a pastor familiar with the effort told me that the Sandy Creek Baptist Association actually has taken no position on the referendum.

I understand that Steve Moore, pastor of Emmaus Baptist Church and apparently listed as treasurer of the political action group, solicited donations via e-mail and did receive contributions from some churches in the association.

But I have been told that no association money has been used in the campaign, nor is the association, itself, backing this effort.

Chip Pate
PO Box 1414
Pittsboro, NC 27312

A few responses to the previous Chatlist

Chatlist Moderator — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:34:34 +0000

Date: Mon, 04 May 2009 16:32:23 -0400
From: CrYpTiK
Subject: A few responses to the previous Chatlist

A few responses to the previous Chatlist, bottom-posted for chronological happy times. All offensive and caustic, of course.
——————– ——————–
Date: Sun, 3 May 2009 07:41:48 EDT
From: Kathie Russell
Subject: AnyLyst crap

I’m not too sure you are right in this, Gene, since at least two posters on this chatlist digest have admitted being influenced by the hoax posting.

I’d contend that if people are intellectually irresponsible enough to be influenced by such a “hoax posting” into changing their opinions solely on the merits of that one individual blurb, perhaps they shouldn’t vote in the first place. Critical thinking, it seems, is severely lacking in America today, and I for one am grateful that the Anna Lyst post revealed to many on the Chatlist just how easily their thoughts can be swayed when they choose to take everything spoken by everyone as gospel. Secondarily, it also helped to spark discussion on the use of government powers to force one group’s chosen morality onto others, yet another topic which is sorely in need of more public discourse. One even said she would like a drink but after reading the bogus post, she realized she didn’t want liquor by the drink here. How many others who did not post a response read it and, not understanding it was fiction, were
horrified into a casting a “no” vote? Not everyone gets cable, I have never seen the Sopranos. I knew the post was fake but I never heard of Silvio Dante. Don’t be too sure this post didn’t earn some “no” votes in this election.

Such easily swayed people are not intellectually responsible enough to be voting in the first place. Because they can, however, it is our job to educate them and help them to grow to the point that they can analyze all of the facts before settling on an opinion instead of being a mindless sock puppet come time to make an informed decision. If you choose to allow anonymous posting, fine. But if that’s the case, you should screen the posts so that blatant crap like that doesn’t get out there. Failing that, you should print a formal notice that the post was fraudulent. Otherwise, you just may be influencing the election in an extremely unfair and undemocratic way.

The fake name attached to it should have been the first hint it wasn’t a real post. ”Anna Lyst” = analyst…I think that makes it fairly clear that the message is to be taken with a grain of salt. Much as how I use the moniker “CrYpTiK” to post leads the reader to perhaps view my posting in a more critical fashion, so the faux nom de plume about Tony’s Cabaret should have invoked some doubt as well. The difference between “Anna” and myself is that I take on a handle in lieu of my real name because people are extremely poor at separating a person from that person’s opinions, particularly when dealing with emotionally charged topics. I don’t feel like being on the other end of a figurative flamethrower “in real life” just because I’m willing to go against popular views. I feel that my consistent appearance on this Chatlist differentiates me from one-shot anonymous posters such as “Anna” and that I am living proof that a more open and unedited discussion on controversial topics can be enabled by the shroud of anonymity.
——————– ——————–
Date: Sun, 3 May 2009 21:10:53 -0400
From: Hollie Smith
Subject: More Official Opposition to LBD surfaces in Chatham County

Looks like Randy Voller and Jeffrey Starkweather of Positive Revenue Options face more official opposition

Apparently several more groups have formed and filed with the Chatham Board of Election.

* Moncure Muslims Against Mixed Beverages Association

* Atheists Against Alcohol by the Drink Association

Religion-Rooted Zealotry Against Other People Doing What Said Zealots Want To Force Them Not To Do By Authority Of God Or Lack Thereof Association.

You’re right, I guess that title’s a bit lofty. Explains the more “well-meaning” names they chose, I suppose. When a drunk driver coming home from Chapel Hill runs over a car full of your children one fine evening, just remember that you folks had the chance to vote to let people social-drink closer to home, okay? Don’t cry on my shoulder when forcing your morals onto others harms your own. Thanks in advance for being so considerate. Sincerely, me.

We are not all sophisticated enough to tease truth from fiction

Chatlist Moderator — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:31:22 +0000

Date: Mon, 4 May 2009 13:47:03 -0400
From: Claire Kane
Subject: phony posting

Unfortunately, I need to weigh in and disagree that we are all sophisticated enough to tease truth from fiction when an undeclared hoax post makes the listand it is NOT April Fools Day.

Many people choose to skim the chatlist most of the time rather than skip it. I do miss some days – but most get a quick look.

I my case, “skim” means that I may not read closely enough to catch subtleties and I don’t read every post. So I especially appreciate topic lines that clearly describe the message contents.

In the case of Anna Lyst, I went by too fast to get the pun. And guess what? SAD TO SAY, the fears and phony plans expressed in this tongue-in-cheek article were not any more outrageous than the dirty tricks and fear-mongering that characterized serious attempts to confuse the facts in Chatham County during other election cycles. I will leave other’s to get to the bottom of that. In my case, I skimmed this one and registered a: “Something-doesn’t-smell-right.-It’s-too-unbelievable!-But:-whatever!” andkept skimming the rest of the chatlist. Once it was brought to my attention,also by chatlist posts, I realized my error. Of course – it’s a fake. But you all had to spell it out for me.

I betcha I am not the only one that goes through the chatlist that way.

So to get the facts, for the sake of those of us who would like a more prosperous community, (where some day, maybe we can even come to work every day instead of leaving town!), please visit http://www.chathamvote4mixedbeverages.org/ and get facts on all aspects of this issue.

And do take the time, even out of a busy day, to make sure to cast your
vote.

Sincerely,

Claire Kane