Article: Alcohol and taxes in Athens: Wet or dry debate could influence sales tax vote.

Byline: Holly Hollman

Aug. 5--ATHENS -- When there's a battle for attention at the polls and the contenders are alcohol and taxes, alcohol will win out.

"To voters, public finance issues are as exciting as watching paint dry," said Jess Brown, political science professor at Athens State University. "Emotional, moral issues like alcohol get a higher turnout."

That's the fear of Limestone County School Superintendent Barry Carroll, who is promoting a countywide 1-cent sales tax increase for schools. If it passes, the sales tax will be 9 percent in Athens and 7 percent in Limestone County.

Aug. 14 vote

The tax was the lone issue ...

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