Rowlett is now "wet," or soon will be. With a vote of about 70% for and 30% against, the "motion passes". Certainly, the additional revenue provided will be welcome. But, there's more to the story than that. I don't want to get into a fight with the more religious members of our town, but to paint a community in a bad light because of liquor stores is not fair. I haven't done a scientific study, but my estimate is that every major sophisticated city in America has liquor stores. Rowlett is going to experience a booster shot in sophistication. When development starts on Bayview (formally Robertson Park), there will be a new degree of sophistication that will begin to arrive on Rowlett's shores. The liquor stores will be a very small part of that degree of sophistication, but it will contribute.
I don't drink much anymore. A little social imbibing satisfies my fancy just fine. A nearness of liquor stores doesn't contribute much to my lifestyle. My daughter gave me a bottle of Crown Royal for Christmas. It is probably about 20% gone to a happier place.
I congratulate Rowlett "officialdom" for a job well done. I can, and will, criticize "officialdom" for what I consider poor behavior. However, I will compliment them for a job well done. They have been on a roll here lately.
It has become apparent that the citizens have voted to enter a rather new contemporary upscale lifestyle. Combined with Bayview, DART, Bush Tollway, the gift of 20,000 jobs being created 20 minutes away, and what I am beginning to see, a certain amount of pride emerging for living in Rowlett. Things should start becoming notable to the better.
It is time to step up to the plate, and point to center field. There's been two pitches straight down the middle. The next one should go right out of the park.