Citizens pour out feelings on liquor

Calvin Bratt
Tribune editor

  LYNDEN – Thirty people came to the microphone in front of the Lynden City Council Monday evening to speak out on the issue of Sunday liquor sales in town – whether to keep the ban or to lift it.
  Citing moral principles, business economics, unique Lynden qualities, and even possible hypocrisy, the full crowd gave the council 90 minutes of passionate comment — and that after an hour-long hearing on airport issues (see separate story).
  The council, which did not take action, had scheduled the public hearing because it felt it wasn’t hearing much on the matter.
  For the record, the tally of speakers was 11 for keeping the city’s 41-year-old ban and 19 for change.
  City leaders should realize that change is a result of growth, said Leonna Gray, who has lived in Lynden for six years. “They should not inflict their personal choices on those who disagree with them,” she said.
  Larry McPhail, with local family roots going back to 1896, emphasized the bad economics of driving away business on Sundays: “We have a situation now where Lynden is actually leaving a lot of money on the table.”
  But two speakers later, Meg Kreig said she and her husband have learned to appreciate the quietness of life in Lynden and “the role of faith in small things,” from tidy lawns to full churches. The Sunday liquor ban is “a way of honoring family and faith and community,” she said, and she gave statistics about the ill effects of removing a liquor ban in Albuquerque, N.M.
  Dr. Walter Meester, a retired physician with experience in drug and alcohol rehabilitation, said increased availability of substances does increase their misuse. Especially on weekends people have more leisure time to be irresponsible with alcohol, he said.
  Several in favor of change spoke about business situations they are familiar with. Banker Fred Moormeier said, “I see business (people) every day at my desk that are struggling to pay the biils."
  Rachael Novak, who is pregnant and with her husband runs New York Pizza Place, said she sees hypocrisy in singling out one day of the week when patrons cannot have some red wine with their pasta. The ban costs the owners up to 10 tables per Sunday and also creates a “barrier around Lynden,” she said.
  Restaurant owner Brian Poag said the “Buy Local” slogan sounds empty when he turns business away on Sundays to go elsewhere.
  But Donna Bajema replied that all the food service businesses knew the city law when they opened up, and she sees “a lot of wealth and prosperity” in Lynden.
  Tim Broersma said that the liquor ban feeds a “stigma” about Lynden that negatively affects other types of business too.
  Some of the comment appealed directly to the Bible or the example of Jesus. Becki Gerlach said she felt “ashamed” that Lynden’s witness relied on such a “shallow value” as not allowing liquor to be sold on Sunday, especially when Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine.
  Doug Broersma, who opened up the whole Sunday liquor discussion by addressing the City Council in August, challenged Lynden to “take hospitality seriously” and not put on an appearance of “hyper-piety.”
  He said that dropping the ban would not significantly change the tone of Lynden on Sundays and that those who want to abuse alcohol will do so anyway.
  Cynthia Ripke-Kutsagoitz said that she knew abuse of alcohol in her own family, and Lynden should stand on the principles of revered city matriarch Phoebe Judson. “Is this a good thing for the community?” she asked.
  Walt DeKraai said he saw his former hometown in California ruined by alcohol and drugs, and Lynden is a wonderful contrast. If people so need to buy a beverage on Sunday, “let them buy milk,” he said.
  Nick Laninga was the only councilor to speak in reaction to all the comment. He said that new residents of Lynden regularly tell the Chamber of Commerce they want the values of the community not to change. “Will our actions change the character of our town?” he asked.
  Councilors Gerald Kuiken and Dave Burns were absent, with advance notice, and will listen to the meeting from a recording.
  Mayor Jack Louws said the matter will be put on the Oct. 20 council agenda. Further written comment will be taken at City Hall until then.
  E-mail Calvin Bratt at editor@lyndentribune.com.