BETHEL -- Bethel voters said yes to a liquor store but no to bars and other venues for alcohol sales in Tuesday's municipal election, which, according to unofficial results, also will change the makeup of the City Council to one that is more pro-alcohol.
Another 141 absentee and questioned ballots remain to be counted Thursday but with both of Bethel precincts reporting, some of the decisions appear clear.
Voters agreed to higher taxes on alcohol and marijuana – should sales be allowed – than the current base of 6 percent. Under binding tax propositions, the new sales tax rate on alcohol is 12 percent and on marijuana, 15 percent.
In a series of advisory measures, 57 percent indicated support for a liquor store, but fewer than half supported the notion of a bar, restaurant with alcohol sales, a club license like for Veterans of Foreign Wars, or other configurations. Of the options rejected, a bar liquor license drew the least support with 39 percent of the vote. A club license and a restaurant were closer calls, with 48 percent saying they would want the city to support a club license and 47 percent backing a restaurant with alcohol.
The top four council candidates from a slate of six will be seated. As of Tuesday's balloting, incumbent Mark Springer trailed the field and appears to have lost his bid for another two-year term. Incumbent Rick Robb – the current mayor, a position selected by council members – led with 475 votes, followed by incumbent Leif Albertson with 437, challenger Nikki Hoffman with 425 and challenger Alisha Welch with 417. Another political newcomer, Jason Smith, received 402 votes and Springer collected 318.
Springer and Albertson both have been against alcohol sales, and were targeted by those backing a liquor store. Hoffman and Welch support a liquor store in Bethel, as do Robb and another council member, Byron Maczynski, whose seat was not up this time. Smith said he would follow the will of voters.