CHANDLER (KYTX) - If the vote passes, Chandler could see beer and wine at convenience stores and mixed drinks in restaurants, but not everyone is happy about it.
Chandler's motto is "The City With a Heart."
"And frankly, I don't see how the sale of alcohol- beer and wine, mixed drinks, illustrates an attitude of compassion."
Faith Baptist Church Pastor Rick Gray says he has a following of people across denominational lines.
"It's not just the Baptists in town." he said. "I know we have a reputation for being staunchly opposed to alcoholic beverages."
He says his group doesn't have an official name, but they all agree that Chandler will lose its charm if the vote passes to bring in alcohol this November.
"It [Chandler] doesn't look trashy like some of our neighboring cities down South by the lake that count on the sale of beer, wine and mixed drinks for their income."
KT's Seafood and Grill owner Samnang Campos says alcohol would help her restaurant.
"Now, it is okay. Some days are busy, some days are slow because they want alcohol here, but we don't have alcohol."
Gray says it's not the alcohol he's against, it's drunkenness, something that he counsels members of his congregation on all the time.
"It's a constant battle. And why, if we really are a "city with a heart," if we really have compassion for the people who live here, if we really care about them and want to show kindness to them, then why do we want that in our community?"
Chandler city leaders say bringing in alcohol would create more than $6 million in annual sales. If the vote doesn't pass, Chandler could lose between $25,000 to $150,000 per week.
