Mountain Village to stay dryPublished on July 29th, 2010 By ALEX DEMARBAN
Voters in Mountain Village decided to remain dry on Tuesday. The village of 800 on the lower Yukon River considered going damp, meaning alcohol could legally be imported and possessed. But that idea was rejected by a 118-61 vote, according to unofficial results. Alcohol will continue to be outlawed in the village at least for one year, said Anita Andrews, city manager. The city canvas board still needs to consider absentee and questioned ballots on Friday. But with 208 total votes cast, the outcome won't change. Like many communities in Western Alaska, the village has been dry for years. Law enforcement officials have said alcohol contributes to nearly all violent crimes in the region, and votes to change a village's dry status are often rife with controversy. At city hall on Tuesday, voters called repeatedly trying to get results. "It was a really emotional time for everyone," she said. With 402 registered voters, turnout was just over 50 percent. Alex DeMarban can be reached at alex@alaskanewspapers.com, or by phone at (907) 348-2444. |
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