LETTER: In Economic Storm, Don’t Rock The Boat

To the Editor:
There are none so blind as though who cannot see, or hear, apparently.
In a struggling economy, where 7 million plus have lost their jobs over the last two years, and New York State is borrowing almost $100 million a week (not including federal extensions) to cover the cost of unemployment checks,  Governor Paterson has once again proposed in his budget the sale of wine in grocery, convenience and drug stores.
This, after hitting liquor store owners with a floor tax last May.  This floor tax was not on existing inventory and cost owners money that could never be recouped.
President Obama stated recently that maintaining and creating jobs in 2010 is his main focus.  He asked the private sector and small business community to be innovative, creative and maintain job security.
Governor Paterson’s proposal will put thousands more out of work and create no new jobs.  The trickle-down effect on job loss will devastate New York with its already unstable economy.
In December 2009, Governor Paterson’s own law review commission on the state Liquor Authority recommended putting this idea on hold, stating that it required a significant and independent economic review.  It also recommended a series of changes for store regulations, but did not recommend the sale of food items.
It also determined the liquor authority is unable to make prevention of underage drinking a state-wide priority, as it has 38 employees to deal with 70,000 licensed venues.
Ninety percent of all violations occur in grocery and convenience stores.  They can’t properly control the sale of beer.  How will they enforce added wine sales?
This is why state law enforcement is so against this proposal. 
No state in 28 years has legalized the sale of wine in grocery because they know it is dangerous to young people, and costly to taxpayers.
In addition, a Cornell economic impact study released in December found that state liquor stores will lose 30 percent of their profits on average.  A devastating blow that will close stores and create job loss all across the state.  These losses will put even the strongest stores at risk and further push the economic slowdown in NYS.
I ask all reading this: Could you afford to lose 30 percent of your income?
I am once again asking for your help and support by going to LastStoreOnMainStreet.com, send letters, make phone calls, and talk about this topic (No computer, feel free to call me at 432-4144).  Please remember, this is not a wine in grocery issue, it is a common sense, bad for NYS taxpayer issue. 
SHARON WILSEY
Best Wine & Spirits
Oneonta