For weeks we have been encouraging the passage of House Bill 175 — a measure giving small towns in dry counties the right to decide for themselves whether or not to sell alcohol.

And, this week, we applaud the efforts of some Alabama legislators, who helped ensure some of the smallest towns in our state have yet another economic tool to impact their futures.

For those legislators who opposed this bill and then opposed the override of a governor veto aimed at killing this bill, we simply ask, “what are you afraid of?”

You ask for a person’s vote every four years, but yet deny them the opportunity to vote to further control their town’s future. For many, the power of choice is a fundamental tenant except when it comes to something you stand against.

This bill does what is good in a democratic society; it puts the power of the decision firmly in the hands of the people, the voters.

If the residents of Thorsby and Jemison wish for some businesses in their towns to sell alcohol, then they must now do the work to make a vote happen.

Today we do not endorse a vote, but celebrate the fact the right to a vote has been won.