Restaurants typically steer clear of publicly endorsing political candidates. However, in the instance of the upcoming Ward 2 Alderman runoff election between Sandra Sistrunk and Lisa Wynn, it would be irresponsible for us to stay on the sidelines. Lisa Wynn publicly stated in Sunday’s Starkville Daily news that she drives to Columbus and Tupelo to do her clothes shopping as well as dining out because she “can’t do that (get clothing or a good steak) in her own town.”
Supporting our local community is the heart and soul of what we do as local Starkville restaurants and small businesses. We employ your neighbors and sponsor your children’s little league team. We put our own money, blood, sweat and tears into investing in this city that we all love and we strive to make it better for us all.
Every dollar spent at a local business recirculates at least 3 times more than a non-local business. When shopping and eating locally, you simultaneously create jobs, fund more city services through sales tax, invest in neighborhood improvement and promote community development. This creates steadier revenue, more employment and a healthier tax base for our community. We need an alderman that understands those economics and supports us as local businesses.
Current Ward 2 Alderman Sandra Sistrunk is a proven supporter of our local businesses. Therefore, in our opinion, a vote for Sandra Sistrunk is a vote for our local economy and we respectfully ask that you vote Sistrunk this coming Tuesday.
Sincerely,
Ty Thames ( Restaurant Tyler, Bin 612, Zorba’s Greek Tavern)
Brian Kelley ( Restaurant Tyler, Bin 612, Zorba’s Greek Tavern)
Jay Yates ( Veranda)
Robin Fant (Sweet Peppers Deli Franchise Systems)
John Bean ( Eat With Us Group – Harvey’s, Central Station Grill)
Joe and Mary Koch (City Bagel)
Martin Crawford (Old Venice Pizza Company)
Tray Gamble, Jim Hicks (Mugshots)
Eric Hallberg (Cappes Steaks)
Brian Lindner ( Brian Michael’s Meat Market)
Rick Welch ( Rick’s Cafe)
Dave Hood (Dave’s Darkhorse Tavern)
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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