Burke Officials Weigh-In on VABC Privatization Plan

In an effort to bring more money to the transportation budget in Virginia, Gov. Bob McDonnell has proposed privatizing state-controlled liquor sales.

Currently, there are 332 government owned ABC stores in Virginia, two of which are located in Burke. Managers at the Burke VABC stores would not comment for this article, but local politicians do not support the privitization plan.

Sen. Chap Petersen (D-34) said he doesn't support a plan that could significantly increase the number of liquor stores.

Eileen Filler-Corn, the recently elected Democratic delegate from the 41st district, expressed concerns about the transition costs associated with going to private liquor sales.

Delegate Vivian Watts (D-39) stated in her annual newsletter, "selling ABC stores for a possible $500 million one-time windfall will take at least $150 million a year from education, public safety, Medicaid, etc."

McDonnell's proposal, as presented through his Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring, would allow for the retail liquor sales to be made through privately owned and licensed stores throughout the Commonwealth. Up to 800 privately owned liquor retail stores could be licensed to operate in the Commonwealth. Local governments would still be allowed to have a say on the issuance of licenses for their regions.  

In McDonnell's town hall meetings on the subject throughout Virginia, he has claimed that the action would create thousands of jobs in the private sector while maintaining the revenue gained from state-controlled alcohol sales.

The Governor is asking for feedback on the proposal from Virginia residents.  You can go to the Commission's website and leave comments and concerns regarding the proposal (http://www.reform.virginia.gov).  Citizens who weren't able to attend any of McDonnell's town hall meetings can also read transcripts and view his Power Point presentation on the website.