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Mixed beverages passes, 2 new for Newport board
NEWPORT — Voters in Newport elected two new board members and approved a referendum to allow the sale of mixed alcoholic beverages in the town.
Newcomers Steve Blizzard and Bena Mann Weires took the two open commissioner seats on the board, with votes of 321 and 267 respectively.
“I’m very excited and very humbled that the folks of Newport voted for me,” said Weires.
Incumbent Jan Garber followed with the third-highest vote total with 128 votes but was not able to garner the support needed for re-election to a second term.
Brenda Harris, who was running for office for the first time, followed close with 124 votes.
Harris called the experience a worthwhile one and said all the candidates were running for the right reasons.
“I don’t think there’s really been any competition at all between us,” she said. “I think whoever is elected will do us a good job.”
Longtime Mayor Derryl Garner was unopposed in his bid for election and received 406 votes.
While the Board of Commissioners race was one of the few contested municipal races in Carteret County, the mixed drink referendum in Newport also drew the interest of voters.
The referendum of whether or not the town should permit the sale of mixed beverages at restaurants, hotels and other designated establishment was approved by a vote of 306 for it and 164 voters against it.
Supporters of the referendum said permitting the sale of mixed beverages will help bring in restaurants and other businesses and bring jobs to the area.
“For me, it was the liquor by the drink referendum of interest,” said voter Joe Sonnier. “I think some businesses shy away from Newport because they are not allowed to sell liquor by the drink.”
Polly Sonnier, a kindergarten teacher at Newport Elementary School, said she felt it was important to vote and show support for Garner, who she said is very supportive of the school.
Election night results remain unofficial until a canvass of votes is completed by the Board of Elections office. The canvass is scheduled for Tuesday.
