FAIRVIEW TOWNSHIP, PA. Voters to decide if gambling, Legion's liquor license OK

Small games of chance and another attempt for a liquor license for a veterans group are on the ballot.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
FREDONIA, Pa. -- Voters in Fairview Township have to consider two issues proposed by a veterans organization in the May 15 primary.
The two referendum questions ask that the veterans group, Herman Gehres American Legion Post 919, be allowed to apply for a state liquor license, and that nonprofit groups be allowed to use small games of chance to raise money.
It's not the first time the liquor issue has appeared on a Fairview ballot.
In fact, it's the fourth time, said Ed Clark, a Post 919 member. It's failed by a handful of votes each time, twice by a scant four votes.
If a local referendum fails, state law requires a two-year waiting period before it can be placed on the ballot again. The liquor issue failed in 1999 and Clark said the veterans group is trying again this year, having secured the signatures of 143 residents asking that it be put on the ballot.
"If we get all those votes, it will pass," Clark predicted.
Two years ago: The veterans thought they would make it two years ago but lost when a group calling itself the Concerned Citizens of Fairview Township put up signs and mailed out cards urging township residents to vote against the question.
Clark said he's heard nothing from that group so far this year.
The measure would affect only Post 919, Clark said, noting it is the only national veterans organization in the township.
"It's just members only," he said, adding that the post isn't interested in opening a public barroom.
The post was raided by state Liquor Control Board agents about four years ago for selling liquor to members on the premises and was shut down for a time, Clark said. No one was jailed and no one had to pay any fines, he said.
Where money goes: Income from liquor sales to members would benefit the programs supported by the post, Clark said, noting that includes Little League teams, veterans hospitals and various other community groups and programs.
Post 919 is also responsible for getting the small games of chance issue on the ballot, said DeWitt Palmer, chairman of the township board of supervisors, which asked the county election office to put the question on the ballot.
If approved, nonprofit groups could secure a state small games license to sell things like raffle tickets, pull tabs and punch boards and hold daily or weekly cash drawings, said Ginny Steese Richardson, Mercer County treasurer.
It is the treasurer's office that must issue the licenses.
Small games allow a daily prize award of up to $500 and weekly prizes of no more than $5,000, Richardson said.
If a group wants to raffle off a larger item, such as a car, and the value exceeds $5,000, a special raffle license is required in addition to the small games license, she said.
All but about 20 of Mercer County's 48 municipalities have approved small game sales within their borders.