City of Bonham election results

Bonham -- For the first time since Prohibition, shoppers in Bonham will soon be able to buy a steak and a bottle of wine for dinner without contributing to another town's economy by making that purchase in another town.

When the polls closed on Election Day May 10, local voters had overwhelmingly approved the legal sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption only, as well as the legal sale of mixed beverages in restaurants by food and beverage certificate holders only.

Local Option Proposition 1 -- the legal sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption only -- passed 67.79% to 32.21%.

Local Option Proposition 2 -- the legal sale of mixed beverages in restaurants by food and beverage certificate holders only -- garnered even more support as it passed 70.67% to 29.33%.

But don't expect to pick up a six-pack on the way home Monday, because applications and licensing is expected to take four to six weeks. Still, this decision is already creating jobs. While the number of new jobs will vary at establishments allowed to sell beer and wine for off-premise consumption only, at Brookshire's Grocery in Bonham, a place that takes great pride in customer service, this will likely lead to a dozen new jobs.

For fans of popular chain restaurants such as Chili's Grill & Bar or Cheddars Scratch Kitchen, the decision by Bonham voters' to approve the legal sale of mixed beverages in restaurants by food and beverage certificate holders only means that Bonham will finally had a legitimate opportunity to bring one of these establishments to town.

The election also determined Bonham City Council members for Ward Nos. 2, 3 and 4 and was held in conjunction with the Charter Amendment Election designed to streamline and modernize local government.

Teresa Stapp will represent Ward No. 2 after defeating Chantal Carey 428 to 198.

H. Compton ran unopposed in Ward No. 3 and received all 523 votes.

Jerry Gay will represent Ward No. 4 after defeating Mike Connors 318 to 274.

City Charter Proposition No. 1, which stipulates three-year terms of office for city council members and the mayor, establishes term limits of two consecutive terms of service in a single office as either council member or mayor, and establishes term limit of four consecutive terms of service in a combination of offices consisting of two terms as mayor and two terms as a city council member, passed with almost 86% of the votes cast.

The other five City Charter Propositions designed to streamline and modernize city government, were all approved, as well.