The Representative Turzai Dog and Pony Show

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Since Representative Mike Turzai unveiled his plan to privatize Pennsylvania's state store system, he has engaged in an ongoing, public dog and pony show promoting the contents of his bill without formally introducing a bill.  "The best alcohol distribution system in the world is under constant siege in the media even though the bill has yet to be introduced," says David Wanamaker, President of the Independent State Store Union representing state store managers across the Commonwealth.

State store managers and ISSU district representatives have joined together in their support of an alcohol distribution system that works.  Deborah Walters of Allegheny County believes, "The state store system plays a socially conscientious role in local communities and is unfairly under attack."  Richard Flood from Washington County agrees, "We provide a service, but in a responsible way."

"The state store system limits the ill-effects of alcohol in our communities," says Mike Dusak, ISSU Vice-President from Allegheny County.  Dusak continues, "There is no incentive for the employees in the state-operated stores to sell, sell, sell."  Penny Dessus from Philadelphia echoes these concerns, "We are not in this for our own personal gains.  We provide a level of safety and protection for the communities we serve."

Nate Bauschard, Erie, is worried about doubling the number of outlets selling wine and liquor as proposed by Rep. Turzai and says,  "Increasing the number of outlets selling alcohol increases consumption and its related harms in the neighborhoods in which we live and raise our families."

ISSU has always advocated to maintain the current system based on responsible alcohol policy.  Republicans and Democrats alike have thwarted privatization over the last thirty years for these same public policy reasons.  Without a bill being formally introduced, it is hard to assess the impact of Rep. Turzai's plan from a sound alcohol policy standpoint.

SOURCE Independent State Store Union

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