Burnettown Town Council has decided to take a closer look at the petition that was submitted by the Horse Creek Merchants Association, and it seems as if the matter is on track to go before a judge, as a result of a motion that was made at the August meeting. Councilman James McIntosh moved to initiate legal action for a declamatory judgment to determine whether the petition is legal. A third reading was held Monday night regarding the issue, with council voting 4-1 in favor of tabling the matter, so they could discuss it further in executive session. Councilman Kenneth Ferguson was the lone dissenting vote.

It's my responsibility as mayor to make sure the petition is legal and valid, and that's why we've made the decision to initiate the action for the declamatory judgment before the matter goes to a vote, said Mayor Wayne Benson. We have to protect the interests of the town, and make sure that it's proper and legal. The business license ordinance has not gone into effect, and that's why we formed the ad hoc committee as a way of trying to find a solution.

The Horse Creek Merchants Association obtained 272 valid signatures, 71 more than the required number, for the referendum to be placed on the ballot. This is a stall tactic that the town council is using to buy time,  said Mel Minitor, Horse Creek Merchants Association. We submitted our petition in time to be placed on the ballot, and initiating the declamatory judgment was a way of keeping the repeal process off of the ballot. Now, a special election will have to be held, and it will cost the citizens of Burnettown additional money because of this delay. I think the citizens of Burnettown are smart enough to recognize what's going on, and it will be reflected in the election totals, once they go to the polls. A special election will play into our favor.

In other business:  The DHEC sanitary survey on the town's drinking water supply received an overall satisfactory rating in the annual survey.

The Horse Creek Merchants will be hosting a Meet The Candidates Night at Bobby's Bar-B-Q on Oct. 18. Those parties running for office will have an opportunity to address questions from their constituency.

The 11th Annual Sassafras Festival culminates this weekend, and the carnival for the event starts at 5 p.m. Friday. We'll have nearly 30 vendors, featuring arts and crafts and food, said Karen Long, Sassafras Festival chairwoman. There will also be a car show, petting zoo, and we'll have two stages featuring entertainment. This is a great way to spend the weekend.