Bagwell defends chamber-related votes

One Walhalla councilman abstained from the vote to allow a Main Street craft beer tasting event. 96.3/WGOG NEWS has learned that Oktoberfest supporters wish that a second Walhalla councilman would have abstained, also. But that second councilman, Tjay Bagwell, defends his part in two votes during last week’s city council meeting. The votes allow the chamber to stage a Main Street craft beer-tasting event during Oktoberfest weekend and grant up to $3,500 to pay for entertainment. Councilman Josh Holliday, a member of the Sertoma Club which sponsors a beer sales tent each year at Oktoberfest at Sertoma Field, abstained from the craft beer-tasting vote, citing conflicts. Bagwell, who is affiliated with the chamber, defends what he has done and says it’s best for the city as a whole. His comments can be heard today on 96.3/WGOG NEWS. Oktoberfest supporters worry that a second beer event is competition for the Sertoma Club’s tent at the field, where through the years money has been raised for good causes.