Jackson Free Press

Mayor Frank Melton is showing his feminist side in his attempts to close down all sexually oriented entertainment in Jackson and "redefine" life in Jackson as we know it. The Clarion-Ledger reports:

Police shut down a second topless bar in two weeks over the weekend, and Jackson Mayor Frank Melton said Monday he wants all sexually-oriented dance clubs out of the city. "I am trying to redefine who we are in the city of Jackson," Melton said. "I have made it clear that my definition doesn't warrant that type of entertainment. I think it's degrading and very disrespectful to females."

Melton's efforts to close Centerfolds and Girls of Paradise because of adult entertainment ordinance violations have made some club owners feel like targets.

Chris Ganner, attorney for A&C Entertainment, which owns another local club, Babe's Showclub on West Street, filed for a temporary restraining order in federal court last week against the city.

"My clients make every effort to be in compliance with the city ordinance," he said. "My clients are always concerned when they are running a legit business and an elected official said he wants to run them out of town."

Ganner and A&C Entertainment are awaiting a decision from U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate this week on a lawsuit they filed in 2001 challenging the constitutionality of the city's adult entertainment ordinance. The suit asserts that nude dancing is protected by the First Amendment.

As the U.S. Supreme Court has become more conservative, it also has become more reluctant to protect free speech claims of nude or partially nude dancing, said Michael Steffey, a law professor for Mississippi College School of Law.

"There is no constitutional right to dance completely nude," Steffey said. However, cities cannot outright prohibit topless bars either, he said.

Steffey said he sees nothing wrong with making an example out of non-compliant businesses, so other businesses will obey the ordinance.

"But if the mayor is saying he will harass (all adult entertainment clubs) out of business, then there is something rather improper about that," he said.

Previous Comments

ID

120984

Comment

Can I just ask here how is was not "disrespectful to females" to fire the single mothers of the Crime Prevention Unit, and other city departments, with a few days' notice, and many right before Christmas? There is some interesting selective morality at play here.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-14T09:45:47-06:00

ID

120985

Comment

On the plus side, at least he's abandoned the religious right argument. I swear, this man wears more hats than John Cleese at a Silly Hat-Wearer's Convention. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-02-14T10:14:03-06:00

ID

120986

Comment

(The funny thing is that, as you know, I actually agree with the substance of Melton's new argument about what strip clubs can do to people--the difference being that I don't think the government has the authority to go around shutting down businesses just because they don't agree with my sensibilities.)

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-02-14T10:15:12-06:00

ID

120987

Comment

Not to mention firing a woman with an armed guard! Consider this was done "after" a woman told him "No way" to resigning days earlier. I'll bet his manhood felt two feet long after that one! So is Melton going after the Love Tub Spa? Hooters? Considering that there are more and more gun shots, robberies, and people getting killed in his own neighborhood area, you would think he has better things to do to change the image of our city. Many cities actually advertise their "adult entertainment" clubs in the CVB guides! I get the feeling that the 55 customers who had sewers back up into their houses Friday night could care less whether Melton was out shutting down strip clubs! There is so much more to being Mayor. I hope he figures that out one day.

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-02-14T10:25:54-06:00

ID

120988

Comment

As I recall from reading elsewhere, they were violating current ordinance. Nothing wrong with enforcing the law. I'm waiting for him to sic the DEA on all those "nightclubs" in west jackson. From what I hear, they're full of Pot every night.

Author

Ironghost

Date

2006-02-14T10:31:40-06:00

ID

120989

Comment

Enforcing the law is one thing, but "redefining" Jackson? Are we absolutely certain that Mr. Melton has the magic definition for our city, and that we just need him to remake it on our behalf? Is this really the job of a mayor? Sounds mighty dictatorial to me.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-14T10:33:48-06:00

ID

120990

Comment

Also, I smell expensive lawsuits on their way. I'll say it again: You can't just impose your will without regard to constitutionality. LIke it or not, strip-club owners, and dancers, have rights, too. And attorneys.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-14T10:35:13-06:00

ID

120991

Comment

Anyone curious how Melton's Moral Machine will handle St. Paddy's Day??? It's no Mardi Gras but it certainly ain't an Xmas parade.

Author

kaust

Date

2006-02-14T11:15:16-06:00

ID

120992

Comment

Hey, I'll be undercover. I'll keep an eye out from behind the cat-eye glasses. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-14T11:16:36-06:00

ID

120993

Comment

Just keep those huge, honkin' faux-boobs covered... We're a Christian city for Pete's sake!

Author

kaust

Date

2006-02-14T11:18:21-06:00

ID

120994

Comment

Christians have boobs, too. And sex, from what I hear. And a whole bunch of 'em go to strip clubs, I hear, but that's just a rumor. ;-)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-14T11:19:12-06:00

ID

120995

Comment

Everytime I feel like the South is growing away from the hypocritcal Bible Belt attitude, it rears it's ugly head time and again.. I, for one, enjoy the strip clubs. Granted, I don't go every time I get paid but as a break from the normal bore in Jackson, it's a particularly pleasant stress reliever. but their drinks specials have a lot to be desired. I was fortunate enough to not be in any of the clubs that Melton shut down. Can you Imagine the buzzkill on something like that?

Author

JSU

Date

2006-02-14T12:55:57-06:00

ID

120996

Comment

How does the mayor know that these women who are legal adults aren't doing what they like and want to do. I call his decision to send a armed person to escort a woman out of her job more disrespectful. Will someone please get to his advisers and ask them to do a better job. What is his real agenda???

Author

jada

Date

2006-02-14T17:45:17-06:00

ID

120997

Comment

Grandstanding is his real agenda! And yes, I was warned it would be by someone who worked at MNB. Seriously, I think the law should be followed; but spending taxpayer dollars to defend the impending law suits from illegally shutting down adult entainment venues that are respecting the law is irresponsible. Better to go after the lawbreakers who kill, rob, rape, and assult people. (Not to mention break in houses and steal stuff.) I kinda get the feeling he realizes the real lawbreakers are out of control and he is just diverting our attention.

Author

realtime

Date

2006-02-14T18:17:45-06:00

ID

120998

Comment

Please correct me if I'm wrong but I recall reading that MNB had it's lowest ever conviction rate during Frank's time at the helm due to illegal searches etc. Since Chief Anderson was MNB's number 2 at the time why didn't she, with her extensive law enforcement experience, say "Hey boss, you can't do that."? I wonder if it's more of the same now.

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-02-15T12:19:56-06:00

ID

120999

Comment

I do believe that is true, JLYerg. They also had a record number of drug arrests, period. That seems to be a primary reason Barbour let him go. Just goes to show that sound and fury doesn't always translate into much. And it's MBN, for the record. ;-) My impression from Chief Anderson is that she is very, very local to Mr. Melton.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-15T12:42:09-06:00

ID

121000

Comment

A couple of weeks ago I was out on the town watching some of my old friends drink beer and lie about their past. Three of them originally came from New York City, Los Angelas and Las Vegas. They statrted talking about Melton and his morality. One of them said he would leave Jackson if all the strip clubs closed down. And he further remarked "I wouldn't even get up in the morning if I knew I wouldn't at some point during the day or week get to see some legs and thangs that I don't have to live with or keep paying to see." Another one of them asked "what the point in living if you ain't lusting at or pursuing a beatiful women (all are beautiful in one way or another) in some large or small way. Didn't God make them for us to pursue and for them to help with our needs? Women are more precious than gold. Life ain't worth living without them. The more they show me the more I appreciate them." The third brother said "I think Melton is crazy. Mississippi is already in much need of entertainment of every sort. What harm are those women or men really doing to Jackson? How is Jackson benefited by closing the clubs down. Won't the money now being spent there be spent in some other foreign venue or sexually oriented business? Where is the proof that these businesses are a public nuisance or embarassment to jackson?" As we talked and others listened, I didn't hear another male agree with the Mayor's position to close them down. Perhaps everyone was corrupted by lust or an indefatigable guest for women of willing or similar natures? You be the judge!

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-02-15T15:24:35-06:00

ID

121001

Comment

Ray, you and your friends are heathens... I rebuke thee!

Author

kaust

Date

2006-02-15T15:28:32-06:00

ID

121002

Comment

Knol, I was just listening without actively participating. I wasn't drinking either. Since no one made a counter argument I was overwhelmed and without any alternative. I bet most honest women feel the same way about male strip clubs and toy shops. In Houston there was a place called LaBare. The women of my office went there all the time and gave me and other male friends more details about it than any of us ever wanted to know. While there they acted even crazier than than the males. Bo knows baseball and football and I know women.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-02-15T15:45:57-06:00

ID

121003

Comment

Ray, I was totally kidding. I've been known to enjoy my share of strip clubs (male and female)... There's something about them I find interesting and not necessarily sexual. Erotic dance is an art I actually appreciate and can be done nude or even clothed (ask a belly dancer!).

Author

kaust

Date

2006-02-15T15:52:22-06:00

ID

121004

Comment

I knew you were joking, Knol. Some of my best friends have called me a heathen, too. Smile. I often take it as a compliment. What beautiful art and artistic expression I hear are often seen there. One of my partners lost his good women after she agreed to let him visit a strip club. Just as he was about to leave, a breath-taking piece of art or artistic expression showed up. We wouldn't loan him any money so he used the ill-advised credit card to see some of that expression. And did he use it. By the time he finished there weren't a women on the planet dumb enough to accept his excuse or explanation. His woman left him just as she said she would if he went overboard.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-02-15T16:03:46-06:00

ID

121005

Comment

Most of the more progressive cities even allow their strip clubs to advertise on billboards. This is a good source of revenue for the city's economy (something we really could use). I wonder who died and put Frank in charge of making decisions for our personal choices of entertainment anyway? He always say "I' when he speaks of issues. He said that "I" don't want this type of activity here in Jackson. He said that "he" thinks that it's immoral. Everything is based on what he sees through those tiny little eyes. He dosen't represent the city, he represents himself! Like it or not these clubs bring in a lot of money. Like it or not the people that frequent these establishments are going of their own free will. They must pay to get in and then must buy drinks once they get inside. They are not forced to do this! The mayor is trying to say what grown-ups can and cannot do. He was not given this authority when he was elected. He was empowered to serve the city, not BE the city. Mayby he just wants the Jackson to look like a ghost town so that he can rebuild it all over his way and live out his fantasies of being the second coming of Matt Dillion.

Author

lance

Date

2006-02-15T16:31:06-06:00

ID

121006

Comment

I wonder who died and put Frank in charge of making decisions for our personal choices of entertainment anyway? Entertainment? Mr. Melton is in charge of the morality of the city of Jackson. I bet he prays for each and every one of us sinners at St. Lutheran's every Sunday.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-15T16:34:14-06:00

ID

121007

Comment

You probably have a good point Ladd. He probably prays for us, then answers his own prayers!!!

Author

lance

Date

2006-02-15T21:23:07-06:00

ID

121008

Comment

I imagine all of this lusting and trying to act on it are sinful and immoral. "I'm starting with the man in the mirror; and I'm asking him to change his ways." I'm not going to look at another woman in a lustful, sexual or un-melton-like fashion. Lust and sex are for procreation and no other reason. Can I get a witness?

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-02-16T09:18:08-06:00

ID

121009

Comment

Was my hearing off or did Mr Melton say he didn't care what the law says about a strip clubs staying open during the appeals process. He would shut them down anyway? Don't Mayors have to obey the law too? This was on Channel 12

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-02-17T02:50:31-06:00

ID

121010

Comment

Was my hearing off or did Mr Melton say he didn't care what the law says about a strip clubs staying open during the appeals process. He would shut them down anyway? Don't Mayors have to obey the law too? This was on Channel 12 Nope, your hearing was perfectly fine. I heard it too, and I'm still trying to believe I heard it. Okay, you just said in front of a CAMERA that you are willing to break the law to have your way. How smart is that? Once they replay that footage in a hearing, he won't have a leg to stand on. Lust and sex are for procreation and no other reason. Can I get a witness? Ray, stop making fun of me. :-)

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-02-17T10:01:13-06:00

ID

121011

Comment

Nothing new! The man thought he should be able to override the Constitution of the United States to perform a car search.

Author

kaust

Date

2006-02-17T10:04:07-06:00

ID

121012

Comment

Guys, Mr. Melton has always done this. Again, remember his comments to the media when he was at MBN about how the U.S. Constitution should not apply to his attempts? There are truly no surprises here. You elect a man who believes he is above the law, and you get a mayor who thinks he is above the law.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-17T11:46:40-06:00

ID

121013

Comment

I notice WJTV has removed that portion of the "Strip Club Wars" story from their' website version.

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-02-17T12:51:39-06:00

ID

121014

Comment

This, to me, sums up the whole situation: "You know what kind of business it is when you walk in the door. You pay a cover charge so you know what kind of business it is. Adults should be able to make their own decisions." - Angela Tucker, bartender arrested during the Strip Club Crusades I just can't help but think Melton will be shutting down Time Warner soon because of their adult pay-per-view and Showtime and Cinemax and HBO... Can you imagine? It's not that difficult to imagine at this point.

Author

kaust

Date

2006-02-17T13:06:42-06:00

ID

121015

Comment

And we've already got a president who thinks he's above the law, which leaves Governor Barbour as our only executive who seems to believe in any kind of constitutional principles. Disturbing on several levels. But isn't Melton's rhetoric usually just rhetoric? I mean, all of his strip club arrests have basically followed precedent so far--I remember several instances of arrests for full nudity or stripper-fondling during the Johnson administration, and shut-down-this-strip-club lawsuits throughout the 1990s. So he can talk about illegally shutting down every strip club in the city if he wants, but the truth is that if he was going to do that, he probably would have done it by now rather than trying to work through the system. I don't think he's that stupid. I think he's just impotently shooting off his mouth in the usual manner, in hopes of shoring up support from the evangelical community to make up for the fact that he hasn't really done much else. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-02-17T13:49:29-06:00

ID

121016

Comment

I notice WJTV has removed that portion of the "Strip Club Wars" story from their' website version. They *removed* the portion quoting Mr. Melton saying he would shut them down, legal or not? Really. WJTV is friggin' useless, IMHO. Let me guess: Melton called up somebody screaming at them for actually quoting what he said, and they took it down?

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-17T17:28:14-06:00

ID

121017

Comment

Tom, your scenario sounds a LOT like the boy who cried wolf.... Remember what happened to him. Even the evangelicals couldn't save him. ;-)

Author

kaust

Date

2006-02-17T18:32:07-06:00

ID

121018

Comment

I notice WJTV has removed that portion of the "Strip Club Wars" story from their' website version. Melton-gate? I just can't help but think Melton will be shutting down Time Warner soon because of their adult pay-per-view and Showtime and Cinemax and HBO... Can you imagine? It's not that difficult to imagine at this point. How about if he starts charging into people's homes to make sure they don't have a pole installed in their bedroom? "Please, Mayor. Don't pull on it. It holds up the..." "Silence! I know what I'm doing!" KABOOM!

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-02-18T02:01:05-06:00

ID

121019

Comment

Hmmm - makes me wonder if FM is bothered by the symbol of immorality and lewdness in the Bonsai Steak House - Danny's brass pole.

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-02-18T03:07:32-06:00

ID

121020

Comment

A pole in the bedroom. What a thought? I wonder who the dancers will be! If I were a single man I'd get the carpenters right over.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-02-18T11:54:46-06:00

ID

121021

Comment

Chortle! Marshall Ramsey is excellent today. Of course, it's almost not fair: Melton gives him so much ridiculous material to work with.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-18T14:24:12-06:00

ID

121022

Comment

A pole in the bedroom. What a thought? I wonder who the dancers will be! If I were a single man I'd get the carpenters right over. Pole dancing is increasing in popularity, whether it's for exercise or entertaining a mate. Oprah has done one or two segments on it. Chortle! Marshall Ramsey is excellent today. Of course, it's almost not fair: Melton gives him so much ridiculous material to work with. Is it possible to DIE LAUGHING? ROTFLMBO!

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-02-18T21:57:42-06:00

ID

121023

Comment

I'm glad it's not just the strip club people that feel like The Melton is overstepping his bounds here. By law the clubs are allowed to be open. Actually, the night I was arrested by the vice squad we we're allowed to be open. No customers, no music, no girls, no laws could have possibly been broken and the comment from the one in charge was "you can't appeal a temporary license." Municode.com from local yahoo will clear that up for them. We all see that he has some fairly serious authority over what he deems appropriate so who has the authority over him to stop him from abusing his power to try and conform people to his will? The next time the city council meets is the 27th of March. Most of the dancers have gone somewhere they can be protected by law, but that leaves quite a few of us wondering what now? Anybody know a bar that needs a beer slinger :)?

Author

Angela

Date

2006-02-22T00:51:05-06:00

ID

121024

Comment

Good luck on finding a job, Angela.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-02-22T09:48:16-06:00

ID

121025

Comment

...the comment from the one in charge was "you can't appeal a temporary license." Municode.com from local yahoo will clear that up for them. Hi, Angela. I was under the impression that the temporary license was revoked. So it can't be revoked? Do you have a link from Municode? I'll be looking it up in the meantime.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-02-22T10:40:29-06:00

ID

121026

Comment

There is a link to the ordinence on mynieces.com "nieces in the news" section - fun reading.

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-02-22T11:18:21-06:00

ID

121027

Comment

Thanks, JL. Although I found the link, I'll still look at the other site. http://municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?pid=11036&sid=24 Go to Chapter 30, Article VII to read all of the ordinances. I only know a little legalese, so maybe someone out there (ahem, Ray) can help us out.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-02-22T11:34:55-06:00

ID

121028

Comment

JL, when you said mynieces.com, I didn't realize you meant those kinds of nieces. :-P Is there a mynephews.com? LOL, just kidding...

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-02-22T11:41:04-06:00

ID

121029

Comment

Angela, thanks for posting. The voices of the dancers—you're a dancer, right?—themselves are seldom heard. Why don't you tell us more about what happened from your point of view? (And I apologize in advance if I'm confused.)

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-22T12:02:54-06:00

ID

121030

Comment

Angela, I'm told you're likely a bartender (thus, the "beer slinging" comment. Duh). Still, we'd love to hear more from your point of view.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-22T12:14:59-06:00

ID

121031

Comment

Disclaimer and confession. My wife is a dancer in Jackson. The short answer to your' question is that the dancers know they can be arrested at anytime by JPD when they're working. They don't want to draw attention to themselves. I will say that they (my wife and her friends) are concerned, angry and frustrated by all this.

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-02-22T12:18:37-06:00

ID

121032

Comment

Well, if *any* of them want to talk to Adam, JL, have them call him at 362.6121 ext. 8.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-22T12:20:14-06:00

ID

121033

Comment

The short answer to your' question is that the dancers know they can be arrested at anytime by JPD when they're working. They don't want to draw attention to themselves. I will say that they (my wife and her friends) are concerned, angry and frustrated by all this. I don't like strip clubs, but I like constitutional rights. If no laws are being broken, they can't just arrest them. That's like trying to justify lynchings by saying that the victims all "looked" suspicious.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-02-22T12:48:41-06:00

ID

121034

Comment

Strip clubs = $$$$ Does Frank know anything about money and the growth thereof???... I'm willing to bet he gets a smite lonley without his wife around, who lives in Tyler Texas by the way!!! Horny Frank..Horny Frank..

Author

JSU

Date

2006-02-22T13:01:37-06:00

ID

121035

Comment

LW The ordinence prohibits physical contact between a customer and a "semi nude" employee - there is no definition of "semi nude" in the ordinence. Seems JPD defines "semi nude" as "a dancer". My wife was arrested once because a customer's knee was resting on her knee. She was "semi nude" wearing thigh high boots, shorts, a halter top and a bolero jacket at the time. I once witnessed JPD try to arrest a female customer for sitting in her male companion's lap - she was wearing jeans and a sweat shirt. Sound "semi nude" to you?

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-02-22T13:03:31-06:00

ID

121036

Comment

Melton closes Danny's. From Ledge: 3rd adult club shut down Mayor Frank Melton, accompanied by his security detail and Police Chief Shirlene Anderson, shut down Danny's adult entertainment club, 995 S. West St., after Melton said he saw two violations of the city's adult entertainment ordnance there late Wednesday night. The mayor said he saw a dancer walk past him with her breasts completely exposed and that he saw another dancer allow a patron to touch her.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-23T10:05:43-06:00

ID

121037

Comment

Wait, read this sentence, too: Melton and his security detail closed Centerfolds, 960 S. West St., in late January after they said they witnessed violations of the ordinance. His "security detail" is closing strip clubs? What is going on here, peeps? Ledge blurb

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-23T10:10:16-06:00

ID

121038

Comment

Wait... A female can't expose her breasts completely in a private establishment? Are you kidding me? Please tell me our topless dancers can actually dance topless! This makes me wonder... Will Frank begin shutting down art classes with FULLY nude models with genitals and nipples hanging out for the world to see? Will he crash the next HeARTS when there's a nude painting that's 6' tall? This man makes my blood boil and the city council is on my D list as well for making an environment where nudity is considered taboo and scandalous and non-sexy. Damn them all!

Author

kaust

Date

2006-02-23T10:11:35-06:00

ID

121039

Comment

Yes, this is getting absurd, Knol. Jackson, Miss., is going to be the laughing stock of the country if this Comedy of Absurdity keeps up.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-23T10:14:03-06:00

ID

121040

Comment

Don't forget, though, to call it for what it is: distraction. There are too major things going on the city right now: a budget disaster and some very important crime developments. Stay focused.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-23T10:15:39-06:00

ID

121041

Comment

I'm at the Marriot presenting at a social work conference. Frank Melton just walked up and shook my hand. Looked at my materail and said "Let me see if I know some of these kids"....I just said, "Hey, me and you need to get together and talk." He laughed. He has extremely smooth hands. And, they smell good. What does that mean?

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-02-23T10:24:52-06:00

ID

121042

Comment

I take that back. His crappy cologne is now coating the business end of all the fingers on my right hand. That bastard.

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-02-23T10:30:44-06:00

ID

121043

Comment

I agree with Donna that the strip clubs are being used to divert attention from other more important issues. Before it's all said and done, couples will have to have sex with their clothes or a mask on to not offend Frank's unique sensibilities.

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-02-23T10:58:05-06:00

ID

121044

Comment

couples will have to have sex with their clothes or a mask on to not offend Frank's unique sensibilities already do but not because of frank. "I can do anything through the sheet"

Author

*SuperStar*

Date

2006-02-23T11:06:44-06:00

ID

121045

Comment

I once witnessed JPD try to arrest a female customer for sitting in her male companion's lap - she was wearing jeans and a sweat shirt. Sound "semi nude" to you? Umm, no. They could arrest teens at a high school pep rally for that. I wonder how many roundups they would make for mothers holding their children in their laps. "Ma'am, he's only wearing a diaper, so we'll have to run you in."

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2006-02-23T11:07:04-06:00

ID

121046

Comment

Superstar, I think you might be even crazier than I am. Again I say, "Some of us knew Frank was crazy before he became Da Mayor."

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-02-23T11:11:45-06:00

ID

121047

Comment

Not so much crazy i was taking a long shot to see if anyone had any UCB flashbacks. which given the shows demise. What was the reason for closing danny's someone showed some cleavage? If that were the case the plastic surgery center is going to go out of business. Future adult clubs are going to be people in scrubs and sweat shirts without makeup and no cheap perfume. Sad sad, just when we have a good conversation day like yesterday we have to get back to ranting and raving about a lunatic.

Author

*SuperStar*

Date

2006-02-23T11:57:55-06:00

ID

121048

Comment

Three down, one to go and 100 plus people out of work.

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-02-23T12:11:03-06:00

ID

121049

Comment

This stripclub fetish is going to end up costing the city a lot of money. The owner of Danny's isn't going to just sit back and let the mayor close him down. Here come the lawsuits.

Author

Justin

Date

2006-02-23T12:59:24-06:00

ID

121050

Comment

Here come the lawsuits. No question, Justin. But you get the feeling that the mayor does not care about how much anything *he* wants to do costs -- especially if it keeps the media busy.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-23T15:06:48-06:00

ID

121051

Comment

Just fire more police and fireman to compensate money lost in lawsuits... Makes total sense to me.

Author

kaust

Date

2006-02-23T15:22:06-06:00

ID

121052

Comment

Yep, total sense. That's some way to "clean up" Jackson.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-23T15:31:27-06:00

ID

121053

Comment

"His "security detail" is closing strip clubs?" Ladd His "security detail" is another reason this city is going into the red. Let's hope all of his security detail are real police or else the impending lawsuit just got bigger. Last I checked "rent-a-cops" don't make busts or close businesses down! But this is a Frank New World, so you never know. BTW: We'll miss you guys tonight!

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-02-23T19:36:50-06:00

ID

121054

Comment

Dancers must have thier nipples covered with pasties or bandaids, no exposure of genitalia, and, when not on stage, their butt cheeks have to be covered. Seems if that's the case, looks like Frank will be shutting down the grocery stores, the malls, possibly even some churches. Tell me where you can go and NOT see someone's breast or the crack of their ass. Danny's attorney told them to open back up, so... I guess we'll see just how strong the long arm of the law really is. As for Centerfolds and Girls of Paradise, the attorneys were supposed to be meeting with the D.A. today and now we're just waiting on word. It would be nice if the fed judge would give the ruling he told us he would deliver last week (to determine the constitutionality of the ordinance). The Florida version was thrown out last year, I think. It looks like Frank doesn't know about Danny's, yet. It's 11:00 and it is B.A.U. at D.D.T. Even with the D.A., we will still go in front of the city council, I would think.

Author

Angela

Date

2006-02-24T00:12:37-06:00

ID

121055

Comment

Angela writes: Dancers must have thier nipples covered with pasties or bandaids, no exposure of genitalia, and, when not on stage, their butt cheeks have to be covered. So that's why I flunked out in the audition for Fiddler on the Roof. I mean, I had the pasties, but I forgot to cover up the thong before I left. That was probably what sank it for me. I don't think Melton's closings will hold, but the C-L reporting made it sound like we were dealing with full nudity and/or genitalia exposure--not just toplessness at a topless club, which is, I would think, pretty standard. As far as the mall thing goes: You probably know this, but folks reading this need to bear in mind there are two Mississippi codes at work here. The one that's being enforced against the strip club, correct me if I'm wrong, is a city ordinance based on section 19-5-103 (emphasis mine): § 19-5-103. Regulation of massage parlors and public displays of nudity. (1) In accordance with the provisions of Section 19-3-41, providing that additional powers may be conferred upon the boards of supervisors, the boards of supervisors of any county bordering on the Gulf of Mexico and having two (2) judicial districts and the board of supervisors of any county adjacent to any county of this or any adjoining state wherein is located a city having a population in excess of two hundred thousand (200,000), according to the latest federal census, are hereby empowered to promulgate, adopt and enforce ordinances which are necessary and reasonable for the protection of public health and the maintenance of order in relation to the advertisement, the offering of services and the dispensation for compensation of personal services in establishments known as massage parlors and to promulgate, adopt and enforce ordinances which are necessary and reasonable for the protection of public health and the maintenance of order in relation to public displays of nudity. (2) For the purposes of this section the term "massage parlor" shall mean any premises where a person manipulates, rubs, caresses, touches, massages, kneads, palpates or otherwise physically contacts the body or part or area of the body of another person. The term "massage parlor" shall not include gymnasia or other premises wherein persons engage in bona fide athletic or conditioning activities, duly licensed barbershop, beauty parlor, chiropractic clinic or other premises of a person practicing a vocation or profession regulated and licensed by the state. For the purposes of this section the term "nudity" means uncovered, or less than opaquely covered, postpubertal human genitals, pubic areas, the postpubertal human female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola, or the covered human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state. For purposes of this definition, a female breast is considered uncovered if the nipple only or the nipple and areola only are uncovered. For the purposes of this section the term "public display" means the exposing, exhibiting, revealing, or in any fashion displaying the nude human body or any representation thereof in any location in such a manner that it may be readily seen by the public by normal unaided vision and the term also means any play, motion picture, dance, show or other presentation, whether pictured, animated or live, performed before an audience and which in whole or in part depicts or reveals nudity or sexual conduct. (3) Ordinances adopted pursuant to this section shall comport with the elements of due process and shall include but not be limited to specificity, adequate notice, right to hearing, right to counsel, right to appeal adverse findings to a judicial authority and penalties rationally related to prohibited acts. (4) Boards of supervisors proposing such ordinances shall publish and post notice of such intentions not less than twenty (20) days prior to the holding of a public hearing whereat the purposes and substance of such ordinances shall be fully discussed. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-02-24T01:45:15-06:00

ID

121056

Comment

ref. lawsuits. I'm told there are some already in the "fill in the blanks" mode.

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-02-24T02:45:14-06:00

ID

121057

Comment

So, Tom, would a nude model for an art class (exposing nipples, pubes and all) be against the law in Jackson? I ask because quite a few people use nude models and quite a few artists will pool money to have a nude model sit for hours. Also, "readily seen by the public" doesn't seem to make sense when discussing a strip club... I mean, there are no windows, cover charges are paid, and the public must enter a "private" business to view those awful and sinful and God-less nipples and butt cheeks. I just don't get it. What's wrong with a bare nipple or a "turgid" phallus if someone wants to pay to see it? It's not like this is happening on the Stack during rush hour! It's not like kids can walk in these businesses. No harm, no foul. And, I have to say that the person responsible for legislating whether my penis can be "turgid" in my own pants needs to be publically ridiculed and chastised daily! A few eggs thrown in public might be more appropriate! I'll have to start carrying a bullhorn in my briefcase to publically humiliate these sexless folks. Take back your genitals Mississippi! These folks are neutering us with every bill and ordinance passed! Why are we letting these sexless (but often adulterous) comb-overs and zealots control what we can and cannot do with our body? Don't like it? Don't go! It works much like the TV and a remote control. OK... I'll put away the soapbox for now.

Author

kaust

Date

2006-02-24T09:32:30-06:00

ID

121058

Comment

I've seen many women walk down the aisles at church where ministers forgot their text. The reason I know is because I saw many of them before they did. And the malls, the next best thing to strip clubs, so I've been told. Don't mention clubs and parties. The only reason I went to clubs and parties was because of the women. I didn't go to be with friends, to drank, or have a good time. If no women were there I went home and went to sleep. I know I'm sick in the head!

Author

Ray Carter

Date

2006-02-24T09:50:32-06:00

ID

121059

Comment

A friend of mine located an old TV rant by Frank (he used to record them and he's a pack rat) and the topic of the day is... why is JPD wasting time and money bothering strip clubs instead of catching real criminals ?

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-02-24T11:29:05-06:00

ID

121060

Comment

JLY, was it a Bottom Line from yesteryear? Oh the humor... Would love to see the tape converted to web-friendly format (like Quicktime) and linked!

Author

kaust

Date

2006-02-24T11:32:02-06:00

ID

121061

Comment

Knol, yup it's an old Bottom Line from the days of Mayor Ditto

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-02-24T11:53:04-06:00

ID

121062

Comment

Oo, oo, oo. Can you get us that, or at least transcribe it??? I don't have that one.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-24T11:58:14-06:00

ID

121063

Comment

ladd, he's making copies of it and I left him a message to give one to you

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-02-24T12:16:07-06:00

ID

121064

Comment

Bring it on. If it's audio, we'll podcast it.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-24T12:20:20-06:00

ID

121065

Comment

"A friend of mine located an old TV rant by Frank (he used to record them and he's a pack rat) and the topic of the day is... why is JPD wasting time and money bothering strip clubs instead of catching real criminals ?" And that, my friends, is HILARIOUS.

Author

millhouse

Date

2006-02-24T12:28:09-06:00

ID

121066

Comment

Knol writes: So, Tom, would a nude model for an art class (exposing nipples, pubes and all) be against the law in Jackson? No; reread the statute. It does not ban places of business where nudity is expected; it just allows local authorities to regulate them more closely than other kinds of businesses. Cheers, TH

Author

Tom Head

Date

2006-02-24T13:27:34-06:00

ID

121067

Comment

Update on the city council meeting: Supposedly have got the meeting bumped way up, probably before the end of Feb. To T.H., they might try to use that, too, but if you use the municode reference above, the one we are "governed" by is under sec. 30, art. 7. Would love to show the attorneys the bottom line bit. Thanks

Author

Angela

Date

2006-02-24T16:00:15-06:00

ID

121068

Comment

And, I have to say that the person responsible for legislating whether my p**** can be "turgid" in my own pants needs to be publically ridiculed and chastised daily! Yes...going by this statute....alll thirteen-year-old boys would be "arrestable" about eight times randomly throughout each day.

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-02-24T19:30:01-06:00

ID

121069

Comment

Tom This is a response to a post of yours' on the Spike blog. Yes, strippers keep their' tips and about 80% of what they make for selling a dance. ladd my friend with the Bottom Line segment would like you to email him about where you'd like a copy dropped of. His email is [email][email protected][/email]

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-02-25T11:45:50-06:00

ID

121070

Comment

Thanks, JL.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-25T12:55:39-06:00

ID

121071

Comment

So taday is the day for centerfolds and Girls of Paradise in the City Council. I had thought the ordinence was changed to create a separate appeals panel. It also seems the city is in violation of the same ordinence the clubs are accused of violating, namely the set time limits for issuing/denying a liscense. This accoeding to a saturday CL article quoting the general manager and night manager of Babes.

Author

JLYerg

Date

2006-02-27T11:43:01-06:00

ID

121072

Comment

Where's the podcast? I'm itching to hear the Bottom Line!

Author

kaust

Date

2006-02-27T12:04:32-06:00

ID

121073

Comment

Working on it. ;-D Hang tight. Would y'all want us to podcast some of Melton's MAP Coalition appearance I keep referring to? I'll see what we can do about that, too. Be interesting listening while on the treadmill. ;-) Sorry to say I don't have a tape of the Bravo ladies breakfast for contrast, but I might be able to dig up some other stuff.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-27T12:10:22-06:00

ID

121074

Comment

Anybody check this on WLBT website? During the hearing Mayor Melton exchanged words with Council President Marshand Crisler about whether the businesses were being treated equally. The mayor then walked out. Mayor Melton said, "Sir, where did you go to law school? Crisler:"I didn't go to law school." Melton, "We've got lawyers sitting right here and you ned to give it up. You have a law on the books. We're trying to follow the law and for you to sit there and defend us not following the law is stupid." Crisler said, "Mr. Mayor, first of all I did not recognize you and I'm not going to sit up here and debate you. I do have my opinion ok. So know that I'm not debating it either ok. So when I recognize you I'll let you know ok." Are the council meetings ALWAYS going to be like an episode of "Days of Our Lives" where someone is possessed by the devil? I keep waiting for Frank's eyes to turn red and that scary piano music to start playing in the background.

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-02-28T09:02:53-06:00

ID

121075

Comment

By the way, is this the Angela that's on here? Because if it is, props to you, honey, for chasing down your job like that. You are ON THE BALL. I wish we had more bartenders for strip clubs willing to sit in on council meetings. That's the best thing EVER. I mean, the Mayor won't even stay for a whole one. Centerfolds bartender Angie Tucker sat in the audience during the hearing. She said, "All our dancers are either going to Danny's or they're going to Babes or they're going to other clubs." While council members decide the future of some Jackson strip clubs, Tucker said employees are losing money. Tucker said, "As long as it says in the ordinance that while under appeal we should be able to open then I've missed a months worth of work."

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-02-28T09:04:45-06:00

ID

121076

Comment

Uh, did anyone see that Melton is contemplating taking a leave to do a little "criminal catching"??? Oy!

Author

kaust

Date

2006-02-28T09:06:55-06:00

ID

121077

Comment

Ohmigod, Knol. That's the best thing I've read in a LONNNNNNNG time? We are officially living in a remake of Tombstone.

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-02-28T09:14:03-06:00

ID

121078

Comment

Sorry, there wasn't supposed to be a question mark after that "time". It IS the best thing I've read in a long time....That part is definitely not questionable. ;

Author

Lori G

Date

2006-02-28T09:15:23-06:00

ID

121079

Comment

If Melton steps down to hunt this guy then he better make sure to return EVERY gun, badge, vest, boot, jock strap or anything else issued by the City. WE do not need this fool extracting some kind of villgiante justice with our equipment. That would be one heck of a lawsuit if he mucked it up. Which is clearly possible. Ali, it was even better on video to see Melton standing up leaning towards Crisler complaining while Crisler sat there all cool in his hip yellow sweater.

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-02-28T09:41:13-06:00

ID

121080

Comment

How long does he intend to take that leave of absence? Hopefully no less than 3 years! But seriously, while I would love to see Melton step down, and thus make my earlier prediction a reality, it would throw this city into a political crisis. The biggest question would be, who would take over? Our city does not have a vice mayor or city manager who would automatically assume the role if something incapacitated the mayor. Theoretically, I suppose CAO Walker could take over Melton's duties and act on behalf of the city, but is that legal? Crisler is the president of the City Council, but that is mainly ceremonial and applies only to leadership over council meetings...he is not the defacto Mayor. And then, what about the people who voted for and still support Melton. Stepping down would effectively nullify their vote and support. I think this is a huge mistake, and I believe Melton needs to calm the %&!@ down and let the police do their job, and quit acting like Wyatt Earp.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-02-28T09:44:32-06:00

ID

121081

Comment

Man, I just abused the word "vigilante." Sorry! Eitherway, Melton is making a big mistake. On WAPT yesterday they said he may enlist the help of the US Marshals. Hee, hee... didn't he bitch when Moore did the same thing to catch these guys. Donna, do you want to move these posts to the Greyhead blog? Although, I really question his new "moral crusade" against these guys.

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-02-28T09:47:21-06:00

ID

121082

Comment

The Council President becomes mayor in this case. For how long I am not sure?

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-02-28T09:48:40-06:00

ID

121083

Comment

Thanks, pikersam, for clearing that up. I know it's premature to ask, but if the Mayor were to step down for an indefinite period, would this be considered a resignation? Or do the City bylaws make provisions for a temporary leave of absence for the Mayor, as it apparently does for councilpersons?

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2006-02-28T09:54:26-06:00

ID

121084

Comment

Regardless of whether it's allowable, I would certainly be more than pissed that he's going on hiatus to do his staff's job. I mean he basically would be doing JPD's job... Basically, JPD is HIS employee. He hires and fires the chief along with the CC. Jeez... What a message he's sending to his subordinates.

Author

kaust

Date

2006-02-28T09:57:22-06:00

ID

121085

Comment

That I am not sure about ejeff. Of course, as much as the mayor dislikes Crisler, this may work to keep him in office if he realizes that Crisler becomes mayor. Or he may try a coup d'état and have Crisler voted out as president and install one of his council croonies. OMG: could you see Stokes or Blunston as mayor! Scary...very scary!! BTW: I am 99% sure about the pres/mayor jump. However, there may be some other codes or state regulations that would alter that outcome?

Author

pikersam

Date

2006-02-28T10:02:57-06:00

ID

121086

Comment

Hey, hold on no further comments about this. I'm putting it on the top of the site. Pick up the thread there.

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-02-28T13:19:24-06:00