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NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 29, 2003
CONTACT: Diane
Gramley 1.814.271.9078 or 1.814.437.5355
PENNSYLVANIA TRADITIONAL VALUES GROUP QUESTIONS WHY
DISTRICT ATTORNEY REFUSES TO ADHERE TO THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE
(Mercer) -- During the May 20 primary the voters in West Salem Township,
Mercer County, Pennsylvania overwhelmingly voted to prohibit bottle
clubs in their township. A
bottle club does not have a liquor license, but usually operates as a
bring your own bottle establishment.
Today, three days after the law went into effect, a statewide
traditional values group questioned the apparent decision of the Mercer
County District Attorney, James Epstein, to go against the will of the
people and not proactively enforce the law.
"The citizens of West Salem Township made their voice heard loud
and clear when 67.3% of the voters said we don't want this type business
in our township. Now the DA
decides this is not high priority for him.
Perhaps he should listen to the people who helped put him in
office. We know of other
townships in Pennsylvania where bottle club referendums have worked.
The question is what's wrong with Mr. Epstein," said Diane
Gramley, director of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania.
In addition to the DA's lack of interest in enforcing the law,
Christopher St. John, the township solicitor, has accused the ones who
actively participated in gathering signatures on the petitions as making
matters worse.
"What Mr. St. John has done is despicable in
that he has publicly stated that people who are concerned with the
well-being of their community are wrong.
These concerned citizens have taken legal steps to prohibit this
detrimental influence when their elected officials, apparently under the
advisement of Mr. St. John, would not take action.
They are to be praised not maligned," asserted Gramley.
"Mr. St. John has said since the Headliners Club, will no longer
operate as a bottle club it can now have totally nude dancing.
A situation Mr. St. John has failed to acknowledge is the fact
that in the past this club has advertised as "Totally Nude
BYOB". Were they
openly advertising their illegal activity?" asked Gramley.
Sexually oriented businesses are recognized by the
courts to have a negative impact on communities.
Studies have indicated lowered property values, increased crime
and blight, illegal sexual activity and an increase in sexually
transmitted diseases go hand in hand with the presence of a sexually
oriented business.
"The District Attorney needs to realize that
these studies show there is a link between such businesses and serious
crime. Perhaps his workload
would be lessened, if he took care of what he considers a minor problem.
It's like a cancer if it isn't addressed it will only get
worse," Gramley said.
"The citizens of West Salem Township have chosen to address the
cancer and no longer ignore it. But
this situation does not just involve West Salem Township, but all of
Mercer County. We have
elected officials who believe they do not have to listen to the people
who have put them in office. Perhaps
this should be addressed during the next election cycle," concluded
Gramley.
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