DISQUS

spamforbobby · 1 year ago

Residents fear a "certain element of people"...

...What element is that, men who watch porn and women who enjoy sex toys? That's just about every person I know.

. · 1 year ago

I'm offended by those other certain element of people. The ones who think they should have control over everyones else's lives. They go to that place called church. Religion is the biggest scam going. OK it's tied with politics. But there is no concern when a church is built, if it will invade my rights. What I think about religion doesn't matter. Because, God always wears clothes?

Lukas · 1 year ago

""Unfortunately, according to the Constitution, you need to have at least one area of your community that could be zoned for adult entertainment," he (Willette) said."

There are many "unfortunate" freedoms given to us in the Constitution such as the right to assemble, the freedom of religion and the right to free speech are a few examples. But it was not the Constitution that gave us the right to "adult entertainment", it was a Supreme Court interpretation of what the Constitution said. One set of lawyers had a better argument than the other, that’s all. Adult entertainment was not a right guaranteed by the Constitution or the Bill of Rights. Picture the Founding Fathers wrestling with that ammendment.

That being said, there is a court decision that allows "adult entaintertainment zones" in cities and towns. I don't want that type of facility " in my back yard", as the trib put it. But don't open up the lawsuit flood gates either with a poor law. Regulate it properly and police the facility once it opens - shut it down upon the first deviation from the rules.

Sgt · 1 year ago

It is 100% protected by the constitution.

It's not in your 'back yard', its on another lot, owned by another tax payer, who doesn't give toot what you do in your house. So why do you care what they do in their building? You do not have the right to oppress others in what they want to listen to, watch, take part in, etc. What they do behind closed doors is NONE of your business.

I don't go around asking churches be shut down because most priests molest children, so why don't you leave these people alone.

Lukas · 1 year ago

Actually, it was not protected by the constitution, and you as a community do have the right to "oppress" others, and you do, through zoning bylaws and town ordinances.

And you're comparing apples to oranges here (in too many ways). Adult entertainment is not done in the privacy of the home; it is a business that invites in patrons. Every business has regulations imposed upon them from all levels of government.

I cannot accept your argument that whatever happens behind closed doors is not the business of the community because, using your example, that would make the molestation of children ok because it was done behind closed doors and therefore none of our business. Clearly, that behavior is not acceptable.

I will accept the assertion that those actions that are conducted within the law and occur behind closed doors are none of the community's business. The Bill of Rights protects us from illegal search and seizure. Which is why a warrant is required for the authorities to enter your home. And a warrant was not mentioned in the Constitution either, another Supreme Court interpretation.

Sgt · 1 year ago

Zoning bylaws and ordinances are a way of people oppressing others which is wrong. This is not the America it once was.

What happens behind closed doors IS protected if it is lawful. It is art, it is expression - a lawful activity protected by the first amendment.

Molesting children is a crimininal act. You fail to accept my argument because it dilutes yours.

Warrants are in the bill of rights, 4th amendment. They were introduced at the first united states congress. The supreme court had nothing to do with the mention of a warrant.

Lukas · 1 year ago

copa , you did some research. congrats - warrant less searches are contrary to the fourth amendnent.

And we are in agreement - Art and expression are fine. As stated above what is proported to be art and expression is done as a business, not in the privacy of the home, and should therefore be regulated as a business.

As far as this not being the America it once was, zoning laws were first instituted in New York City in 1916 and I'm too young to know what the country was like before then.

You may find the case against Euclid, Ohio interesting. Chech out "Village of Euclid vs. Amber Realty Co.'

As far as diluting my argument, it still stands.

Sgt · 1 year ago

I'm a LEO, so I have a pretty good grasp of constitutional law. Morally I can't help but object to the public outcry. Again, I'm not protesting churches. Why are people protesting these businesses? And it's not that I have any interest, its the principal.

sab · 1 year ago

Warrants not in the constitution? Really? How about this phrase: no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause?"

Billy Jean · 1 year ago

sab, you need to read all the words in the posts.

Copa · 1 year ago

Yet you hide behind other people's identities Copa. Not much of value to take from your point of view is there?

Sgt · 1 year ago

Who's identity have I been hiding behind? If you look at all the posts linked to my profile, I've been using this name for MONTHS. You just started what, 3 weeks ago? Go away you troll.

Hah · 1 year ago

Troll? Hah......

chimpy · 1 year ago

these "freedoms" are unfortunate? Maybe China or Iran would be better?

Lukas · 1 year ago

The term 'unfortunate' was in quotes because it was used by the city counilor, sarcasm doesn't translate well.

chimpy · 1 year ago

ooohhh. my brain tends to shut down when reading some of these stories.

chimpy · 1 year ago

ooohhh. my brain tends to shut down when reading some of these stories.

Sylvester The Cat · 1 year ago

Kittens?! Hmmm, seems to me that a former Methuen councilor by the name of Moury owns such a named place elsewhere featuring that type of activity. Kittens II Coming Soon?!

ohoh · 1 year ago

WELCOME TO LAWRENCE EAST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where did our morals go? · 1 year ago

Zone for churches, not sin.

Sgt · 1 year ago

Religion is a crutch for the weak mine.

How does that make you feel?

Muslims think their women should dress like bee keepers, and if their face is seen by another man they are beaten. They think you Christians are 'immoral' because your women show their faces. You think nude clubs are 'immoral'. See the pattern?

Copa · 1 year ago

weak minded much like yourself a**clown, register yourself and stop posting as someone you are not!
Are not the Catholic churches now immoral? Or is that different since beaten is worse than sexually abused?
See the pattern Christian=pervert.

Sgt · 1 year ago

My first post under the name "Copa" was 4 months ago. Your first post under that name was 2 weeks ago. YOU are using the name I picked first, so you are posting as me.

It's pretty simple, its all a public record here. You can click on YOUR profile and view your oldest post, then click on MINE and view it. Too bad you are not smart enough to realize it..

hah · 1 year ago

Whaaaa!!!

trickie · 1 year ago

What's it matter!

We've knocked down beautiful trees to build HIDIOUS "Luxury" apartments, and knocked down Mann Orchards' trees to build a Target. And can't forget about the apartments that are being built right next to the Spicket River that will flood. Oh and of course allowing them to RUIN the beautiful Golf Course.

Where would we have any room to do it anyway?

Oh I know! Let's build it right behind the City Hall and have the entrance to Greycourt be the entrance to it. While we're at it, let's put another bank or two, or possibly another WAL-MART.
Why couldn't they have spent their energy on fixing the bridge near the Organ Hall? Or fixing historic stuff like oh wait a minute, they've already knocked it down to build a CVS...

Thanks to horrible decisions, Methuen is wicked ugly now anyway...

robert stewart · 1 year ago

your stats come from where ? your small mind.
there must be more important issues than a maybe someday someone will want to open a strip club.

KylieStills · 1 year ago

Quote. Residents fear a "certain element of people" who patronize strip clubs and adult bookstores. Unquote.


Right, like normal people who have human needs.
Or perhaps City Councilor Kenneth Willette doesn't have the same needs as every other man.

chimpy · 1 year ago

They're sick deviants! Wasting money at a bookstore when the internet has so much more to offer.

chimpy · 1 year ago

Why is there a 1/2 mile buffer zone around drinking establishments? Wouldn't these establishments be in perfect areas for other adult activities?

Sue01830 · 1 year ago

I can't belv how ignorant people can be with making comments like "certain element of people". I'll have you know I have been on stage at Tens before and I have 2 sons, so what because as an adult I participated in the amature contest, now I'm a bad element? Please get over yourself....

Sue01830 · 1 year ago

I can't belv how ignorant people can be with making comments like "certain element of people". I'll have you know I have been on stage at Tens before and I have 2 sons, so what because as an adult I participated in the amature contest, now I'm a bad element? Please get over yourself....

chimpy · 1 year ago

I think the certain elements label applies to patrons, not the actual performers or employees, they need to work, why not wherever they can get a good paycheck. There are many otherwise normal or regular patrons at some of these adult establishments, but you must admit that at times, at Tens, you did see certain crowds that you wouldn't want to run into outside. It's tough to label a whole bunch due to a few bad apples, but that is the reality of it.

ALL_STATE_REPS_SHOULD_BE_PT · 1 year ago

Usually, the state reps, councilors, mayors, etc that scream the loudest about indecency laws are the first ones picked up on indecency charges. Most are afraid they won't be able to stop themselves and will be seen by their constituents....
It's called pre-emptive legislation. Usually their inability to control themselves gets projected onto us "certain element of people", thereby not allowing a viable, law abiding business to open and provide jobs, taxes, etc.
These same pols are against casinos, but put a gps tracker under their bumper and they would have multiple hits on interstate 395 to Foxwoods.

dan051967 · 1 year ago

I think just might be on to something...

moreofsame · 1 year ago

I open the paper every day and say to myself..

PLEASE NOT ANOTHER STUPID METHUEN STORY.....

and what do I find???

ugh

Hey - what happens if a veternan wants to open an adult entertainment club? Does he get preferential treatment?

Again - my b*tch is....

1) My property taxes have gone up (even though prop values have gone down)
2) My water rates have gone up
3) The town services are shrinking
4) I got notice from the school saying "you need to purchase the following for you child - notebooks, folders, pencils...." Came to over $75 for a 4th grader
5) Mayor and council have not even begun to figure out how they are going to afford all the promises they've made the unions...

YET

This is the CRAP they talk about.

We need a change.

Vote YES on question #1. When we force them to have less money, you'll see how fast they work on IMPORTANT issues.

Askew · 1 year ago

Well said!

Yes on Question 1 and repealing the income tax sends a message
to all of government that change is now. At least fiscally.

ALL_STATE_REPS_SHOULD_BE_PT · 1 year ago

I agree with "yes" on question #1!

As my sign-on name states....we need to abolish our FT state reps- hell they only work PT anyway but get paid FT! We should make the reps/senators be on a per diem pay rate, pay for their mileage...and that's it! No fancy chairmanship bonuses...no incredible health benefits, no PENSIONS.....etc.
These positions were supposed to be leadership, volunteer(ish) positions that a person who cared ran for and served a limited time to help their state- while being actively employed....We only have to look north to NH for a model that works...Less time on the state dole would have maybe decreased the amount of state spending, given the pols less time to concoct more state quasi- agencies, and since they only get paid for the few days that the states business is getting done, they have to have real jobs in the private sector and wouldn't be running around Lowell bothering the poor women with blathering and occasional groping (Arlington Senator to be left unnamed).

Vote yes on #1....then back it up with refusing to let these FT Pols get another dime of our hard earned money.....

voice of reason · 1 year ago

"Zone for churches, not sin."

Yes, because church attendance is on the rise, churches are scandal-free, and they pay taxes to offset the fact you can't find a parking space near one any Sunday morning.

Oh, and because naked women are icky.

dan051967 · 1 year ago

Churches are scandal-free? Since when?? Or have you not heard of the children being molested over the years by people who work in the churches?

Sgt · 1 year ago

Eh, at least nude clubs have a 'no touching' policy unlike the church!

Wallace Satan · 1 year ago

What's with that?

Copa · 1 year ago

Here again? Who are you Copa? Certainly not me, register and make your identity known, I know you are afraid, but walk to the light.

spamforbobby · 1 year ago

dan0, get your sarcasm detector re-calibrated.

If the "scandal-free" line didn't set it off, the "they pay taxes" should have lit it up.

dan051967 · 1 year ago

You got me there... point taken. Thanks!

Wallace Satan · 1 year ago

We need places that pay taxes! Churches don't contribute to the community except to create opposition to strip clubs and endanger little boys. There has not even been any interest in building a club - let's get behind doing something for the citizens and tax relief and stop wasting time preaching!!! STOP giving tax breaks to the biggest companies - that doesn't help us, just politicians wanting favors!!!!!!!!!!!!

NA Couple · 1 year ago

when this came up in North Andover, they interviewed a well to do older rich guy. He said "I hope it happens, I'll be there"

WHY can't more people be honest? The people who say this stupid crap are the same people who go to RT 1 or salisbury. We're a couple who goes together and love it.

Liars

Sgt · 1 year ago

When this came up in NA (thompson family right?) I recall a large group of overweight woman holding signs that said "say no to the strip!". Can you picture that?!

Bill · 1 year ago

Makes you wonder what he fantasizes about! Bet someone at the state house can enlighten us.

kk · 1 year ago

Councilor Willette,

Way to tackle the real issues affecting the town. Wake up and start serving your constituents as opposed to leaning back in your chair and looking bored at council meetings.

We have bigger issues that strip club zoning and pedophile restrictions. How about decreasing class sizes, infrastructure improvements, and working to bring new businesses to the city.

Step down from the morality platform and tackle issues that matter to the whole town, not a small minority.

fwhat? · 1 year ago

Why not allow these businesses? It seem as though the cost of taxes, water and everything else keeps rising, maybe if we get more business we can keep the cost for the residents low. Oh wait, thats right, since the loop, target and everything else in Methuen our taxes and water has increased. forget it not in Methuen will they save the residents any type of money. Maybe they can collect the debt in the amount of $180,000.00 from Sgt. Havey, Lt. Mahoney and Capt. Mcarthy, who stole money, and remain civil servants. That police Dept. will never change. Lavigne has not done anything she is worst than Solomon.

Wallace · 1 year ago

Just for once I would like to read that the Mayor in Methuen has grown a pair and has decided to stick up for the citizens and stop favoring corporations with outrageous tax breaks and promises to use union electricians. Industry is supposed to support the residents not the other way around.

Just for once I would like to see that the council stands up for their constituents and stop making backroom deals. If everyone doesn't benefit - why should a lucky few?

Just for once I would like to see the people in the city unite, get someone smart and honest enough to do the job and elect them over the superficial selfish bunch we have today - with several exceptions! Then we can be properly represented in the Great Hall!

Just for once I would like to read a weeks worth of nice things happening in Methuen with nobody taking credit for it except the good people about whom we are reading.

Do we think the Tribune is up to telling just the truth? And what about the possibility of them stopping rampant character assassinations? Nah! I don't think so either!!

One last thing - Put the strip club where the Post Office on Broadway is and build a new Post Office THE WHOLE CITY can enjoy - complete with parking!!!!!!!!!! Then tax the bare butts and pay for school supplies!

NewStart · 1 year ago

VOTE YES ON QUESTION #1.

You want to see the community and council work together on getting stuff done? CUT OUT ALL THERE BLOATED BUDGETS.

It's the ONLY way. Voting out people will not fix the problem we have right now. The state and local governments are MUCH TO BIG for any one person (or persons) to change. Even newly elected citizens are 'no match against the Empire"

We need to FORCE the government down to a much more manageable size.

elaine · 1 year ago

hey ex fired chief joe solomon and ex-forced to resign deputy chief joe alaimo...too bad!! Now, you'll have to hang out again at those strip clubs down in myrtle beach where you have property!! losers!!
methuen should have a strip club to go with it's drug dealers, bookies and corrupt cops!!
this town has gone to crap!!!