(Press release from Mason City Mayor Eric Bookmeyer)
Rezoning for adult use in the downtown core
I did not hear the other supporting members stake out a position to affirm their support for the downtown adult use rezoning. The vote last Tuesday for council members was to allow the discussion to go forward so they can make an informed decision. The amendment that was presented came out of the blue and did not leave much time for members to deliberate. That is not unusual for members to allow staff to clarify their choices before they make a decision and I don’t have a problem with it as a decision making process.
I know the members that voted “aye” to move forward are currently listening to their constituents and will react accordingly. I hope their constituents treat them accordingly, as well.
As mayor, I will support the process but will not support the concept of rezoning downtown for adult use. This concept is not sound economic development strategy.
In the event that an ordinance rezoning the downtown for “gentlemen’s clubs” does reach the mayor’s desk, I will veto it and sent it back to council.
I have a one year old little girl that I adore and want her to grow up in Mason City. There is no chance that I will put myself in a situation where in 15 years she can ask me why her dad signed his name on an ordinance allowing “gentlemen’s clubs” in the downtown core of Mason City.
Currently, there are plenty of areas in Mason City that allow conditional and unconditional adult use (click here to see map). It is considered constitutionally protected speech, but it is not a downtown economic development strategy.
