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Hillsborough County referendum

By THE TIMES RECOMMENDS
Published October 25, 2006

Hillsborough countywide straw ballot: NO

Hillsborough voters will see a question on the Nov. 7 ballot that sounds reasonable enough: Should cities in the county "regulate sexually-oriented businesses to the fullest extent" of the law? But this measure is about politics, not public safety, and voters should reject it.

County commissioners put the question on the ballot this year, claiming public pressure could induce the city of Tampa to ratchet up the fight against strip clubs. Approval would do no such thing. The straw ballot is nonbinding and has no legal effect. The city of Tampa, as an incorporated city, is not bound to comply with county ordinances. City officials, besides, have made it clear they have no intention of playing this game, which is a ploy by commissioners to draw conservative voters to the polls.

Had the county been serious, it would have defined what a "sexually-oriented" business is and made clear what regulating "to the fullest extent" would entail in manpower and costs. But this measure is meaningless. It gives the commission another chance to bash the city and distract itself from serious issues. Voters should not reward that bad faith by giving this board more cover to flog morality for political gain.

On Hillsborough's straw ballot, the Times recommends a no vote.

[Last modified October 25, 2006, 01:25:51]