On December 21st Father John Siemianowski and I met with Mayor DeLuca regarding the strip club operating in Chicago Heights.  The mayor discussed first amendment issues, liquor licenses, and zoning regulations.  I think the mayor’s point was that there is little that he can do beyond enforcing the regulation against nude dancing and preventing any future X type liquor licenses from being granted.  That is the most the mayor says he can do, however as citizens of Chicago Heights and the neighboring communities, there is more that we can do.  Apparently it is not clear to our elected leaders: the mayor, alderpersons, township supervisor, etc. that this kind of entertainment is unacceptable in our community.  Calumet City closed it down.  Lansing closed it down.  What is needed is a strong community voice.

How should we make our voice heard?  We can write to our elected officials, we can picket Jimmy’s and Club 390, we can remember in the Spring election to vote out politicians who do not represent community standards.  You may have more creative ideas.  If so please let me know so that we can discuss them at the next parish council meeting.  Please pray about how to handle this issue.