ABILENE, Tex – The leader of a group that drew national media attention for its opposition to an adult video and novelty store says he’ll work just as hard on other issues if he’s elected as a Dickinson County Commissioner.

Phil Cosby, 53, Abilene, filed this week for the post being vacated by retiring commissioner Paul Whitehair. Cosby, who filed by petition, needed 85 signatures and received 120.

Cosby, a retired Army master sergeant, served 22 years in the military, including 12 years assigned to work in operations with the National Guard in Salina.

Cosby organized a group of about 80 men into Project Daniel, which picketed the Lion’s Den Adult Superstore for 100 days, and has worked to support zoning changes designed to curb the operation of sexually oriented business in the city and county.

“Just as hard as I’ve worked on this one issue, I’ll work hard on all of them,” Cosby said.

From the AP files: Standing under a tall wooden cross at Grand Avenue United Methodist Church, Phil Cosby energized 43 people Sunday in a Salina fight against pornography.

“They’re coming after your community. They grow like fast- food restaurants. They just breed,” he said. “If you don’t confront it, it will continue to increase.”

The Abilene resident who organized the “Operation Daniel” campaign against Lion’s Den Adult Superstore off Interstate Highway 70, said Kansas has the legal framework to defeat an onslaught of similar businesses throughout the state.

His message was to work within the law to “make some noise.”

The Rev. Nancy Crowl of the church at 304 W. Grand called the public forum Sunday in response to her congregation’s concern about the recent opening of Behind Closed Doors in the former Trails End Restaurant building, 768 N. Broadway, which is approximately three blocks west of the church.

“God hates pornography,” she said. “God loves families more.”

The spirited hourlong gathering that brought applause and “Amen” responses from the sanctuary, served its purpose. Everyone stood in solidarity to mount a challenge to the businesses.

Cosby told the small flock that no government could save them from adult stores, and that he was there to spread the word about actions in Abilene.

“You have to come up with your own strategy,” Cosby said.

Citing statistics they said show an increase in crime and sexually transmitted disease where such stores are located, an “inner circle” was formed to carry on the fight. Another meeting was scheduled. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses were exchanged.

The attitude in Abilene, and through Operation Daniel, a 100-day campaign to post opponents two at a time – 140 in all – around the clock outside of the Lion’s Den, is that “we don’t agree with what you’re doing to our community, and I’m in your face to tell you so,” he said.

It ends Sunday.

Cosby told of positive results from phone calls to trucking companies reporting that drivers were stopped there, and to Coca-Cola to have a soft drink machine removed from the business.

He told of helping the Dickinson County Sheriff’s office purchase items from the Lion’s Den to use as evidence.

“You ambushed us. You fooled us once. You’re not going to do it again,” he said, referring to the adult store industry.

It takes signatures from 100 people plus 2 percent of those who voted in the last gubernatorial election, to force the seating of a grand jury, he said.

The sale of certain sexual items have been deemed illegal according to Kansas law, Cosby said, and beyond that, it has been left up to local communities to define obscenity.

“This is Kansas law,” he said. “It’s been sitting there 30 years.”

City- and county-elected representatives and local officials can be influenced to change zoning regulations, he said, such as limiting the hours of operation.

If they don’t, Cosby said, they can be voted out of office.

“Zoning can regulate that. Choke it down. They don’t have to go 24-7. You allow it to happen,” Cosby said. “Silence is acceptance.”

It could be as simple as passing out brochures, he said.

When Rev. Crowl asked for suggestions on what to do next, the audience responded: “Shut’em down. We’ve got to organize.”

One person questioned whether the business could be located so close to the former Hawthorne Elementary School.

Some indicated they would write letters and/or call elected officials.

“I need front-line people,” the reverend said.

Roger Hamel, 1124 W. Grand, said the meeting was “excellent,” and pledged his support.

Cathy Krug, 1101 Louise, said more people should get involved.

“I want to do whatever we can do to get it shut down,” Hamel said of the local adult business.

“Who’s going to go around and pick a fight?” Cosby said. “If he’s Irish, it would help.”