from www.wpsdlocal6.com - METROPOLIS, Ill. — The lights are on, the painting is done and the Metro Pony is just days away from opening. One person who will not be along for the ride? Mayor Billy McDaniel.
"It's disappointing to me, something like this happened under my administration," he admitted Thursday.
But, he was the one to sign off on the liquor license for the strip club.
"I had no choice but to perform my duty."
Personally, he said he has never supported it.
"This is not what I want."
On Thursday, he was given the chance to sign his name again, this time to a petition opposing the club.
McDaniel's addition meant nearly 1,000 signatures on the petition, circulated widely on the Internet.
First United Methodist Church pastor Gary Motta said he was humbled by the support.
"We are grateful to God for that."
Motta admitted legally, since the liqour license has been granted and the building zoned, it could not accomplish much.
That is why some like Debra English did not understand it.
"They put their name on there. I think it makes them feel good."
English used her lunch break to see what all the fuss was about. After checking out the property, she still did not get it.
"I don't think most people around here are going to notice a change if its all indoors."
But McDaniel is insistent there will be change and that is why he is determined to stop it.
"I wish we could just snap our fingers and this issue would go away."
McDaniel told Local 6 on Wednesday the city hired an attorney well known for his prosecution of the adult entertainment industry. He said the city will work with that attorney to create a strong ordinance to monitor the club and its hours.
Owner Jerry Westlund, on the phone from California, said he is hoping for a grand opening early next week. He said the petition does not bother him, as he is eager to become a good partner in the community.
