Publicist Jennifer Leigh comments on the following story: At this time we have no idea what is really going on and have not had the chance to consult with Don Goo films or the attorneys. But as all of you can see this is about the most ridiculous thing.
Tennessee- It was a point they pounded home several times, and the packed pews Thursday at New Hope Baptist Church proved it: It's not just a group of ``mad mothers'' opposed to pornography stores in Blount County.
It's at least -- based upon the crowd gathered for a community meeting to discuss ways county government can regulate the enterprise -- some 400 people.
The assembly of citizens was billed by Clover Hill-area organizers as a push to enact ``decency laws'' within the county, and was organized in the wake of the opening of Sunshyne Video Two at the intersection of U.S. 411 South and Calderwood Highway.
The store, to the dismay of some Blount Countians, opened last week. It is the second such establishment opened in the county by Seymour resident David Anderson. There was already a Sunshyne Video operating in Walland. In addition to pornographic materials, the stores also sell ``marital aids,'' massage oils and gag gifts.
Before the meeting even began, a move was under way in county government to resurrect a long-defunct ``Adult-oriented Establishment Board'' that can dictate -- within the framework of the U.S. Constitution -- operating guidelines for the stores.
The board was dissolved in the 1980s, 6th District Commissioner Steve Gray said, as the county awaited the outcome of a lawsuit related to adult establishments in Knox County. Knox County lost, and the board was never reconvened.
Prayer, Scripture readings and an a cappella version of ``Amazing Grace'' marked the meeting, held in the church sanctuary and attended by a number of high-level Blount County officials and commissioners, including County Mayor Beverley Woodruff.
``No man is the enemy,'' said Pastor Mike Parker to those gathered Thursday in the Dotson Memorial Road church. ``The devil and demons are who we fight against tonight.''
Gray addressed the crowd and told them the county would pursue establishment of the adult-oriented business board, as allowed under state law.
The board, which Gray said would be formed at a special meeting of the County Commission scheduled for next Thursday, can license and dictate terms of operation including store hours, proximity to churches and schools and availability of store records and books.
Current zoning rules could also be tweaked to that end, said Gray, who lives less than a mile from Sunshyne Video Two. The stores, for instance, could be restricted to industrial zones. Maryville zoning ordinance prohibits the stores within its downtown district.
Under current county zoning ordinances: ``Anything that is zoned commercial can be an adult-oriented whatever tomorrow,'' Gray said.
The formation of the board depends on a two-thirds majority vote of the County Commission, he said. There is little that can be done to move or close Anderson's existing shops.
However, once the board is established, Anderson must obtain a license and adhere to applicable requirements of the board, such as making records available for inspection and operating hours.
Assistant County Mayor David Bennett said the commission will create the board next Thursday, ``and immediately appoint those members to the board,'' and begin crafting guidelines for the shops in Blount County.
The Blount County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to ``preserving the Christian way of life in Blount County,'' said Chief Deputy Ron Dunn, and has already investigated the Walland store for possible violations of the law.
The only violation that turned up after a series of undercover investigations was an incident of indecent exposure at a public party sponsored by the store earlier this summer. A warrant was issued earlier this week for a woman with the ``stage name'' of Tricia Uptown, Dunn said.
``The reality is we'll probably never take her into custody,'' because her whereabouts are unknown.
In response to inquiries about citizen protests against the stores, Dunn said: ``It is certainly your right to protest,'' but cautioned concerned citizens against disrupting traffic or causing safety issues.
Gray also said citizens who attempt to photograph or videotape customers entering or leaving the store should ``be careful about how you use it,'' for fear of libel, slander or other liability concerns.
Parker urged his parishioners and other concerned citizens to take a civil tack with Anderson.
``If you have an opportunity to speak to the man, speak to him as Christ would.''
Anderson, reached Thursday afternoon at his Walland store, said those opposed to his establishment need to keep the First Amendment in mind.
``People have the freedom to choose what they think is right and what they think is wrong,'' he said.
``If you take away the freedom of the people, we'll not be known for what we are supposed to be known for.''
The Blount County Commission will hold a called meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at the courthouse.
