SCOTTSDALE, AZ – With a vote on a legislative measure that could put the city’s existing strip clubs out of business looming in September, the Scottsdale-based Center for Arizona Policy (CAP) says it is taking a lead role in the formation of a coalition to support the restrictive new proposal, a legislative initiative now called Proposition 401.“We will urge a ‘yes’ vote among our supporters,” Peter Gentala, general counsel for the CAP, said, according to the East Valley Tribune. “I think you’ll see a committee come together in support of Proposition 401 and we’ll work with those folks as closely as we can.”
Founded by current gubernatorial candidate Len Munsil in 1995, CAP advances what it calls a “pro-family, pro-marriage, and anti-abortion” agenda. Munsil, a Republican who left his position at CAP to run for governor, has already issued statements in support of Prop 401.
While the full range of people and organizations that will participate in the coalition is not yet clear, several other local activists have thrown their hats in the ring.
Jamie Capobres, precinct captain for the Republican Committee for Arizona Legislative District 8 is among the early entries into the coalition that representatives of the coalition are “making our rounds with different folks.”
“Strip clubs are one issue but they fit into the bigger picture of the well-being and future of our city,” Capobres said.
Representative Colette Rosati said she will not actively participate in the coalition’s efforts, but made her position on the relevant issues clear.
“Let’s keep Scottsdale, Scottsdale,” said Rosati. “We don’t want or need more pornographic businesses in our town and I don’t think it’s going to bring us good things or more business.”
Political consultant Lamar Whitmer, who was retained by parties opposing the legislation – parties that include partial owner of Babe’s Cabaret and resident of nearby Paradise Valley, Jenna Jameson – said the clubs and their supporters will fight back with a strong campaign of their own.
The “No on Proposition 401” took out a full-page newspaper ad on Tuesday as part of their campaign, and the campaign reportedly received a donation of over $32,000 from Babe’s Cabaret n Monday to assist in the effort.
“Our campaign is pretty simple,” said Whitmer. “We have a mayor and council that hired an outside lawyer, had a discussion in executive [closed to the public] session and made an ordinance without any input, and the ordinance puts 30-year-old existing businesses out of business.”
Other groups opposed to Prop 401 include the Scottsdale Small Business Alliance, and a group called “Citizens Against Bad Government,” which helped gather the signatures required to put the issue on the ballot
The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce (SACC) has not yet expressed an official position on Prop 401.
“My assumption is the organization will be somewhat split,” SACC president Rick Kidder told the East Valley Tribune. “Some look at Proposition 401 purely from the philosophy of government’s intrusion into business, while some will take a more holistic approach and assert government has a right to put a limitation on these businesses.”
Early voting on Prop 401 gets started August 10th.
