Sunnyside Council Inspired By Wrong “Footloose” Characters

The Sunnyside City Council is again taking up the idea of a moratorium, considering public input on a ban on caberet licenses that would facilitate dancing within the city limits.

This reminds me of the 1984 movie “Footloose”, where a small western town banned certain types of music and dancing.  Kevin Bacon’s character leads opposition to the city’s ordinance, and in the end people are having fun and dancing to a best-selling soundtrack album.  Our Council should seek inspiration from those with spirit, and not seek to repress its townspeople.

The issues in Sunnyside do not seem to be inspired by religious zealotry, but have more to do with a general effort to “keep the peace” for those that like it quiet.  As someone who would rather stay at home and read a book than go out to a club or party, I can relate to that.  However, I also would like my friends and neighbors to be able to enjoy activities they find pleasurable as well.

Using the force of government to stamp out other people’s entertainment choices is an abuse.  This takes freedom away from others.  It is not morally right to put a blanket moratorium across the entire city because you personally don’t enjoy dancing.  Our City Council Members should consider that we have a diverse mix of people in our town, that enjoy a wide variety of activities.

At the same time, however, it is necessary for everyone to respect each other.  Feel free to dance the night away, but if the music is disturbing your neighbor, then you are taking away the freedom of your neighbor to enjoy some quiet time.

Instead of banning dancing in Sunnyside, we should consider how to address the issues that affect people.  The dancing is not what disturbs people.  Loud music playing late into the night is.  The Council should consider crafting a noise ordinance with escalating penalties to send a message that disturbing your neighbors will not be tolerated.

The Council can revise and update requirements for a caberet license and hold property owners responsible for what takes place at a dance hall they rent out.  If people police themselves, it would be better for all concerned.  This does not require a ban on dancing from the City Council.

You have a right to do what you want, as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others.  Banning dancing in the entire city is overkill.  The Council should focus on the real problems.  End the moratorium, but keep working to address the actual issues.