Posted by Kromey at 12:36pm Jul 31 '12On the one hand, I think [private]'s comparison to strip clubs and casinos is flawed -- ordinances and such prohibiting those types of businesses are, well, prohibiting a type of business. Unless these mayors are also opposed to KFC and other fast-food joints setting up shop, it is a discriminatory policy.
On the other hand, as Sam also points out, it's not uncommon for a town to refuse to allow a Wal-Mart to set up. So it seems that such discriminatory policies are generally accepted in this country. That being said, though, I disagree with such policies, that opposing a specific business rather than regulating what types of business is unfair and discriminatory.
Now, mayors certainly have freedom of speech, and can say pretty much what they want -- but they have to be careful how they say things, because they are viewed as representatives of their respective cities: it's one thing for a mayor to say that he/she dislikes Chick-fil-A, it's a whole 'nother for that same mayor to say that their city doesn't want a business.
On the other hand, as Sam also points out, it's not uncommon for a town to refuse to allow a Wal-Mart to set up. So it seems that such discriminatory policies are generally accepted in this country. That being said, though, I disagree with such policies, that opposing a specific business rather than regulating what types of business is unfair and discriminatory.
Now, mayors certainly have freedom of speech, and can say pretty much what they want -- but they have to be careful how they say things, because they are viewed as representatives of their respective cities: it's one thing for a mayor to say that he/she dislikes Chick-fil-A, it's a whole 'nother for that same mayor to say that their city doesn't want a business.
I've got mixed feelings - Kromey