Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 27, 1994                   TAG: 9404270081
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By MIKE HUDSON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

DUERK SAYS CLUB BLIGHT ON CITY

"It's hard for women to establish self-esteem, with all the sexism on TV and in music - and now in our local dance hall," Duerk said. "I'd like to see us encourage other types of business."

Last week the owner of Girls, Girls, Girls and a performer at the club were convicted of violating the city's exotic dancing ordinance. The dancer, Kathi B. Price, got too close to patrons during her performance, a judge ruled.

Duerk, a Republican running for a four-year seat, says the club hurts the city's image and is a blight on the surrounding neighborhood in Southwest Roanoke. Residents ought to be able to decide what businesses operate in their neighborhoods, she said.

"We need to be careful about what businesses we allow, particularly when we have concerns about the high rate of teen pregnancy," Duerk said. "We need to work with youth and encourage them to be the best they can be and feel good about themselves."

Price, who was wearing a bikini, says her dance was expressive, not sleazy. Both Price and club owner Billy Hooker Harbour plan to appeal their convictions on the grounds that the dancing is protected by the First Amendment.

Duerk said Price "may be a very nice woman," but the nightclub and its dancing "portrays women in subservient roles to men."

Duerk said Harbour has indicated he'd like to change the city ordinance that puts limits on exotic dancing. She said she will work to prevent the ordinance from being weakened.

Keywords:
POLITICS