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This ones for you X.
<a class="postlink" href="http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3431411" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3431411</a>
WAYNE PARRY AP Jun 12, 2013
WILDWOOD, N.J. -- Hindsight will soon be punishable by a $25 finein thisJersey Shoreresort.
Wildwood passed a law Wednesday night banning overly saggy pants onthe boardwalk, prompted by numerous complaintsfrom longtime visitors about having to see people'srear endshanging out in public.Subsequent violationsof the law, which could take effect as early as July 2, could result infines ashigh as $200, and 40 hoursof community service.
Civil libertarianssay the law is unconstitutional and predict it will be overturned if challenged incourt.
But Mayor Ernest Troiano Jr. said the issue issimple.
"This is just adding a littlebit of decency to our town," hesaid. "It's amazing – and thisis a pun – how far decency has fallen through the cracks."
Wildwood isa resort town near the southernmost tip of New Jersey. It is famous for itsdoo-wop `50smusical culture, itsneonart-deco motels, and ridiculously wide beachesthat are free –a rarity in New Jersey, which forces most other beachgoers to pay for the privilege.
Thelaw passed unanimously, and no one spokeagainst it. Several residents strongly supported the law.
"It's long overdue," said Mary Erceg. "Peoplewho chooseto dresslikethat offend any person. Therehas to besome common standard of decency. It offends all of us."
"We need it," added resident Dennis Flynn. "This isour city. Youhaveto respect it."
Knownpopularly as "sagging," the trend originated in theU.S. prisonsystem, where inmates are not allowed to wear belts. It was popularized by hip-hop artists and embraced by youths.
Authoritiesin suburbsof New Orleans, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, Miami and Jacksonville, Fla., are among thosewho have passed laws banning overly droopy pants.
Bathing suitsare already prohibited for both sexeson theWildwood boardwalk, unlesscovered up by other clothing.
City Commissioner Pete Byronsaid the city isnot trying to bethe fashion police.
"There'sa line that getscrossed between being a fashionstatement and being obnoxious," he said. "Familiescan feel threatened."
TheAmerican Civil LibertiesUnion of New Jersey has declined to take a positionon the law, but other ACLU chaptersaround the country have said suchlaws areunconstitutional.
Troiano said he hopes no onewill have to be cited by police for violating the ordinance. Rather, he said, a well-placed word from anofficer should suffice to convinceboardwalk patronswith overly low-slung jeansto hike themup.
Police Chief Steven Long said his officers will respond appropriately when they see violations.
"The ultimate goal iscompliance," he said. "We'rejust trying to makethe city a better place to visit."
"The city isnot going to beout hunting these kidsdown," the mayor said. "We're not going to be out there with a tape measure. But we know what's right and not right. If we don't make anattempt to clean our town up, who's going to?"
<a class="postlink" href="http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3431411" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/3431411</a>
WAYNE PARRY AP Jun 12, 2013
WILDWOOD, N.J. -- Hindsight will soon be punishable by a $25 finein thisJersey Shoreresort.
Wildwood passed a law Wednesday night banning overly saggy pants onthe boardwalk, prompted by numerous complaintsfrom longtime visitors about having to see people'srear endshanging out in public.Subsequent violationsof the law, which could take effect as early as July 2, could result infines ashigh as $200, and 40 hoursof community service.
Civil libertarianssay the law is unconstitutional and predict it will be overturned if challenged incourt.
But Mayor Ernest Troiano Jr. said the issue issimple.
"This is just adding a littlebit of decency to our town," hesaid. "It's amazing – and thisis a pun – how far decency has fallen through the cracks."
Wildwood isa resort town near the southernmost tip of New Jersey. It is famous for itsdoo-wop `50smusical culture, itsneonart-deco motels, and ridiculously wide beachesthat are free –a rarity in New Jersey, which forces most other beachgoers to pay for the privilege.
Thelaw passed unanimously, and no one spokeagainst it. Several residents strongly supported the law.
"It's long overdue," said Mary Erceg. "Peoplewho chooseto dresslikethat offend any person. Therehas to besome common standard of decency. It offends all of us."
"We need it," added resident Dennis Flynn. "This isour city. Youhaveto respect it."
Knownpopularly as "sagging," the trend originated in theU.S. prisonsystem, where inmates are not allowed to wear belts. It was popularized by hip-hop artists and embraced by youths.
Authoritiesin suburbsof New Orleans, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, Miami and Jacksonville, Fla., are among thosewho have passed laws banning overly droopy pants.
Bathing suitsare already prohibited for both sexeson theWildwood boardwalk, unlesscovered up by other clothing.
City Commissioner Pete Byronsaid the city isnot trying to bethe fashion police.
"There'sa line that getscrossed between being a fashionstatement and being obnoxious," he said. "Familiescan feel threatened."
TheAmerican Civil LibertiesUnion of New Jersey has declined to take a positionon the law, but other ACLU chaptersaround the country have said suchlaws areunconstitutional.
Troiano said he hopes no onewill have to be cited by police for violating the ordinance. Rather, he said, a well-placed word from anofficer should suffice to convinceboardwalk patronswith overly low-slung jeansto hike themup.
Police Chief Steven Long said his officers will respond appropriately when they see violations.
"The ultimate goal iscompliance," he said. "We'rejust trying to makethe city a better place to visit."
"The city isnot going to beout hunting these kidsdown," the mayor said. "We're not going to be out there with a tape measure. But we know what's right and not right. If we don't make anattempt to clean our town up, who's going to?"
:sly: 