Sunday, January 31, 2016

The Horizontal Mambo

R. Joey Koopmans, B. Admin., Ward XII YEG City Councilor Byelection Candidate, Edmonton, Alberta

January XXXIst, MMXVI

Hon. Dave Eggen, B. Ed., MLA, Minister of Education, New Democratic, Edmonton-Calder

Dear Dave:

While sexually based offences such as human trafficking are considered especially heinous, in my capacity as a provincially licensed security officer & bar bouncer, I cannot help but feel the need to want to keep the women & men who come into bars that I work at who offer sexual services safe & that extends out to massage parlours. As The City Of Edmonton licenses these "body rub" or "adult exotic massage" facilities, I feel that it is not just the responsibility of the owners & staff to be kept safe, but of the taxpayers as well.

I. Many of the personages who work in these establishments are voters, quite often single, but sometimes in relationships who are working parents who enter the trade to put a roof over their kids heads. Yes its a risky business & there should be health overseers & more regular health & safety inspections of these said facilities that bring concerns forward to YEG City Council.

II. I however would like to see a different & more progressive & inclusive approach. I would like to see the City Council, or at least a committee of council established to meet directly with the massage & sex trade workers once a year in person, or twice if required. No judgments for their chosen lifestyle, no disrespect. It could be done at City Hall, or at say a coffee shop or a meeting hall in one of the wards, rotating location each & every time.

III. Who are we to judge these people? We are no one! After all, the City grants them business licenses & they do have to get licenses as massage therapists with actual courses behind them. As a result, I feel we should treat massage & sex trade workers with the ultimate of respect & not demean them. They are after all human beings like anyone else.

The Green Light District,

R. Joey

Source: "The Campaign II Elect R. Joey Koopmans Ward XII YEG City Councilor."

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