In the News: New Zoning Bill Could Oust Glen Burnie, MD Tattoo Studios
Be sure to read the update below!
If you're familiar with the art of Tom and Mick Beasley, then you know that Dragon Moon is fighting for its right to exist right now. I spoke with Ms. Mick the other day and she is preparing for a battle against the Town Center Advisory Committee right now. The committee claims that the bill does not include current-standing shops, such as 30 year-old Dragon Moon, but only stands to prevent new shops from opening in Town Center. However, there is no grandfather clause language in this bill and Ms. Mick is fighting, not only for her own shop but for her competition in downtown Glen Burnie. This bill could push out anything the current County Councilman, Ed Middlebrooks, deems inappropriate or unwholesome. Unfortunately, Ms. Beasley knows exactly what that means, as she has been a witness to Councilman Middlebrooks' outright animosity towards body art establishments for 15 years and they have a considerable history together, albeit a chilly one.
What Does That Mean to Us?
If you don't live in or even near Glen Burnie, you may wonder why this case should be of interest to you or me or anyone else. Well, just as we were all affected by the bans on body art in Oklahoma, Massachusetts and South Carolina, we are all affected by any situation where the government succeeds in making their personal opinions law, either on a local or federal levels. We should all be concerned when our industry is threatened by small-minded individuals in positions of power who feel the right to use that power to thrust their personal beliefs on others. If it can happen in Glen Burnie, Maryland, it can happen anywhere. This kind of bureaucratic "righteousness" needs to be stopped before our right are completely stripped.
UPDATE: Good news! The bill is DEAD! Thanks to Mick Beasley's efforts, Councilman Middlebrooks agreed to withdraw Bill 8-08 on March 25, 2006. This is a victory for the entire body art community. Way to go, Ms. Mick!
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Comments
What can people do to help Mick who live close to Glen Burnie?
This reminded me of a movie I saw yesterday called Punishment Park it was made in 1970-71 and was on either IFC or Sundance yesterday the 22nd.
Very chilling account of a possible American landscape where local government policy’s seemed to supersede the national laws.
Worth checking out.
The councilman will have his hands full with Ms. Mick. If there ever were a lady who can do battle it is this dear strong woman.
As a member of APT which exists because of HER I say let’s do what we can in support of her fight. Because next week it may be in OUR town.
Greetings Readers!
Though the Town Center Advisory Committee and Mr. Middlebrooks agreed to withdraw this bill on March 25th at 3:33 p.m. — it ain’t over till the fat lady sings!! The county’s website still shows the bill as “pending legislation” and their site is updated daily …
What politicians say and what they do are two very different animals and I always “QUESTION AUTHORITY!”
The most irritating aspect of this bill is the language clearly states “… uses not permitted …” and it is always the language one must question. The second most irritating aspect is the Town Center Advisory Committee, though had copies of the bill, failed to read it … (yes, it is true) instead trusting Mr. Middlebrooks to fashion the language. Sad, isn’t it? At any rate, Mr. Livingston, Chairman of the TCAC is a very nice man and he did listen to me at our meeting on 3/14 then invited to give me the floor at the TCAC meeting on 3/25/08.
As Chairman, Mr. Livingston cannot vote but did guide his fellow members with his sentiments and opinions — positive comments from Mr. Gene Floyd, a well respected businessman and extensive property owner in Glen Burnie, asked that we “be left alone …”
As owners of two properties in Anne Arundel County, Tom and I sincerely hope that the resolutions made at this meeting in March reflect in the legislative process in April –this being a formal withdraw of bill 8–08.
An addendum to this missive:
Over 30 people came out on that cold February night in support of our opposition but only two tattooists were there — many thanks go to Dennis and Gale Watkins, owners of Tattoo Charlie’s in Baltimore City and Gemini Tattoo in Odenton. Dennis stated “what happens to you can happen to me!”
I have tons more to say to all of you in Body Art Land but now I must switch hats and become a housewife … I haven’t vacuumed in 2 days
I remain,
A Soldier in the War Against Ignorance
Mick Michieli-Beasley
Hats off to a very brave and savvy lady!
We are very proud of her..she sticks with it all the way!
I know I am a little slow on the uptake here, but really! Small minds for small towns?? Too bad “freedom of expression” do not lend itself to tattoos!