truesee's Blog

Saggy pants ordinance brings cash to Albany

 

Pete Skiba 
Albany Herald

September 27, 2011

 

 

ALBANY, Ga.— The first saggy-pants ordinance violator less than nine months ago started a cash flow to the city.

 

City Attorney Nathan Davis stated, “The Municipal Court advises that 187 citations have been issued and fines collected of $3,916.49,” since the ordinance went into effect Nov. 23.

The ordinance bans anyone from wearing pants or skirts more than three inches below the top of the hips, exposing the skin or undergarments.

First-time offenders pay a $25 fine. On subsequent offenses, the fine can go up to $200.

Considering that the Albany Police Department is averaging more than 20 citations a month for the indecent exposure saggy pants ordinance, it is possible the rest of the year could add another $1,500 to the city’s general fund pot.

The ordinance prohibits arrest or imprisonment for violations. However it also allows 40 hours of community service to be completed in lieu of fines.

Under the ordinance “the municipal court shall have the same authority as the superior court to enforce obedience to its orders, judgments and sentences.”

Albany is far from alone in its desire to ban the pants to the ground style. It has been reported that Dublin, Hawkinsville, Plains, Rome and other Georgia cities have ordinances or are considering them.

The Chicago Tribune reported that in 2008 its suburb of Lynwood was the first in its area to enact a ban on low-hanging pants.

Other states such as Florida, Virginia and Louisiana also have cities with the ban or are considering a ban, according to the website USATODAY.com.

Andy Rooney, who has delivered his trademark witty commentary on "60 Minutes" since 1978, is stepping away from the CBS newsmagazine. Rooney, 92, will make his last regular appearance on the series on Sunday.

A release from "60 Minutes" gave no reason for Rooney's departure, but he will outline the announcement in his regular essay at the conclusion of the broadcast, which will mark his 1,097th essay for "60 Minutes." Rooney's commentary will be preceded by a segment in which Rooney will reflect on his career during an interview with Morley Safer.

Jeff Fager, chairman of CBS News and the executive producer of "60 Minutes," said in a statement, "There's nobody like Andy and there will never be. He'll hate hearing this, but he's an American original. His contributions to '60 Minutes' are immeasurable; he's also a great friend. It's harder for him to do it every week, but he will always have the ability to speak his mind on '60 Minutes' when the urge hits him."

Rooney also provoked controversy. He was suspended without pay by CBS News for three months in 1990 in response to complaints that he had made offensive comments about blacks and homosexuals.

Rooney's first essay for "60 Minutes" in 1978 was a report about automobile fatalities on the Independence Day weekend. He became a regular feature that fall, alternating weeks with the dueling James J. Kilpatrick and Shana Alexander before getting the end slot all to himself in the fall of 1979.

He also produced "60 Minutes" segments for Harry Reasoner during the broadcast's first few seasons.